Former Barcelona manager comes out in support of Carlo Ancelotti: ‘He is not the culprit’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid have a chance to add a trophy to their cabinet this weekend as they take on Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final .

The Catalans enter the game as favourites given their recent run of form while Real Madrid are coming off a hard-fought 1-0 win over Getafe that left them with Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba injured.

The upcoming Clasico will be crucial in terms of deciding Carlo Ancelotti’s future, for it is rumoured that a defeat will have him immediately sacked. The pressure, needless to say, is on the manager.

Former Barcelona manager gives his verdict

Recently, Barcelona legend and former manager Ronald Koeman spoke to the media about the upcoming Copa del Rey final and shared his thoughts on a few subjects related to Real Madrid in the process.

He began by giving his verdict on who the favourites are in the upcoming Clasico.

“There are no favourites in these type of matches. If you analyze it, Barcelona may be having better results in football, but in a match between Barça and Madrid anything can happen.”

Elaborating on why the game is important for Real Madrid and how it could serve as a pivotal point, he said,

Ancelotti is facing uncertain future at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“For Madrid, it is an opportunity to compensate for the sadness that has caused them to be out of the Champions League. They are receiving criticism for their game and results, but in the Cup final between two great teams there are no favourites.”

Thoughts on Ancelotti’s future

Koeman was then asked if Ancelotti was unfairly being scapegoated for the team’s shortcomings, and the Barcelona legend related to the Italian tactician’s situation.

“In the end, in football coaches are the culprits. It must be recognized that Ancelotti is doing a great job. He is the coach who has won the most titles in the world.”

Praising Ancelotti for his impressive work with Real Madrid over the years, the Dutchman said,

“He’s a good coach, smart. He manages a squad like Madrid’s with so many stars very well. For me, he is not the culprit.”

“If they have not won, you have to look for responsibilities among everyone, but in the end, the coach is always to blame.”

Finally, Koeman gave his two cents on the whistles Kylian Mbappe was greeted by in the team’s latest game at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“It’s true that they whistled at him. For me, he is a great player, with many qualities. I’m not in favour of a local player being whistled and even less a good one like Mbappé.”

Source: MARCA