Soccer-Good summer planning means no need for January spending, says Ancelotti
By Fernando Kallas
MADRID (Reuters) – Real Madrid are in good form and therefore did not need to spend big in the January transfer window unlike Premier League clubs, manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Wednesday.
Premier League teams spent a record £815m ($1.00bn) during the January transfer window, according to analysis by Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, with more than £275m spent Tuesday deadline day alone.
LaLiga second-placed Real made no signings in the winter window but have not sold any of their players as they strive to retain the league and Champions League titles they hold won last season along with other silverware.
“We didn’t go into the (January) market because we didn’t need it,” Ancelotti said in a press conference ahead of Thursday’s LaLiga game against Valencia.
“If you plan well, you don’t have to go to the market (in January).
“If you have to go to the market, it means something has gone wrong. We thought we didn’t need it…because we see our team in good shape.
Ancelotti’s former club Chelsea were the Premier League’s biggest spender, including paying an English record £107million on deadline day for Benfica and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
“We all know what’s going on there (in the Premier League) with TV rights money which is much higher than anywhere else,” added the Italian.
“And it’s not going to change, it’s going to stay that way… it gives them advantages.” Yet they will always be challenged by (other leagues) in Europe.
Ancelotti also said that despite a packed schedule over the next few weeks, including the Club World Cup quickly followed by Champions League and Copa del Rey round of 16 as well as LaLiga fixtures, his side will go towards the end. glory on all fronts.
However, he urged the authorities to review the scheduling of matches in the future for the welfare of the players.
“We won’t spoil any tournament, we’re very close… In the Cup semi-final, round of 16 in Europe, Club World Cup semi-final,” Ancelotti said.
“We don’t even want to ruin games… (but) the schedule is just remarkable, it doesn’t stop. La Liga want their share, FIFA want their share, UEFA want their share, the Spanish FA want their share… They won’t allow us to rest one day.
“I get bored when I have rest days, but the players are tired… We are always looking forward to fighting for every title, but we are going beyond our limits with the schedule as it is. Between all of us, we have to do something to avoid this situation.
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(Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Christian Radnedge)