Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has reserved special praises for rivals Barcelona after they wrestled the La Liga title from the Galacticos this season.
Real Madrid won the title last season but they have struggled for consistency to allow Hansi Flick’s side to win their 28th league trophy.
Ancelotti has admitted that Barcelona deserved to win the league after playing beautiful football with consistency this season.
He said: “This is part of football, sometimes you’re not able to get the best out of everyone. Barcelona have done very well, because they’ve been more consistent in the league and played very beautiful football.
“I congratulate them. They deserved to win this league. Next year will be a different story.
Barcelona won all their four encounters against Real Madrid this season, and they have also scored 97 goals in 36 league matches, 23 more than Real Madrid this season.
Ancelotti blamed injuries for the team’s poor performances this season.
He said: “This team has been able to believe even when no one believed (in us). I will never criticise these players who have been able to give me so much joy over the years.
“There have been too many injuries and very important players… throughout this season, these kinds of injuries have hurt us.”
Real Madrid will take on Sevilla on Sunday, and Ancelotti is eyeing a victory to end the season on a high.
He concluded: “The Sevilla ground (Pizjuan) has always been difficult for us, our goal is to try to finish the season on a high note.
“I wanted to enjoy it in a different way, fighting until the last day for the league. Which hasn’t been (the case), but I’m (still) enjoying it. And then, (I have) to prepare for another challenge.”
The Italian manager is expected to leave the club at the of the season to take over the Brazilian national team.
Xabi Alonso will replace him ahead of the FIFA World Club Cup in June.
