Ancelotti insists Ballon d’Or controversy is ‘the past’ ahead of Milan clash | OneFootball

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says the Merengues are ‘sad’ about the floods that killed over 200 people in Spain, so the Ballon d’Or controversy belongs ‘to the past’. He also insists his team ‘don’t want a clear identity’ as they prepare to meet Milan in the Champions League.

Milan will travel to Bernabeu tomorrow to meet their ex-midfielder and coach Ancelotti.

His Real Madrid side haven’t played a competitive match in 10 days, given that the weekend La Liga fixture against Valencia was postponed following severe flash flooding that killed over 200 people in the Valencia area.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia before a pre-match press conference on Monday, Ancelotti refused to fuel controversy after he and Real Madrid had refused to travel to Paris for the Ballon d’Or ceremony last week.

Ancelotti insists Ballon d’Or controversy is ‘the past’ ahead of Milan clash

MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 26: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, gestures during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The La Liga giants were furious that Rodri was chosen over their star, Vinicius Jr., but Ancelotti was still named the best coach for 2024.

“The truth is that we are sad about what happened in Spain,” the Italian tactician said.

“We are sad because something incredible is going on. What happened last week [the Ballon d’Or ceremony] is the past.”

Real Madrid are having highs and lows despite the signing of Kylian Mbappé in the summer and lost their latest competitive match against Barcelona 4-0.

“We’ve never had a clear identity, and we don’t want one,” Ancelotti insisted.

“We must adapt our playing style to the players’ skill sets. We haven’t been at our best until now. We must be more consistent, and we’ll achieve it with time.

“It’s a special match because of my past. Milan didn’t start well, but they are always dangerous because they have great quality in attack. They have big potential; perhaps they haven’t fulfilled it yet, but we must be ready for a tough game.”