Following Real Madrid’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League, manager Carlo Ancelotti has voiced his concerns about the team’s performance and the impact of star signing Kylian Mbappe. The loss, which followed a 4-0 drubbing by Barcelona in El Clasico, leaves Ancelotti with significant challenges as the season progresses.
What Happened?
Ancelotti’s side faced a humbling defeat at home, marking their second loss in just four Champions League matches this season. With Real Madrid now nine points behind Barcelona in La Liga, the pressure is mounting on the veteran coach. Ancelotti, who has enjoyed success with the club in the past, is now confronted with a situation that raises questions about the team’s cohesion and effectiveness on the pitch.
Concerns About Mbappe’s Role
One of the most pressing issues surrounding the squad is the performance of Kylian Mbappe. The French forward has managed to score only one goal in his last six matches, leading to speculation about whether he is being deployed in his optimal position. Some, including former teammate Karim Benzema, have suggested that Mbappe’s integration into the team has not gone as smoothly as anticipated.
However, Ancelotti was quick to address these concerns, emphasizing that the dressing room remains unified. “No, the dressing room is healthy,” he stated in an interview with Movistar. He acknowledged that while criticism is warranted due to the team’s current form, the focus should be on improvement rather than discord.
Ancelotti’s Analysis: Defensive Woes
In his post-match comments, Ancelotti expressed his worries primarily about the team’s defensive capabilities. Real Madrid has conceded nine goals in their last three outings, a statistic that highlights severe vulnerabilities at the back. While he noted that the team created numerous chances against AC Milan, he stressed that the key issue lies in how easily opponents are finding opportunities against them.
“We should be worried because the team isn’t playing well,” Ancelotti explained. “We have to be more solid, more compact. The reality is what you see on the pitch: we’re missing something.” His remarks underscore the need for a more organized defensive structure, especially as the team navigates a challenging season.
What Ancelotti Said
Reflecting on the team’s recent downturn, Ancelotti remarked, “When you think everything is perfect, you fall. But the good thing about football is that you can react.” He acknowledged the need for the team to work collectively to address their shortcomings, stating, “When you aren’t solid, you have to be more organized.”
His insights reveal a desire to not only rectify the defensive lapses but also to harness the offensive talent available, including Mbappe. Ancelotti’s experience and tactical acumen will be crucial as he seeks to restore confidence within the squad.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
Looking ahead, Real Madrid faces a crucial match against Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday. This encounter is quickly approaching must-win status for the club, given their current position in the league and the need to regain momentum. Despite his recent struggles, Mbappe is expected to retain his place in the starting XI, as Ancelotti hopes to unlock the forward’s potential and reignite the team’s attacking prowess.
The Road to Recovery
For Real Madrid, the upcoming fixtures will be pivotal in determining their trajectory for the remainder of the season. Ancelotti’s ability to address the team’s defensive frailties while maximizing the talents of players like Mbappe will be critical. As the club looks to recover from this challenging period, the focus will be on building a more cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Real Madrid?
As Carlo Ancelotti navigates this difficult phase, his leadership will be tested. The combination of defensive lapses and the pressure to integrate Mbappe effectively presents both challenges and opportunities for growth. With a pivotal match against Osasuna on the horizon, Real Madrid must regroup and find ways to regain their competitive edge. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether they can turn their fortunes around or if this season will continue down a troubling path. The Santiago Bernabeu faithful will be hoping for a swift return to form as the team strives to reclaim its status among Europe’s elite.