Real Madrid’s Decision Not to Attend the Ballon d’Or Ceremony
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has provided insight into why the club decided to skip the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony. When it became clear that Manchester City’s Rodri would be the winner, Real Madrid chose not to attend the event. However, Ancelotti emphasized that this decision was not meant to disrespect Rodri, whom he highly regards as a fantastic player. "We thought Vini was the winner of the Ballon D’Or," Ancelotti explained. "But it doesn’t mean we don’t respect Rodri. In fact, I believe Rodri deserved to win it the year before." This stance reflects the club’s deep-rooted belief in the accolades of their own star, Vinicius Jr., who had an exceptional year and was among the top contenders for the prestigious award.
Ancelotti’s Respect for Guardiola
Despite the Ballon d’Or controversy, Ancelotti hasn’t let it cloud his judgment or respect for Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City. On the eve of their UEFA Champions League play-off match at the Etihad, Ancelotti spoke candidly about the challenges of facing Guardiola’s side, even if City has faced some struggles this season. "It seems like it’s a Clasico because we have played each other a lot of times in this competition," he said. Ancelotti’s admiration for Guardiola is clear: "I still think they are one of the best teams in Europe and have one of the best managers out there. He has always tried to play well and has brought a great deal to football in terms of attacking play." Guardiola, known for his innovative tactics and attacking style, has been a significant influence on the modern game, and Ancelotti’s acknowledgment of this is a testament to his professional respect.
Guardiola’s Reconciliation and FA Cup Performance
Pep Guardiola, for his part, has taken a diplomatic and positive approach to the situation. He expressed his happiness for Rodri, while also recognizing the outstanding performance of Vinicius Jr. over the past year. "I was happy for Rodri but Vinicius [had] an extraordinary year as well," Guardiola said. "He could deserve it, like in the past when Messi and Ronaldo were fighting for it. So the subject is over." Guardiola’s comments help to defuse the tension and emphasize the spirit of fair competition. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s recent FA Cup tie against Leyton Orient, a League One side, saw them secure a 2-1 win. Despite the modest competition, City showcased their resilience and adaptability, which are traits Ancelotti knows all too well from previous encounters.
Vinicius Jr.’s Star Status in the Champions League
Vinicius Jr., despite the high-profile arrival of Kylian Mbappe, remains one of the standout performers in the UEFA Champions League this season. The Brazilian forward has netted an impressive seven goals in just six appearances, solidifying his position as one of the competition’s top scorers. His ability to consistently impact games at the highest level makes him a crucial player for Real Madrid. Guardiola has acknowledged the difficulty of containing Vinicius Jr., along with other dynamic talents like Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo. "It is impossible!" Guardiola exclaimed, highlighting the challenge his defense will face in stopping the Real Madrid attack.
The Injuries and Lineup Considerations
The match at the Etihad will see Rodri, the newly-crowned Ballon d’Or winner, absent due to an ACL injury that has sidelined him for most of the season. This is a significant loss for City, as Rodri’s presence in the midfield has been pivotal to their success in the past. On the Real Madrid side, Vinicius Jr. is expected to start, adding even more weight to the club’s attacking capabilities. The absence of key players and the inclusion of others will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of the game, making it a tactical battle as much as a physical one.
Preparing for the UEFA Champions League Play-offs
As both teams gear up for the UEFA Champions League play-offs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. One of these two recent champions will be eliminated from the competition, adding a layer of drama and intensity to the encounter. Ancelotti described the preparation against Guardiola as a "nightmare" due to the tactical brilliance and unpredictability of his opponent. "It’s a nightmare preparing for games against him because he always has ideas that make you think," Ancelotti admitted. The match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with both managers showcasing their strategic prowess and the players delivering on the grand stage of European football. Fans can catch all the action live on TNT Sports and discovery+, where the future of these two titans in the Champions League will be decided.
