Carlo Ancelotti: "I Believe We Are One of the World's Top Teams and We'll Show That Soon"

Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media the day before a crucial match at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán against Unai Emery's Sevilla. The Italian coach kept that peaceful mood over the referee's performance at the 3-4 Clásico loss against FC Barcelona.

Yes, we've been unlucky with Undiano Mallenco for two games now. But it is not my job to choose a referee for the Copa del Rey Final. There's a committee who take care of that. I don't care if Undiano Mallenco is in charge of another Real Madrid game or not.

As soon as Ramos was sent off, Ancelotti replaced Benzema with central-defender Raphäel Varane, even though Benzema had scored two goals in 60 minutes. He explained that move.

I talked to Benzema about it. He understands why I decided to sub him off. He played really well and is calm right now.

With 9 games remaining for Atlético, Barcelona and Real Madrid, Ancelotti said that the team is not looking at the schedule.

We are not thinking about the schedule. All we are thinking about is the upcoming match. Those 9 games will all be hard and decisive.

The Italian coach had something to say about Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo's words after El Clásico as well.

They did not show disrespect to anyone. They only showed their feelings and I understand them.

Ancelotti also spoke about Wednesday's match against Sevilla (22:00 CET).

This is a good chance to bounce back from the Clásico loss. Di María will not be available and I will replace him with either Isco or Illarramendi. They are really dangerous and they are also playing well at the moment. It will be a hard match.

The journalists asked him about Busquets stomping Pepe's head.

I don't have anything to say, but I wonder what would've happened if it had been the other way around.

Ancelotti also addressed the team's problems against Atlético and Barcelona this season.

I think that we competed well against them. The only exception is the first derby [0-1 loss] in which we played very badly. But I believe that we are one of the top teams in the world and we will show that soon.

That's an optimistic take by Ancelotti.