Ancelotti upset with Real Madrid schedule: ‘TV rights and money prioritised’

Carlo Ancelotti is concerned with Real Madrid’s fixture list: ‘I don’t understand why we’re playing on Saturday, TV rights and money are prioritised.’

The Italian tactician held a press conference on Friday, the eve of a La Liga game against Villarreal.

On Wednesday, his Real Madrid side beat Atletico Madrid on penalties in the Champions League Round of 16.

“We are still in the recovery phase, and that’s something we have to consider against a tough opponent,” Ancelotti said via Marca.

“We need to play an intelligent game. I don’t understand why we’re playing on Saturday, but hopefully, we can change this schedule one day. TV rights and money are prioritised, and the players’ recovery is the last thing they think about.

Ancelotti upset with Real Madrid schedule: ‘TV rights and money prioritised’

“I’ve thought that, despite all the difficulties, we are still competing in the three most important tournaments, which hasn’t happened in the last three years,” he continued.

“In my first season, we were eliminated from the Copa del Rey in January; in the second, we were already out of La Liga; and last year, we were out of the Copa in January. This year, we’re still in everything.”

Ancelotti was obviously asked one more question about the controversial Julian Alvarez penalty kick disallowed during the penalty shootout.

“I didn’t give it too much importance because the match is over for us,” he said.

“Would I change the rule? I don’t know what I would do. The rule is what it is.”