Skip to main content

Real Madrid president Pérez: Carlo Ancelotti will not be fired

The club's president, Florentino Pérez said on Thursday that manager Carlo Ancelotti will not be fired and that fans should continue to support the team.
  • Author:
  • Publish date:

Florentino Pérez, the president of Real Madrid, reaffirmed his support for his struggling club and asked fans to continue backing the team in a surprise press conference following the club's Champion's league loss to Schalke 04.

Real Madrid advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, 5-4 on aggregate, but were jeered at home by fans unhappy with the performance, which was the team's second loss in as many games.

Despite the club's struggles, Pérez said that he stands fully behind Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. 

Real Madrid falls to Schalke but reaches Champions League quarters

“I want to state categorically that the club has full confidence in our coach and in our players,” Pérez said.

“And I want to say, contrary to a report published today, that whatever happens in the coming days and weeks Carlo Ancelotti will remain the coach of Real Madrid."

Pérez also said that he would continue to support Real Madrid's players, in particular Gareth Bale and goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who have not played up to form in recent matches and have attracted criticism from fans.

“We have the best coach and the best players that Real Madrid could have," said Pérez.

"As president of Real Madrid, I appeal to our fans to support our coach and our players and ask that they feel proud of them for all they have given us and for all they will continue to give us.”

Pérez added that he viewed Bale as one of the best players in the world, saying that the Welsh midfielder continued to attract interest from Europe's largest clubs and reminding fans of Bale's contributions during his first season in Madrid.

Watch: Ronaldo scores twice, sets goals record in European competition

Real Madrid will host Levante in La Liga play on Sunday, before traveling to Barcelona a week later for El Clásico.

- Josh Sanchez