Earlier this week, Inaki Pena was dropped by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Club after being late for a pre-match session. It is not the first time that Flick has punished a player for this, having already done so with Jules Kounde earlier this season.
It is a situation that has sparked debate, and could also lead to Pena missing the match against Real Madrid, as his replacement Wojciech Szczesny was very impressive against Athletic Club. According to MD, Carlo Ancelotti gave his opinion on the matter.
“The schedule is important and the players have to be disciplined. The decision I make is that I want an explanation for the delay. If the reason is acceptable, nothing will happen, but if not, we will take action.”
Ancelotti will be hoping his Real Madrid side can get the better of Barcelona, and he will be confident no matter who scores goals for Barcelona. However, he also acknowledges that it would not be disastrous if Los Blancos lost.
“If there is a defeat tomorrow, the season will continue. It's a final and we are very close to another title and we think positively, but I am aware that in football anything can happen, and even more so when the opponent is strong like Barcelona. Our team has improved and no one disputes that. A defeat wouldn't be good, but I wouldn't worry about it, because we have to continue.”
Comments