Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed, after his team won the Club World Cup for the fifth time in its history, that Europe is the strongest in football.
Ancelotti praised the rapid development of football outside Europe after its 5-3 victory over Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco on Saturday.
Al-Hilal became the first Saudi team to reach the final of the Club World Cup, which usually brings together European and South American teams.
During the 19 editions of the tournament, European clubs won the title 15 times, and Real Madrid holds the record for winning five times, compared to four titles for South America achieved by Brazilian clubs.
Ancelotti’s team beat Al-Ahly of Egypt 4-1 in the semi-final before winning the title in Rabat at the expense of Al-Hilal.
The Italian coach told reporters after the coronation, “I am happy with the development of football in other regions of the world. Europe is the strongest, but the development is rapid in the rest of the world.”
The Saudi national team, with a squad mostly of Al-Hilal players, achieved one of the biggest surprises of the World Cup in Qatar 2022 by defeating Argentina, who later won the title.
The Saudi League also attracted the attention of the world this season, after Al-Nassr signed with legend Cristiano Ronaldo in a huge deal.
Ancelotti added, “We have shown improvement and we have a desire to fight for all championships. We are in a good position entering the second half of the season and this title motivates us until the end of the season.”
He also thanked the Moroccan fans for supporting Real Madrid during the tournament.
Ancelotti, who won his ninth title during two stints with the Spanish club, added, “The atmosphere was great and the fans showed respect for us. We were happy to be here and leave happy. Morocco gave me good luck and I hope to return.”
