Carlo Ancelotti was seemingly unbothered by Atletico Madrid’s intention to not give Real Madrid a guard of honour in tomorrow’s derby.
Los Blancos secured their 35th La Liga title last weekend after a 4-0 win over Espanyol, allowing them to fully focus on the Champions League final against Liverpool later this month. In Spain and some other nations, it’s customary to give the league winning team a guard of honour as they walk out onto the pitch, something which Atletico do not intend to do.
Speaking in a press conference today, Ancelotti discussed Atletico’s decision and why he’s unbothered.
“Us Italians aren’t used to doing this. Everyone does what they feel like doing and we have to respect that.
“Atletico is a close, friendly club where we respect everyone. If they give us the guard of honour it’s fine, if they don’t it’s fine too.”
The situation has caused some controversy in both Spain and abroad, with some fans calling Diego Simeone’s side unsporting whilst others suggest that their conduct is totally acceptable, especially considering the fact that it’s their intercity rivals.
Ancelotti became the first coach to win all of Europe’s top five leagues following this season with Real Madrid, writing himself forever into the history books.