Carlo Ancelotti has refused to make comparisons between his role at Real Madrid with Barcelona head coach Xaxi.
Former Barcelona club captain and midfield icon Xavi announced on Saturday that he would leave his current position at the end of the season following his side’s 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal.
Xavi cited internal pressures at the club as a factor in his decision, however, Real manager Ancelotti told reporters on Wednesday he “does not want to make comparisons” between the managerial situations at the two La Liga clubs.
Ancelotti, whose side are 10 points above Barcelona in La Liga, said: “What I want to say is just one thing: I don’t want you (the media) to make comparisons with what Xavi said. We have a fantastic job.”
“I don’t want comparisons to be made. I respect his thinking and his decisions.”
Ancelotti also spoke on Luka Modric’s contract situation, with the midfield veteran’s existing deal expiring this summer.
Asked whether he would like the 38-year-old to renew his deal, Ancelotti replied: “He is a legend of football, of Real Madrid. The decision for the next season is up to him.”
The Croatia international was on the substitutes’ bench and did not warm up during Real’s recent 2-1 victory against Las Palmas, although Ancelotti added: “I can take it into account that a young player warms up and doesn’t play like (Arda) Guler, but not Modric with 39 years and five Champions League titles.”
La Liga leaders Real are next in action when they face Getafe on Thursday evening before they host local rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
(Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
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