Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that he does not have any problems with Cristiano Ronaldo ‘s decision to party on the eve of their 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid.
The Portuguese international turned 30 last week and held a birthday party at the weekend, just hours after his poor performance in the derby day defeat to Atletico.
His actions have been heavily criticised in Spanish media with further reports this week claiming that president Florentino Perez has opted to sell the former Manchester United man.
Ancelotti, however, has said that the party is not an issue and that he does not doubt his players’ professionalism.
“The party is not an issue for me. I have never judged the private lives of players and I won’t start now,” Ancelotti said at a press conference.
“I have no doubts about the players’ professionalism. The private life of each individual is up to them. I’d be getting into their private lives if I asked the players to apologise. I only judge their professional life, on the pitch.
“The players understood the problems we had and the frustration of the fans. We now expect a reaction for everyone to see in tomorrow’s game [against Deportivo La Coruna].
“We understand the fans’ frustrations very well as we feel exactly the same way. We were very sad and very angry after last week’s defeat against Atletico.
“Knowing the players’ character and their professionalism, I am confident the team will be able to react and be competitive once again.”