Ancelotti Compares Real Madrid And Barcelona’s Style Amid Criticism

Decorated Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has given a unique take on comparing the style and strategy of his team with that of La Liga rivals FC Barcelona, following claims in recent week that the Blaugrana play a much more attractive game than that which is on show each week at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

Speaking about a comparison of the style of both teams, Ancelotti reflected that, “whoever tries to have the same identity all the time, fails in the end”, a comment taken in Catalan parts to be a direct criticism of their total football approach.

When initially asked to compare the two, Ancelotti reacted by saying that “everyone has their own opinion and likes possession, the long ball, fighting for the second ball, there are many facets and everyone can say what they like more or less”. The diplomatic answer was not enough thoug, and journalists continued to push the coach.

“Barcelona plays very nice football, Madrid plays a different kind of football with a lot of quality,” the Italian insisted when asked to make a comparison. “I love Madrid and how Barcelona plays. You can compare using the same phase, but it is difficult to compare the style of play of two teams because it depends a lot on the players. Madrid has different characteristics than Barcelona.

“You can say, Barcelona plays very well and Madrid plays very badly. I love the way Real Madrid plays. I’ve loved it for three years now,” he continued. “There are seasons that are more or less complicated. It changes. You don’t always have the same structure. The players change and that’s why it’s impossible to change that well-defined identity.”

Carlo Ancelotti’s record against FC Barcelona

At present, Barcelona sit three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, while both sides remain alive with hopes of success in both the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League. However, Barcelona have scored 20 goals more than Real Madrid in the first 29 league games of the season, while also conceding one goal fewer.

That, added to the 5-2 Spanish Super Cup final humiliation for Real Madrid, has added fuel to the fire of Ancelotti’s critics who claim that while the two sides may be able to compete against their rivals, there is only one winner when the two teams come had to head.

It would be hard for the Real Madrid coach to disagree given that Barcelona have won both of their two meetings since former Bayern Münich coach Hansi Flick was appointed in the summer of 2024. Two Clásicos this season

No team has beaten Ancelotti more in his career than FC Barcelona, with 11 victories against the Italian from 24 meetings. Juventus and Inter Milan have also recorded 11 wins against the coach, but in more games, with 29 and 34 opportunities to get one over the former Milan boss.

Doubts surround Ancelotti’s future

The Athletic claims that Ancelotti is reconsidering his future beyond this summer, amid fresh speculation linking him with a move to take over the Brazilian national team. While he has denied such talks through this season, his mind appears to be changing.

According to the report, the decision of his son and assistant, Davide, to depart Real Madrid this summer, as well as ongoing speculation around Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso being his replacement and leaks to the press, could persuade the veteran coach to reconsider his future.