Carlo: Club have to make evaluation about the future

CARLO ANCELOTTI has expressed his desire to remain at Real Madrid ahead of tonight’s El Clasico.

Rivals Barcelona can move 12 points clear with just 12 games to play and effectively seal their first La Liga crown in four years at the Nou Camp.

If the Catalan giants can wrestle the title away from Real, it would cast some doubt over Ancelotti’s long-term future despite his latest trophy-laden reign.

Ancelotti, boosted with the news that Karim Benzema has been passed fit to play, said: “It’s an evaluation that the club has to make.

“I’ve said many times that I would stay at this club for the rest of my life but it’s impossible.

“The club will make the decision, whatever happens, and then my thinking is that I want to continue.

“If the club wants me here, I will enjoy it.”

Despite their dominance, Xavi has warned his Barcelona players they cannot assume the title is theirs even if they win against their great rivals tonight.

“If we win, it would be a knock for Madrid in the table,” he said. “It wouldn’t be definitive, but it would be a strong blow.

“Whatever happens, I think nothing will be decided. If we win, we will take a very important step to win the league.

“We are very motivated. For some players, it would be the first league title. We prepared for the match, no matter how important it is.

“There’s a lot at stake. It’s my first El Clasico at home, so it’s special. But these games are unpredictable, you never know what they will bring.

“I see Madrid as very strong, they have improved a lot physically since January.”