When Xavi stated about the referees
In 2023, Barcelona’s manager Xavi criticized the referee committee of La Liga after some clear decisions not being in favor of Barcelona. Xavi criticized the referees of Real Madrid’s Influence. Xavi felt that Real Madrid attempted to condition the referees ahead of El Clásico. He emphasized the importance of referees doing their duties without any external pressure. He stated: “I don’t like that the refereeing establishment is conditioned.” Credits: Forbes
Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, replied: “Xavi complaining about the referees? I am a professional. I’m not going to lower myself to that level out of respect for Spanish football. Complaining about referees is a level that is not for professionals.
Carlo Ancelotti on referees this season
Real Madrid bottled a 7-point lead in La Liga after dropping crucial points against Osasuna, Atletico, and Espanyol. Carlo Ancelotti did not own up to his team’s performance, instead, he took a dig at La Liga officials” in-game decisions. He believes there were “pretty clear mistakes” in the officiating of the team’s last three matches.
“Nothing to say, I have already given my opinion on what has happened and is happening,” Ancelotti told reporters on Tuesday. “It’s quite surprising and I have nothing to add. We are not happy with what happened against Osasuna, Atletico… three games in which we were harmed and I don’t understand it.
“The statistics speak for themselves. In Europe there is less controversy and fewer interventions, it is done when necessary. In the Champions League, the best referees from each country whistle, and the quality is very high.
“I only comment on what I see, which is that in the last games they have made some pretty clear mistakes.” Credits: Goal.com
Hypocrisy
When Barcelona faced similar issues and Xavi brought up the concern in front of the media, Carlo thought this act wasn’t professional. Now when things were against Carlo’s side, he clearly criticized the Spanish officials openly not living up to his statement. It was Xavi’s 2nd or 3rd year as a professional coach, Carlo has been doing it for over 15 years and still couldn’t stay professional enough.