Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has lauded Barcelona for their summer business, claiming one cannot ignore the Blaugrana.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV following the recent pre-season friendly against Juventus, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Carlo Ancelotti has had his say on the shape of the Barcelona squad. The Real Madrid manager has insisted that the Blaugrana must always be respected, placing them as a threat to their La Liga title reign.
The 2022 summer transfer window has been dominated by Barcelona, with the Blaugrana involved in the most captivating stories thus far. From the activation of the economic levers to long-standing transfer sagas involving Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong, the Catalan giants have seen it all this summer.
The activation of the economic levers has helped Barcelona become competitive in the market, beating Chelsea to Kounde and Raphinha, even though the Blues had reached an agreement over a transfer fee for both players. At the same time, Barcelona persisted in the pursuit of Lewandowski before breaking Bayern Munich’s resolve.
The addition of the trio, in addition to Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie, has galvanised the Barcelona squad. And according to pundits and fans, the Blaugrana will be the leading contender to dethrone Real Madrid from the summit of La Liga.
Unlike Barcelona, Real Madrid’s summer transfer business was wrapped up early, with Los Blancos securing two transfers before the window officially opened. And after cruising to the league title last season, Carlo Ancelotti believes he has his desired squad at his disposal. The Real Madrid manager has now spoken about the shape of the Barcelona squad.
Speaking after the pre-season friendly against Juventus, Ancelotti heaped praise on Barcelona. The Real Madrid boss said, “I don’t ignore anything in football. Barcelona have made a great team, but my focus is on my team. Barcelona must always be respected.”
Ancelotti was measured in his response to the question on Barcelona, and it looks like he is ready for a transfer battle with Real Madrid’s bitter rivals in the 2022/23 season. Only time will tell whether the big-name signings transform Barcelona after two forgettable campaigns. The two clubs recently met in a pre-season friendly, with the Blaugrana beating Real Madrid.