Carlo Ancelotti believes Real Madrid deserved to beat Osasuna in Sunday s draw, but called for a reaction from his players as he defended his decision to keep Eden Hazard benched.
The Belgium international was a spectator as Los Blancos slipped to a 1-1 draw against their visitors, with Karim Benzema fluffing a potential match-winning penalty to ensure the spoils were shared.
The club s first dropped points of the domestic season saw them surrender top spot to rivals Barcelona, with the pair s Clasico encounter – which takes place in just under a fortnight – set to represent a huge moment in the title race.
Speaking after Sunday s stalemate, Ancelotti acknowledged his team s frustrations after they dominated for long periods, but added that he anticipates a response.
This team is upset when it doesn t win, he stated. The game was under our control and we deserved to win.
We re not happy and that s the reason why this side won a lot last year. We re not happy with the draw and we will react soon.
We shouldn t be making excuses about the [international] break. We need to manage the break. We ve got a very good squad.
: The game was under control and we deserved to win. .
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden)
Mariano Diaz was preferred to Hazard when Ancelotti required attacking reinforcements in the second half, and the Italian was succinct in his reasoning for the Belgian s absence.
It was a game that needed a strong centre forward who was good in the air like Mariano, who had chances to score with his head, he added. It wasn t the right match for Hazard’s qualities.
Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois missed the game through a case of sciatica, but Ancelotti is hopeful he could return as soon as the club s midweek Champions League encounter with Shakhtar Donetsk.
He s got some tests and we ll see if he can get back, he stated. It s a muscular issue, I think it s with the sciatic nerve. We ll find out if he can play on Wednesday.
