Carlo Ancelotti claims Barcelona aren't 'direct rivals' to Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti has claimed Barcelona are not currently a direct rival to his Real Madrid side due to their lowly league position.

Barça have had a rotten season so far, sitting eighth in La Liga and exiting the Champions League at the group stage. They sacked Ronald Koeman in late October and Xavi was confirmed as his successor a week later, and the former midfielder has not been shy in voicing his concerns at the current state of affairs in Catalonia.

Ahead of their clash with Elche on Saturday, Xavi said: "It's proving harder than we expected, but this doesn't stop.

"We have to be positive and keep showing that the team's improving and we're on the right path. We've improved in some respects, but results haven't accompanied us yet.

"But seeing how hard we're working and the rhythm of the training sessions, we're positive. [Saturday] is a huge game and we urgently need to end the year with six points against Elche and Sevilla [on Tuesday]."

Responding to those comments, Ancelotti said: "Now he is not a direct rival, because there are other teams closer. But he has the quality to go up and if I were Barcelona coach I would say exactly the same as Xavi."

At present, the former Chelsea and AC Milan manager is right. There are 18 points currently separating Real and Barça, while Los Blancos had no problems topping their Champions League group.

Barça won two of their first three games under Xavi, but recent defeats to Real Betis and Bayern Munich, as well as the 2-2 draw with Osasuna, have highlighted some of the inefficiencies Xavi needs to address.

Real are eight points clear of closest competitors Sevilla, though Julen Lopetegui's side do have a game in hand.

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