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Real coach Carlo Ancelotti: "Sometimes things don't go the way you want them to"
Photo: JUANJO MARTIN / EPA
From the point of view of coach Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid's surprising defeat in the Spanish league at Rayo Vallecano has something to do with the number of games played in recent months.
The Spanish record champions surprisingly lost 3-2 to their city rivals late on Monday evening and remain behind FC Barcelona in the table before the last match day before the World Cup – even though the duel against Barça was won weeks ago.
"We're not as fresh as we used to be," said Ancelotti, referring to numerous English weeks.
However, the former Bayern coach did not mean so much the physique.
The 63-year-old related this more to his team's lack of aggressiveness and did not rule out his own tactical mistakes: "Sometimes things don't go the way you want them to."
However, all teams have the problem of high loads, said Ancelotti.
Although he was disappointed with the loss of the championship lead, he referred to the long season.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also said the many games since the last break have taken their toll.
In the last game before the World Cup finals, Real are expecting FC Cadiz at home this Thursday.
It is unclear whether Antonio Rüdiger will be back in defense.
The German national player was absent on Monday evening due to hip problems.
The 14th matchday begins this Tuesday evening.
FC Barcelona with goalscorer Robert Lewandowski will then play (9.30 p.m.) at CA Osasuna in Pamplona and can claim first place there before the World Cup break.
aha/dpa
