Ancelotti blasts 'absurd' football calendar as Madrid face brutal schedule
Real Madrid are set to play Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on 7 February, marking their 17th match in just 52 days.
Carlo Ancelotti has criticised the packed football calendar, calling it "absurd" and "unsustainable" as Real Madrid navigate a gruelling fixture list this season.
If Madrid advance in the Champions League, Copa del Rey, and the Club World Cup, they could play up to 72 matches. They've already secured the Intercontinental Cup and the European Super Cup but lost the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona in Saudi Arabia.
"Given the absurd schedule we're facing—like every other team—we're doing very well," Ancelotti told reporters. "Any team still competing on multiple fronts is coping admirably, because the calendar is simply unsustainable."
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Real Madrid are set to play Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on 7 February, marking their 17th match in just 52 days.
"Back in my playing days, we'd have 30 league games in an entire season. By now, we'd already be into the second half," Ancelotti added.
Madrid recently thrashed Manchester City 6-3 on aggregate in the Champions League play-off round, securing a spot in the last 16. They are also level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
The relentless schedule has taken its toll, with Ancelotti admitting, "I'm exhausted, and I imagine you (reporters) are too. Everyone needs a break—we certainly do."
Kylian Mbappe missed training on 6 February due to a dental issue, but Ancelotti confirmed the forward would travel to San Sebastian and could feature against Sociedad.
Ancelotti praised Mbappe's impact since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. "He came in with humility, kept a low profile, and lifted the dressing room atmosphere. There's more confidence now, and his ego hasn't been an issue at all," the Italian said.
He also took aim at La Liga president Javier Tebas, who recently labelled Madrid a "cry-baby" club for their complaints about refereeing.
"He talks too much about Real Madrid," Ancelotti remarked. "There are far more important matters, and he should focus on fixing the real problems in Spanish football."
