The debate over whether Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer of all time was the focus of Carlo Ancelotti’s remarks on the eve of LaLiga Santander’s return.
According to him, there have been many greats like Diego Maradona, Alfredo Di Stefano and Johann Cruyff, who have played the game better than the Argentina Star Lionel Messi
Prior to their travel to play against Real Valladolid on Friday evening, with the focus of the media and supporters being on Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, he also provided updates on Real Madrid’s injury list.
Ancelotti said, “He came back on the 10th from holiday and when he came back he was quite well,” Ancelotti said of Benzema. “He worked with the team and in the friendlies he played half an hour and 45 minutes. I think he is going to show all his quality”.
On Eden Hazard, he added: “I see Hazard well, he has trained well. I see him better than before the World Cup. He has done a good job and I will use the whole squad.”
Real Madrid return to the field in second place behind Barcelona, who have won their last five games.
Los Blancos beat the Catalans in El Clasico, but have only won one of their last three games. Barcelona also have less distraction from Europe as they fell into the Europa League following a disappointing Champions League campaign, but Real Madrid won their group and have drawn Liverpool in the round of 16.
“Evaluating what is going to happen is very complicated, it’s a very demanding calendar,” Ancelotti added.
“We have the Supercopa de Espana and the Club World Cup. We have a lot of games until March and we have to make a personal assessment of the players.
“We have to get the players in good condition. We have to give the World Cup players a rest. There are no more days off, until February 19 we play every three days”.
Asked if Messi had cemented his status as the best footballer of all time, Ancelotti replied: “It’s difficult to say, I don’t know if he is the best ever. It’s not so fair to say that, because every era has very good players.
“It won’t come out of my mouth that ‘Messi is the best ever’. I’ve enjoyed so many good players…. And I’ve seen Johan Cruyff play, Diego Maradona…”.
