Unveiling Ancelotti’s Unexpected Struggles at Real Madrid
In a surprising turn of events, Carlo Ancelotti‘s tenure at Real Madrid concluded on a disappointing note, despite the high hopes fueled by fresh talent and past triumphs. Following their dominant victories in La Liga and the Champions League in 2024, the addition of Kylian Mbappe to a lineup already boasting stars like Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham raised the bar for unparalleled success. Yet, the campaign devolved into frustration, with the team placing just four points shy of Barcelona in the domestic league and bowing out early in the Champions League quarter-finals, ultimately leading to Ancelotti’s replacement by Xabi Alonso.
The Defensive Crisis That Upended Real Madrid’s Strategy
The seasoned manager has since dissected the factors that led to this setback. In an interview with AS, he highlighted how an overwhelming wave of defensive injuries disrupted the team’s core framework. Key defenders such as Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao were out due to severe anterior cruciate ligament issues, while Antonio Rudiger battled on despite his own injuries, eroding the foundation that had driven their previous achievements. This upheaval created a chain reaction, altering player positions, reconfiguring the midfield, and throwing off the squad’s overall harmony. According to Ancelotti, the downfall stemmed more from the erosion of their defensive cohesion than from any key players departing.
Breaking Down the Key Defensive Setbacks
Ancelotti elaborated on the precise elements contributing to Real Madrid’s decline, emphasizing the defensive woes: “The core issue was the absence of our main defensive lineup. Carvajal and Militao were unavailable, and Rudiger pushed through with a major injury. Fortunately, Raul Asensio stepped up from the youth ranks and performed admirably. We can’t overlook the instances where I had to deploy Federico Valverde at right-back and Aurelien Tchouameni at center-back, which created gaps in the midfield. Ultimately, this lack of stability in defense cost us the chance at more trophies.”
Addressing Misconceptions About Midfield Changes
He refuted suggestions that Toni Kroos’s exit was the primary cause of instability, noting: “I don’t attribute it to Kroos’s departure, as we adjusted by incorporating players like Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, Bellingham, Tchouameni, or Valverde. Our midfield options are exceptional, but replacing someone of Kroos’s caliber or Luka Modric’s is simply unattainable.”
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Ancelotti’s Transition to Leading Brazil’s National Team
At 66, Ancelotti transitioned to the role of Brazil’s head coach shortly after leaving Madrid, a move he confesses was unforeseen during his Spanish stint.
Reflecting on His Madrid Legacy and New Opportunity
“Contemplating a shift to another team felt challenging given the substantial impact I left behind,” he shared. “It was tough to picture myself elsewhere. However, when Brazil reached out, it presented an exciting opportunity and a lifelong aspiration to guide the five-time world champions, the legendary Selecao, toward a World Cup. Moreover, coaching a national side offers a distinct experience. I’m thoroughly enjoying it and believe it was the correct choice.”
Comparing Pressures and Daily Life
“My time at Real Madrid involved intense daily demands, including six press conferences weekly. While Brazil also brings pressure, the role is less intense, focusing more on monitoring than direct involvement. Training time is limited, much like at clubs with packed schedules, but I’m dedicated to understanding Brazil’s contemporary football scene, its traditions, and culture. I spend as much time as possible in Rio de Janeiro, which I adore. Now, without the constant hustle, I can thoughtfully assess the players, the framework of Brazilian football, and the efforts of a youthful Confederation president aiming for positive reforms. It’s all quite positive.”
Supporting Vinicius Junior’s International Development
Ancelotti, now at the helm of Brazil, spoke about the difficulties in helping Vinicius Junior match his club form internationally, stating: “On the national stage, he hasn’t yet hit the heights he achieves at Real Madrid. Still, in recent outings, he’s shown marked improvement, excelling for Brazil with goals and assists. His abilities are undeniable-Vinicius is elite.”
Lessons from Vinicius’s El Clasico Incident
He also touched on Vinicius’s heated reaction during El Clasico following his substitution by Alonso: “That was just a momentary error, and he needs to grasp his evolving responsibilities at Real Madrid, particularly his growing influence in the locker room. He owned up to it and should grow from the experience. Coaches have the authority to make adjustments that benefit the team.”
Brazil’s Path Forward with Upcoming Fixtures
The team’s immediate focus is on upcoming international friendlies that could define their preparation for the World Cup. Brazil will take on Senegal and Tunisia, with Ancelotti intent on rebuilding after their narrow 3-2 loss to Japan last month. Having secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup, extending their unbroken record of participation, all attention is on how the former Madrid boss will leverage these matches to solidify the squad’s performance and refine the team for his ultimate goal: claiming a sixth World Cup title.
The Context of Real Madrid’s Season
Real Madrid’s previous season was a mix of high expectations and unexpected setbacks, especially with the high-profile addition of Kylian Mbappé to an already star-studded lineup featuring Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham. Football fans worldwide were buzzing about how this trio could dominate, but the team fell short of their usual standards. Let’s dive into what might have gone wrong, drawing from Carlo Ancelotti’s reflections on the challenges faced.
Key Players and Their Roles
Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé formed what looked like an unbeatable attacking force on paper. Vinicius Jr. continued to shine as a dynamic winger, known for his speed and dribbling skills, while Jude Bellingham brought midfield prowess and leadership. Mbappé’s arrival was seen as the final piece of the puzzle, adding world-class speed and finishing to Real Madrid’s attack.
- Vinicius Jr.’s Impact: As one of the fastest players in football, Vinicius Jr. was expected to create space for Mbappé and Bellingham, but integration issues sometimes left him isolated.
- Jude Bellingham’s Versatility: Bellingham’s ability to control the midfield and contribute goals made him a key asset, yet the team’s overall strategy didn’t always maximize his strengths.
- Kylian Mbappé’s Addition: Despite Mbappé’s proven track record at PSG, his adaptation to La Liga and Real Madrid’s style proved trickier than anticipated, affecting the team’s fluid attacking play.
Factors Behind Real Madrid’s Underperformance
Even with such talented players, Real Madrid struggled with consistency, which Ancelotti attributed to several underlying issues. In interviews, the veteran coach highlighted how high expectations can sometimes lead to on-pitch disruptions, emphasizing the need for better team dynamics in modern football.
Tactical Challenges
Ancelotti pointed out that tactics played a significant role in the underperformance. The team often relied on a high-pressing style, but incorporating Mbappé required adjustments that didn’t always click. For instance, the French star’s preference for wide positions sometimes clashed with Vinicius Jr.’s natural role, leading to overcrowded flanks.
- Overlapping Roles: When Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. both drifted to the same side, it created defensive vulnerabilities, as opponents exploited the gaps in midfield.
- Set-Piece Struggles: Real Madrid, typically strong in set pieces, saw a dip due to miscommunications, with Bellingham’s defensive duties pulling him away from attacking opportunities.
- Formation Experiments: Ancelotti experimented with 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations, but these didn’t fully optimize the speed of the front three, resulting in fewer high-intensity pressing moments.
Injury and Fitness Issues
Injuries were a major thorn in Real Madrid’s side, as Ancelotti noted in post-season discussions. Mbappé’s integration was hampered by minor injuries early in the season, while Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham also faced fitness setbacks, disrupting the team’s rhythm.
- Mbappé’s Adaptation Period: The forward dealt with hamstring issues, which delayed his full integration and forced rotations that affected team chemistry.
- Bellingham’s Midfield Load: As a young player carrying heavy responsibilities, Bellingham’s muscle strains meant he missed key matches, highlighting the need for better rotation in football squads.
- Vinicius Jr.’s Recovery: Frequent knocks limited his availability, making it hard for Ancelotti to build consistent momentum around the attack.
Team Chemistry and Mental Factors
Beyond tactics and injuries, Ancelotti stressed the importance of mental and interpersonal dynamics. Bringing in a star like Mbappé can be exciting, but it also requires time for players like Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham to gel, especially under the pressure of Real Madrid’s global spotlight.
- Ego and Integration: High-profile players sometimes face ego clashes, and Ancelotti mentioned the need for more team bonding sessions to align everyone’s football vision.
- Pressure from Expectations: The hype around “Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Bellingham’s trio” created immense pressure, leading to tense moments in crucial games where the team faltered.
- Leadership Dynamics: As coach, Ancelotti worked on fostering a more collaborative environment, but the transition phase meant some matches lacked the usual Real Madrid resilience.
Ancelotti’s Insights and Strategic Reflections
Carlo Ancelotti, with his extensive experience in football management, offered candid insights into what went wrong. He emphasized that underperformance isn’t just about talent; it’s about how that talent is harnessed. In one notable press conference, he discussed the balance between attack and defense, noting how the addition of Mbappé shifted focus away from defensive solidity.
Key Quotes and Analysis
Ancelotti’s comments provided a deeper look into the season’s challenges. For example, he said, “Having Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Bellingham is a dream, but dreams need the right structure to become reality.” This highlights the tactical fine-tuning required for such a potent attack.
- Tactical Tweaks for Future Seasons: Ancelotti suggested refining training drills to better synchronize the trio, potentially using more data-driven approaches in football analytics.
- Player Development Focus: He advocated for personalized fitness plans, especially for young stars like Bellingham, to prevent injuries and sustain high performance.
- Long-Term Vision: Looking ahead, Ancelotti’s strategy involves building chemistry through preseason camps, ensuring that additions like Mbappé enhance rather than disrupt the team’s core.
In analyzing Real Madrid’s underperformance, it’s clear that while individual brilliance from players like Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Bellingham shone through at times, the collective effort needed refinement. Ancelotti’s honest assessments offer valuable lessons for football enthusiasts and teams worldwide on balancing star power with strategic depth.
