Carlo Ancelotti: Gerardo Martino does not understand how European clubs work

Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed Gerardo Martino’s comments as “strange”(Photo by Helios de la Rubia/Real Madrid via Getty Images)

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti dismissed Gerardo Martino’s comment that Gareth Bale‘s reported transfer fee of €100 million was disrespectful, as “strange,” ESPN reported.

Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino had remarked in his press conference on Saturday that paying €100 million (the fee Real are reportedly ready to stump up for Bale) for someone in the current economic conditions was disrespectful.

Barcelona themselves have spent heavily on players, including €57 million on Neymar, and Ancelotti told reporters that perhaps Martino did not understand the reality of top-flight football in Europe as he has only coached in South America prior to his appointment as Barcelona manager.

“They were words that I did not understand,” he said. “He is not here very long, and does not understand European football and how his own club works, because Barcelona have bought players paying money,” said Ancelotti.

“I do not want to speak about this, but I believe his words were a little strange.”