As Real Madrid prepare to face Athletic Club on Matchday 32 of La Liga, Ernesto Valverde has jumped to the defence of Carlo Ancelotti amidst recent criticism aimed at the Italian manager.

Valverde, whose side will visit the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, didn’t hold back when asked about the scrutiny surrounding Ancelotti’s performance.

“Last year he won the Champions League and La Liga — I don’t even know how many Super Cups he has,” said the Athletic Club boss.

“If he’s being criticised… I don’t know what the rest of us should feel.”

Ancelotti, who has led Real Madrid to multiple domestic and European titles, continues to face questions despite his success. But for Valverde, the idea that such an accomplished manager could be under fire is baffling — and perhaps even concerning for those lower down the table.

The two sides meet in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with Madrid still fighting to secure the league title and Athletic pushing for European qualification. Yet even amid the intensity of the clash, Valverde’s words stand out as a rare show of solidarity in a league often filled with rivalry.

With the match set for Sunday, April 20, all eyes will be on the dugouts as much as the pitch — and it’s clear Valverde has a great deal of respect for the man in the opposite corner.