Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti have weighed in on the controversy surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards, just days before their teams face off in the Champions League.
No Ill-Feeling Towards Real Madrid, Says Guardiola
Guardiola was quick to downplay any suggestions of ill-feeling towards Real Madrid following their boycott of the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
“Absolutely not,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “I was happy for Rodri, but Vinicius Junior had an extraordinary year as well.”
Ancelotti Defends Real Madrid’s Boycott Decision
Ancelotti, meanwhile, stood by Real Madrid’s decision to skip the Ballon d’Or ceremony, citing their belief that Vinicius Junior was the rightful winner.
“I don’t think it was the wrong decision,” he said. “We thought Vini was the winner of the Ballon d’Or.”
Rodri’s Absence and Vinicius Junior’s Expected Start
Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, will miss the Champions League clash due to injury.
However, Vinicius Junior is expected to start for Real Madrid alongside Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.
Champions League Clash Preview
The two teams will face off at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, with the return leg scheduled for next Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu.
