Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti has restated that there are no friendlies in Clasico as the La Liga giants prepare for US tour ahead of the new season.
Madrid will kick off their involvement in the Soccer Champions Tour when facing AC Milan in Pasadena, California, on July 23 before playing Manchester United in Houston on July 26, Barcelona in Arlington, Texas, on July 29 and Juventus in Orlando, Florida, on Aug. 2.
Ahead of the Clasico, Ancelotti said no matter where the game is played, it is always a special match considering the age-long rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona on and off the pitch.
“It doesn’t matter where [the Clasico with Barcelona] is played, there are no friendlies in a game like this,” Ancelotti said. “It’s always a special match.
“We saw it last year in a fantastic atmosphere and I’m sure we’ll see it this year in Dallas… There are no friendlies between Real Madrid and Barcelona and there never will be.”
A tour of the United States has been Madrid’s preferred preseason itinerary in recent years. Ancelotti praised the “fantastic” facilities at the University of California, Los Angeles, where Madrid will begin training next week.
“Football in the U.S. has to compete with very popular sports,” he said. “The signing of [Lionel] Messi by Inter Miami could help its standing… I have a bad memory of the Rose Bowl [where Madrid will play Milan] because I lost the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil there. I’m sure there will be a good atmosphere.”
