Carlo Ancelotti hit back at Barcelona president Joan Laporta and manager Xavi after the duo alleged Real Madrid have an influence on referees.
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Ancelotti hits back at Xavi and LaportaBarca duo claimed referees favour Real MadridCurrently 10 points behind La Liga leadersWHAT HAPPENED?
Earlier this week, both the Barcelona president and the manager had claimed that referees in La Liga favour Real Madrid. Xavi even alleged that Los Blancos create pressure on the match officials through theirTV channel. Now, Madrid boss Ancelotti has hit back at the allegations by suggesting he will not stoop down to the level of the Barcelona duo out of respect for Spanish football.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID
Speaking to reporters, the Italian manager said": "I think I am a professional and as a professional I do not want to go down to this level out of respect for Spanish football. Don't ask me more about this because I don't want to go down to a level that is not for professionals."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Catalan giants are under immense pressure at the moment as they find themselves 10 points behind league leaders Madrid and eight behind second-placed Girona. Last month they failed to defend the Supercopa de Espana title after suffering a humiliating 4-1 defeat in the Clasico and then were knocked out of the Copa del Rey after losing to Athletic Club 4-2 in the quarter-final.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
Xavi's side picked up a 3-1 win against Alaves and on Saturday to reduce their gap with the top two teams in the league. Ancelotti's men, meanwhile, will attempt to restore that 10-point lead when they take on Atletico Madrid on Sunday.