Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid's coach, refrained from commenting on Xavi Hernández's situation, who could be dismissed from his position at the end of the season following statements that upset his president, Joan Laporta, but he defended Xavi's work as Barcelona's coach.

"I don't want to comment; it's very complicated to give an opinion on the matter," Ancelotti said in a press conference at Real Madrid's training ground. "All I can say is that I have a lot of respect for Xavi as a person first and as a coach second," he added.

"The work he has done as Barcelona's coach is very good, and I wish him all the best for the future," he further stated.

Xavi's comments on the eve of the league match against Almería, where he spoke candidly about Barcelona's financial situation, sparked Laporta's anger and a possible change of mind regarding the coach's announced continuity for the next season.