“Very good job” – Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addresses Xavi’s uncertain Barcelona future | OneFootball

Xavi Hernandez’s bizarre situation at Barcelona has dominated the headlines, with the 44-year-old seemingly close to being sacked, just weeks after he was convinced to stay on as head coach by Joan Laporta, Deco and co. Now, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has given his views on the matter.

Speaking to the media (via Diario AS) ahead of Real Madrid’s trip to Villarreal on Sunday, Ancelotti refused to be drawn on the recent speculation, although he did state his belief that Xavi has done well at Barcelona, considering their ongoing financial problems.

“I don’t want to comment on Xavi. I have a lot of respect for him, as a person and as a coach. For the work he’s doing, it’s a very good job. I wish him all the best for the future.”

On the match against Villarreal, Ancelotti dismissed any suggestion that the trip to the Ceramica was a dead rubber for his Real Madrid side.

“We approach it as preparation for the final, we travel with the whole squad and we take it as an important match to have a competitive rhythm and a good attitude and dynamics. Villarreal have a lot at stake. The goal is to keep the momentum going.”