Carlo Ancelotti has stated that he will not’sink’ to the status of Barcelona manager Xavi and club president Joan Laporta following their recent statements on the broadcast of refereeing decisions.
In light of the fact that Barca is still connected to the Negreira controversy due to covert payments made to a previous officiating chief, Laporta has accused Madrid of “influencing the competition” as their in-house TV station frequently emphasises officiating errors.
Xavi said, “I share the president’s words 100%…[the videos] influence the competition completely, week after week,” in response to a question regarding Laporta’s complaints about Madrid on Friday. Even the blind can see it.”
Ancelotti resisted being dragged into the remarks made by Xavi and Laporta prior to Madrid’s 1-1 tie with rivals Atletico Madrid.
“I’m a professional, and as a professional, I don’t want to sink to that level, out of respect to Spanish football,” said Ancelotti. “Ask me nothing more about that. I do not wish to become [that]. This level isn’t appropriate for experts.”
But when questioned about Laporta’s words again, Ancelotti responded, “I already said, I won’t sink to that level.”
Since then, after Barcelona’s 3-1 victory against Alaves on Saturday night, Xavi has made an effort to patch things up with Ancelotti over their verbal spat.
Xavi claimed, “I said nothing to Ancelotti.” “My friendship with him is excellent. I think my statements put some strain on him. It stays away from him. Carlo Ancelotti has my utmost regard.”
In their last-ditch efforts to win La Liga again, Barcelona gained some ground this past weekend, as their deficit to top-seeded Madrid shrunk to eight points. Now in third place, Xavi’s team is two points ahead of Athletic Club in fifth place and ahead of Atletico in fourth.