Carlo Ancelotti in agreement with Hansi Flick over player punishment | OneFootball

Earlier this week, Inaki Pena was dropped by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Club, having been late to a pre-match session. It is not the first time that Flick has punished a player for this, having done so with Jules Kounde earlier in the season.

It is a situation that has sparked debate, and it could also led to Pena missing out against Real Madrid, as his replacement Wojciech Szczesny was very impressive against Athletic Club. As per MD, Carlo Ancelotti gave his thoughts on the matter.

“The schedule is important and the players have to be disciplined. The decision I make is that I want explanations for the delay. If the reason is acceptable, nothing happens, but if it is not, we take action.”

Ancelotti will hope that his Real Madrid side can get the better of Barcelona, and he will confident of this regardless of who is in goals for Barcelona. However, he also recognises that it would not be disastrous if Los Blancos lost.

“In case of defeat tomorrow, the season continues. It’s a final and we’re very close to another title and we think positively, but I’m aware that in football anything can happen, and even more so if the opponent is strong like Barcelona. Our team has improved and no one disputes that. A defeat would not be good but I would not lose sleep, as we need to keep going.”