Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti reflects on "fantastic year" for Real Madrid

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 31 December 2014

Carlo Ancelotti hails Real Madrid's "fantastic year" after seeing his side end 2014 with defeat at the hands of former club AC Milan in Dubai last night.

Carlo Ancelotti has brushed aside Real Madrid's 4-2 friendly defeat against AC Milan, praising his side for their efforts in what has been a "fantastic year" for the club.

The Spanish giants claimed their much-coveted 10th European title in May, while also winning the Copa Del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and most recently the Club World Cup in Marrakech.

Madrid, who are currently on a 22-game winning run in competitive action, were unable to see out their record-breaking year with victory over Milan last night, although Ancelotti remains upbeat ahead of 2015.

"After a week-long break we needed a game like this," the Italian is quoted as saying by FourFourTwo. "The defeat does not bother us at all and on a technical level the team was good. Now we have to rest up and then prepare for the [Liga] game against Valencia [on Sunday].

"Milan played well, we didn't, but you can't say that this will affect the work we have already done. After the break we needed a match like this in order to prepare for Sunday. We are really happy to put an end to a fantastic year."

Ancelotti also confirmed that Marcelo is back in training after picking up a hamstring injury in the recent Club World Cup final against San Lorenzo.