Ancelotti defends Ballon d'Or snub
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti defended the club’s decision not to attend last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Real decided not to attend the ceremony in Paris last October, in protest against Vinicius Junior not being given the award, with the prize going to Manchester City’s Rodri.
This will be the first time both sides have faced since the incident, but Ancelotti insists there are no regrets within the club, despite the 65 year-old being unable to collect his coach of the year award in person.
"I don't think it was the wrong decision," he said.
"We thought Vini was the winner of the Ballon d'Or. It doesn't mean we don't respect Rodri because he is a fantastic player. I think Rodri deserved to win it the year before."
City manager Pep Guardiola, who wants both clubs to move past the situation, said: “I was happy for Rodri but Vinicius made an extraordinary year as well.
“He could deserve it, like in the past when [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] were fighting for it. So, the subject is over.”
Despite City’s struggles in the league, with Guardiola’s side in fifth place, Ancelotti was full of praise for his opposite number and the work he had done for the club.
“I still think they are one of the best teams in Europe and have one of the best managers out there," Ancelotti said. "He has always tried to play well and has brought a great deal to football in terms of attacking play.
“He is an innovator and I continue to believe in him. It's a nightmare preparing for games against him because he always has ideas that make you think.”
