Famously one of the most calm and collected figures in the history of football, being Real Madrid’s manager has provoked Carlo Ancelotti.

Having won his fifth Champions League last season, Ancelotti was riding the crest of a wave, but this season has been a struggle, with poor league and European form and difficulty fitting in Kylian Mbappe.

Worst of all, though, has been him getting out-coached in the big games, including twice against Barcelona.

Hansi Flick once again had the Italian’s number in the Supercopa final, adding a 5-2 Clasico win to a 4-0 scoreline at the Bernabeu in LaLiga.

That’s seen all sorts of pressure put on Ancelotti, who let some of his feelings out in his latest press conference.

“I don’t follow the wave of criticism, that one day you are the best in the world and the next day you are nothing,” he said.

“I have the necessary balance, which experience has given me, to know who I am and not get carried away by the wave, because if not one day you are the best and the next you are the dumbest.

“I think I am not the best, but I don’t think I am the dumbest either.”

Ancelotti was similarly annoyed when asked about transfer business, simply replying: “I’m not going to answer you.”

He was then asked if the team was suffering from an attitude or tactical problem and hit straight back.

“I have to clarify one thing – this is a press conference and not a debate,” he said.

“I am having a debate with the coaching staff and my players. Opening a debate here does not seem to me to be the most appropriate place.”