Carlo Ancelotti : Sepp Blatter's comments always surprise me

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said he was "surprised" by FIFA President Sepp Blatter's comments that awarding Lionel Messi the Golden Ball for the best player at the 2014 FIFA World Cup was "incorrect", with Ancelotti adding on Wednesday (29 October) "it is impossible to keep the president of FIFA's mouth quiet."

Sepp Blatter

 Carlo Ancelotti appeared at a news conference on Wednesday morning ahead of their Copa del Rey game at Cornella, which takes place later in the day.

But it was issues away from the Copa del Rey which dominated, namely Sepp Blatter's suggestion that it was "incorrect" to award Lionel Messi with the Golden Ball for the best player at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Ancelotti was asked about Blatter's comments and the Italian said "I am surprised. Whatever he does always surprises me. I'm surprised but, what can we do about it? It's impossible to keep the president of FIFA's mouth quiet."

The men's shortlists for the FIFA Ballon d'Or were released on Tuesday (28 October) and Ancelotti believed there was "no doubt" that Cristiano Ronaldo will retain his crown.

But queried whether his chances of being named FIFA World Coach of the Year would be damaged by his earlier criticism of Blatter, Ancelotti responded "I would like to win, it's normal, but I have already received the biggest award, which was to win the Champions League. I would like to win, but I have my award already, or at least it is at the Bernabeu, but I have a small one at home."

Ancelotti said it was "a lie" to suggest Gareth Bale was incapable of playing play more than three matches in a row and expressed hope the Welshman could soon return.

"Bale has had a small injury on a muscle. It's very rare to have an injury on that muscle, but he's recovering well and he will be available either for the match next Saturday or for the match against Liverpool."

The Real Madrid boss admitted that he'd rest several first team regulars for the Copa del Rey game at Cornella, but insisted they would not take their opponents lightly.

"They are very excited about this match, it's normal, it can be the match of their lives. I think it's great for football that they can compete against us and that's why we have to respect them. We will play it seriously, no doubt about it," he stated.