La Liga President Javier Tebas Responds to Carlo Ancelotti's 72-Hour Notice
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Synopsis
In response to Carlo Ancelotti's warning about playing two matches within 72 hours, La Liga president Javier Tebas highlighted that Real Madrid will indeed have to play in a shorter timeframe due to their own scheduling requests. The upcoming matches may lead to fatigue for the players as they prepare for crucial games.
Key Takeaways
- Carlo Ancelotti warns against tight scheduling.
- Javier Tebas points out Madrid’s own schedule demands.
- Upcoming matches may not allow 72 hours of rest.
- Kylian Mbappe leads Madrid to victory over Villarreal.
- Real Madrid players display fatigue from recent games.
Madrid, March 16 (NationPress) Following a stern warning from Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who stated that his team would refuse to play if scheduled for two matches within 72 hours, La Liga president Javier Tebas responded by highlighting that Los Blancos will indeed face a shorter recovery period in the upcoming weeks due to their own requests.
The president indicated that Madrid's match after the international break, set for March 29 against Leganes, was initially slated for an earlier time. However, director Emilio Butragueno reached out to La Liga to adjust the Matchday 29 game to a later time, resulting in less recovery for the Copa Del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad on April 1. It is presumed that Madrid sought a later kickoff to provide returning South American players more time to recuperate.
“Carlo, I’m sure Emilio informed you that La Liga had planned the next match against Leganés for Saturday at 4:15 PM to grant extra time before the semi-final against Real Sociedad. But Emilio requested La Liga's competition director to postpone it to 9:00 PM—likely with your consent, I assume—to assist those returning from the FIFA round. Consequently, we now face less than 72 hours between the conclusion of Saturday's match and the kick-off of Tuesday's semi-final! May the best team advance to the final!! Regards,” Tebas commented on X.
A double from Kylian Mbappe secured a 2-1 victory for Madrid over Villarreal CF at El Madrigal, marking their first win at the venue since 2017. Ancelotti's remarks came following this victory as Madrid had just endured a grueling 120-minute match against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 on Thursday (IST). The squad appeared fatigued after Sunday’s match and is eager for the upcoming international break.
“This team possesses a unique spirit, with character and dedication. This isn't always the case, and I often find myself frustrated with them. We owe a debt of gratitude to these players for their incredible effort since January 3rd. Today marks the final occasion we’ll play a game without 72 hours rest. We made two requests to La Liga for changes, but nothing came of it,” Ancelotti expressed during the post-match press conference.
