Carlo Ancelotti sends out massive warning to LaLiga

Real Madrid's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, made it clear on Saturday that his team will not play another match with less than 72 hours of rest. This statement comes after a challenging schedule that saw Los Blancos play two crucial games in quick succession. On Wednesday, they faced Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, where the match went to penalties after a tense 1-1 draw. Real Madrid emerged victorious in the shootout, securing a valuable win in the European competition. Just three days later, Ancelotti’s side took on Villarreal in La Liga, winning 2-1 in a hard-fought match. The game against Villarreal kicked off at 1630 GMT, and although Real Madrid managed to secure the win, it came at the end of a grueling stretch of fixtures.

Ancelotti’s statement reflects his concern about the physical toll the tight schedule places on his players, emphasizing the need for adequate recovery time between matches. He made it clear that no future fixtures would be played unless the team had a minimum of 72 hours between games. This move underscores the importance of player welfare and recovery, as Ancelotti seeks to balance the demands of domestic and international competitions while maintaining peak performance for his squad.

"I think today is the last time we will play a game before 72 hours (of rest). We will never play another game (without) 72 hours of rest. We asked La Liga twice to change the time of the game and they did not do anything, this is the last time," stated Real Madrid's coach, Carlo Ancelotti. 

FIFA, the global governing body of football, recommends a minimum of 72 hours between matches to ensure player health and recovery. This guideline is designed to protect players from the physical strain of back-to-back fixtures and to maintain their well-being throughout the season. In Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Villarreal, French striker Kylian Mbappé played a pivotal role, scoring both goals to secure the victory. His impressive performance not only helped Madrid claim three points but also propelled them to the top of La Liga, ahead of Barcelona’s match against Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Mbappé's brace highlights his growing influence at the club and his importance in the ongoing title race. With this win, Real Madrid remains in contention for the league, while also navigating a busy schedule with the demands of both domestic and international competitions.

Carlo Ancelotti has consistently expressed concerns about the congested football calendar, particularly with Real Madrid's demanding schedule. As one of the top clubs, Madrid will also participate in the expanded Club World Cup this summer in the United States, further adding to their already packed itinerary. The Italian coach has voiced his frustrations about the impact this has on player welfare and performance, as the team juggles domestic and international commitments. With the busy schedule, Ancelotti is keen to manage player fatigue while maintaining high performance levels. The involvement in additional tournaments, like the Club World Cup, only adds to the pressure on both the coach and the players. As Madrid aims for success across multiple competitions, finding a balance between rest and performance becomes even more crucial for the team's long-term success.

"Everyone saw the game against Atletico, 120 minutes, a very intense match, it's hard to play after two days... but we have to respect the club badge and fight until the end, and we did that today and we were able to win," Mbappe told Real Madrid TV.