Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti explains why he 'didn't need' to talk to Jude Bellingham about controversial red card against Valencia

The English midfielder received a red card after the full-time whistle against Valencia after he expressed his frustration by exclaiming, "It's a f*cking goal" to referee Gil Manzano, who had chalked off his winner by blowing the final whistle just seconds before the ball went into the net. Despite the contentious nature of the incident, Ancelotti stated that he did not see the need to speak to Bellingham and instead hailed him for being a committed player who gives his all on the pitch.

Speaking to reporters, Ancelotti said: “I haven’t spoken to him. He's a player who tries to give everything on the pitch. I think the red card was wrong. He was frustrated but he didn't make any kind of insult."

UEFA has appointed Italian referee Davide Massa to take charge of Real Madrid's continental encounter against RB Leipzig. When asked about his opinion on Massa, the manager said: "I’m calm. I don’t like to think about the referee before a match. And not after either.”

When further pressed for his opinion on whether referees should speak post-match: "I really don’t know what is better or worse. I don’t know if it’s good for the referees to have to explain... there are people better placed than me to say what’s best for them.”

Ancelotti's unwavering support for Bellingham highlights how highly Los Blancos boss values him. Moreover, it has been reported that the Spanish giants will appeal against the red card to see the midfielder's sending-off against Valencia rescinded. Nonetheless, he will be available for selection against Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening.