Madrid's Ancelotti backs Xavi Hernandez's decision to stay at Barca

Carlo Ancelotti is in favour of Xavi Hernandez staying as Barcelona coach next season. The Real Madrid coach said this at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Real Sociedad.

"He has done a good job at Barcelona, he knows the club well. I think it's the right decision," he said of his Barca counterpart, who on Wednesday decided to stay at the club despite having said months ago that he would leave at the end of the season. "We must respect changes of opinion. There is nothing written, I also change my mind. It's logical, it's allowed," he said.

He also spoke about Laporta's words about a possible replay of 'El Clasico', after which he said that "it is an opinion" and that he does not comment "on opinions". "It doesn't bother me. We have such a good feeling right now that everything that happens in the environment doesn't affect us at all. We have the illusion of finishing the season in a fantastic way. What's going on around us is nothing to us," he added.

On the match against Real Sociedad, he said that "Bellingham had a stomach problem and Rodrygo had the flu", but that "they can still travel". "Mendy is not going to travel. He's fine, but I prefer him to stay and work for the Champions League.

"Until the mathematics don't give us the title, we have to fight. The dynamic is very good, it's important that we continue to compete and get the most out of it. Win as much as possible. Winning is the best thing, that's why we have to do it on Friday," said the Italian coach.