Real Madrid president, Flortentino Perez has backed head coach, Carlo Ancelotti to continue in his position until the end of the season regardless of whatever happens in the interim.
Holders Real scraped into the quarter-finals of the Uefa Champions League despite last Tuesday’s stunning home defeat by Schalke- their sixth defeat so far in the current campaign and their second in the space of four days.
The players reiterated support for their Italian manager after their first loss at the Santiago Bernebeu in 21 European Cup matches and to avoid the situation from triggering a downward trend, Perez called an emergency press conference to address several issues publicly on Thursday.
“Whatever happens during the next few weeks, Ancelotti will remain Real Madrid coach,” Perez said.
There have been several speculations Ancelotti may not get a new contract at the end of the season, when his current deal expires, should the club fail in its bid for the La Liga title as they presently trail Barcelona in second place. Perez however accused the press of creating “a self-destructive atmosphere”.
“The demands which this club places on itself is what has made Real Madrid achieve greatness,” the President said. “But taking advantage of the fact that we are not in our best moment to attack us is completely unacceptable. The attacks to which we have been subjected to are out of proportion.
“We have brought together the best players possible and they have won the respect of the fans. These players have won trophies which our supporters have dreamed about for many, many years. Unity should be our strength against criticism.
“I ask the fans to give their support to the players and the coach. Support is most important during the times when it is most needed. They need our support right now. The board is proud of the coach and the players”.
He added: “I told him (Ancelotti) right at the start that what he has been through before is nothing like what he would go through here at Real Madrid. The new people who come on board take a while to understand that you go from being the best in the world one day, to a situation where everything is horrible, the coach is blamed and the players don’t get along… He has a great deal of experience and he is focused on his work in spite of this destructive atmosphere”.
