Barcelona has faced a recent string of challenges, trailing seven points behind Girona, the current league leaders, before reaching the midpoint of the season. Nevertheless, Ancelotti has urged the Catalan team to maintain their support for Xavi, despite their recent struggles.
During a press conference preceding a match, Ancelotti defended the embattled manager, stating, “In general, it’s normal for a coach to have criticism. We have to accept it and then everyone can choose the criticisms that they consider fair and unfair. The judgment of the coaches is only based on the results. No one cares about the coach’s methodology or ability to manage the locker room. It’s only if he wins or doesn’t win and Xavi knows this very well. For me, he is a great coach.”
Despite mounting pressure on the coach, Barcelona has enjoyed moderate success in European competitions this season. They progressed to the Champions League knockout phase after a three-year absence and topped their group.
Ancelotti will oversee Madrid’s upcoming match against Villarreal from the sidelines. A victory would momentarily propel them to the top of La Liga, with Girona scheduled to play on Monday night.
Real Madrid performance and stats
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is currently 2nd in the La Liga with 39 points.
In the last 16 games, it has won 12 times, drawn 3 times, and lost once. In its last match, Real Madrid drawn 1-1 against Real Betis.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 34 goals and conceding 10.
Real Madrid will play the next match in La Liga against Villarreal on Sunday 17th of December in Madrid. The prediction is Real Madrid winning the match.
FC Barcelona performance and stats
FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona is currently 3rd in the La Liga with 35 points.
In the last 17 games, it has won 10 times, drawn 5 times, and lost twice. In its last match, FC Barcelona drawn 1-1 against Valencia.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 31 goals and conceding 19.
FC Barcelona will play the next match in La Liga against Almería on Wednesday 20th of December in Barcelona. The prediction is FC Barcelona winning the match.
