Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti took a dig at his FC Barcelona counterpart Xavi ahead of the Spanish Super Cup Final between the two sides on Sunday at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ahead of the El Clasico, Ancelotti said, during a press conference, that winning the trophy is his priority rather than the style of play.
“If we play better, we'll win. I'll be happy even if we win without deserving it,” Ancelotti chuckled while responding to a statement by Xavi where he said that he wants to win the title playing well.
“Xavi doesn't have the same experience years as me but I think Xavi's track record till now has been very good. He was one of the best midfielders in the world, I'm sure the experience as a footballer helps him,” he added. “Well, all managers want to win, he knows it'll be a tight game, it's a Clasico after all."
The Real Madrid boss also provided an update about his squad heading into the crucial clash.
"Our players are in great shape, the majority of them have recovered well. The mood in the camp is very positive and good,” he said. "The veterans need a bit more time to recover, the youngsters recover very quickly."
"I already know the XI for tomorrow but I am not going to say it,” he added.
Ancelotti also played down Real Madrid’s 20-match unbeaten streak before the final.
"20 games unbeaten streak? This competition ends on Sunday, it's an important game for the club. It's a Clasico, so we never know what happens, we are on a better run but anything can happen. Small details will matter,” he said.
Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 5-3 in the semi-final of the cup after a spectacular comeback as goals from Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, Joselu and Brahim cruised Los Blancos to a thumping win.
On the other hand, FC Barcelona defeated Osasuna 2-0 with goals from Robert Lewandowski and the teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.