Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti: I like receiving criticism

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14:05 GMT

Alex Kirkland

Rodrigo Faez

Carlo Ancelotti has said he welcomes the criticism that comes with coaching Real Madrid, after his management of the team came under fire following their Copa del Rey exit this week.

Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Athletic Club at San Mames on Thursday was the first major setback for Ancelotti since returning to charge of the club last summer.

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“I love coaching Real Madrid so much that criticism is welcome,” Ancelotti told a press conference ahead of Sunday’s league game against Granada. “It’s normal. I appreciate criticism. It keeps me alive.”

The side won the Supercopa in Saudi Arabia last month, are top of La Liga and will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16, but their cup exit has raised doubts over the alleged dependence excessive from Ancelotti to a regular starting XI and lack of rotation.

“I’m used to this kind of situation,” Ancelotti said. “I am the coach of Real Madrid and I have to make sometimes controversial decisions.”

He added: “It’s true that I often used the same players. January was difficult with the Supercopa, the Copa, the Brazilians leaving [on international duty]. It’s over now and we’re going to work differently.”

Karim Benzema missed Thursday’s game with muscle strain – and will also be out against Granada – and Ancelotti responded by opting to play without a recognized centre-forward.

The coach has defended his team selection, and his decision to leave Luka Jovic, Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale on the bench.

“I took a risk with Vinicius [Junior, who had played for Brazil a day earlier.]“said Ancelotti. “We can talk about it. I knew he was tired but despite that I knew he could help us. Otherwise, I don’t think there’s much to say.”

Madrid are four points clear at the top of the La Liga table, with Sevilla leading the race in second place and usual title rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona – who meet earlier on Sunday – 14 and 15 points behind respectively.

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