Carlo Ancelotti’s Surprising Reaction After El Clasico: “I Cannot…”

Real Madrid’s players walked off the pitch at La Cartuja with their heads bowed, having been defeated by Barcelona (3-2) in the Copa del Rey final after an intense battle that went into extra time. It was a heartbreaking night for Los Blancos, and their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, showed visible signs of disappointment as he addressed the media after the match.

Despite the bitterness of the loss, Ancelotti faced the press with dignity and honesty. He refused to look for excuses or blame external factors. Instead, he pointed to a crucial mistake that ultimately cost Real Madrid the trophy.

According to Ancelotti, Real Madrid had the game firmly under control for long stretches. However, a costly error in the buildup allowed Jules Koundé to seize the opportunity and score the winning goal for Barcelona during extra time.

“The match was under control,” Ancelotti began with a somber tone. “But then we played a risky ball backward, and that’s when it all became complicated.” His words reflected the deep regret and frustration of a coach who knew how close his team had come to victory.

Ancelotti remained proud of his players’ efforts despite the painful defeat. “We have to keep fighting because we gave everything. We were very competitive tonight,” he continued. “We came closer to winning than our opponents, and that’s why it’s so painful.”

The Italian tactician also addressed the swirling rumors about his future at the club. In a moment of striking honesty, Ancelotti left the door open for all possibilities. “Maybe I will stay, maybe I will leave. We will see,” he said, sparking widespread speculation about what lies ahead for him and for Real Madrid.

Despite the crushing blow, Ancelotti praised his team’s spirit, especially the way they responded after halftime. Real Madrid initially fell behind but fought back valiantly to not only equalize but also take the lead before Barcelona’s late surge.

“In the second half, we tried to build from the back,” Ancelotti explained. “When their pressing slowed down, we managed to play more freely. Overall, it was a very good performance. I’m disappointed we couldn’t lift the cup, but the players executed the match plan very well.”

Throughout the match, Real Madrid showed resilience and heart. Ancelotti repeatedly emphasized that he had nothing but admiration for his squad’s fighting spirit. “The team was very united and fought with great determination,” he added. “We must continue to push forward. I have no complaints about the team’s performance tonight.”

One player who earned special mention from Ancelotti was Antonio Rüdiger. The German defender put on a heroic display despite not being at full fitness. His efforts epitomized the sheer willpower and courage of the Real Madrid squad.

“Rüdiger was fantastic,” Ancelotti said with evident pride. “He gave everything he had and played for as long as he could. It was a truly spectacular effort from him.” The coach clarified that Rüdiger wasn’t injured but simply exhausted after pushing his body to the limit in such an intense encounter.

Rüdiger’s performance symbolized the fighting spirit that Ancelotti wants to see from all his players — a refusal to give up, even when the odds are stacked against them.

While frustration over some refereeing decisions was evident among fans and media, Ancelotti refused to be drawn into any controversy regarding the officiating. “I will not speak about the referee,” he said firmly, choosing to maintain focus on his team’s performance rather than external factors.

Although the loss hurts, Ancelotti made it clear that Real Madrid’s season is far from over. The club remains firmly in the race for La Liga and continues to pursue glory in Europe. There are still trophies to fight for, and Ancelotti’s message to his players was clear: there is no time to dwell on disappointment.

The road ahead for Los Blancos is filled with challenges, but also opportunities. “We still have objectives to achieve,” Ancelotti concluded. “We have to recover, refocus, and believe in our ability to win.”

Even in defeat, Ancelotti’s leadership stood out. His composure, honesty, and refusal to blame his players showcased the kind of character that has made him one of the most respected managers in world football.

As the season draws toward its climax, Real Madrid fans will be hoping that their team channels the pain of this Copa del Rey heartbreak into renewed hunger for success in La Liga and the Champions League.

Only time will tell if this final marks the end of an era for Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabéu — or if, against all odds, he will find a way to deliver more silverware before the season is done.