Flick calls Ancelotti one of the world's best amid sack rumours

Hansi Flick has praised the efforts and resume of rival Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the Copa del Rey final this Sunday, insisting the news about a possible sack is shameful to hear.

Since his return to Madrid in 2022, Ancelotti has won two UEFA Champions League titles for Real, who have also won two La Liga titles in the period.

However, it appears his time in Spain is nearly over after Real’s 5-1 aggregate humiliation to Arsenal in the Champions League last week.

Asked about what he thinks about his rival, Flick revealed that Ancelotti is ‘one of the best coaches in the world’ and should not be under the current ridicule and pressure he’s facing at Madrid.

Speaking to the press after Barca’s 1-0 win over Mallorca on Tuesday, Flick said: “We do not know if it is a good thing for Madrid to have one less day of rest ahead of the Copa del Rey final. They have a great coach and he is one of the best coaches in the world”, he said.

“It is a shame what he is facing from the press because he is great at his job and I have a lot of respect for him”, Flick added.

On Sunday night, both coaches come up against each other for the third time this season, and although Flick’s side already have two huge wins, Ancelotti’s team could surprise them as the 2024/25 campaign nears its close.