Real Madrid manager Carlo Anclelotti has said his players just have to think about themselves and not what Atletico de Madrid or Barcelona do in the race for the title.
Los Blancos remain two points behind Los Cules and three behind table toppers Los Rojiblancos despite thrashing Rayo Vallecano 5-0 at the Sanitago Bernabeu. And with the destination of the title out of their hands with seven games remaining, Ancelotti said the team just has to do what they have to do and not worry about anything else.
Speaking to journalists after the match against their city rivals, the Italian said: “We must be focused on our game and nothing else. Maybe those who didn’t play today were listening to the results, but those who were going to play weren’t thinking about other sides.”
The manager also rounded on some sections of the Madridista fanbase for whistling and booing some Real players during the game. Diego Lopez, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo were subject to it at various points, and the manager said booing players was pointless at a stage of the season when everyone needs to pull together.
“I have always said that sometimes I understand whilstes because they can be deserved. Right now no, the players are putting in a lot of effort. We need the help of everyone. Whilstling Cristiano isn’t comprehensible,” he stated.
Ahead of the crucial Champions League quarter final first leg at home against Borussia Dortmund, the boss also gave a fitness update on Xabi Alonso and Ronaldo.
He revealed: “Xabi seems fine. Di María and Modric’s positions require a lot of dynamism, but Xabi plays in a position that we don’t need quite as much dynamism, more balance, good positional sense and intelligence. He is very intelligent. Cristiano is fine, he had a bit of pain in his knee, but no more.”
