Ancelotti believes Madrid’s victory over Osasuna was merited.

myDelsu News Staff

168 2 minutes read

Carlo Ancelotti believes that Real Madrid “deserved” to defeat Osasuna in Sunday’s tie, but he demanded a response from his players while defending his choice to sideline Eden Hazard.

The Belgium international was a spectator as Los Blancos drew 1-1 with their opponents, Karim Benzema missing a possible game-winning penalty to ensure a share of the spoils.

The club’s first dropped points of the domestic season resulted in them surrendering the top spot to rivals Barcelona, with the pair’s Clasico match, which will take place in around two weeks, poised to be a pivotal moment in the title battle.

Ancelotti recognised his team’s displeasure after dominating for long stretches on Sunday, but he added that he anticipated a response.

“This team is disappointed when it loses,” he added. “We had control of the game and deserved to win.

“We’re unhappy, and that’s why this team won so many games last season. We are unhappy with the outcome and will respond shortly.

“We should not offer justifications for the [international] separation. We must manage the interruption. We have a very strong team.”

https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1576695978186375169

When Ancelotti needed attacking reinforcements in the second half, Mariano Diaz was picked over Hazard, and the Italian manager gave a concise explanation as to why the Belgian wasn’t used.

In addition, he stated that “it was a game that demanded a strong centre forward who was good in the air like Mariano, who had chances to score with his head.” “The attributes of Hazard did not mesh well with the environment.”

Thibaut Courtois was out from the match due to sciatica, but Carlo Ancelotti is optimistic that the goalkeeper might make his return as soon as the club’s Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk this coming Wednesday.

According to what he said, “He’s got some tests, and we’ll see whether he can get back.” “It appears to be a muscle issue, namely one involving the sciatic nerve. On Wednesday, we will find out if he is able to participate in the game.”

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