In a shocking turn of events, reigning European champions Real Madrid find themselves in the midst of an alarming slump. Back-to-back home defeats against fierce rivals Barcelona and Italian giants AC Milan have left coach Carlo Ancelotti searching for answers as his star-studded squad struggles to replicate the form that saw them conquer Europe last season.
Ancelotti Admits Concern But Maintains Faith
“The reality is what was seen on the pitch,” Ancelotti acknowledged after the 3-1 loss to Milan. The Italian tactician didn’t shy away from the glaring issues plaguing his team, admitting that they are “lacking something” and need to find solutions to regain their balance and solidity.
We have to be worried. We’re lacking something.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach
Despite the concerning results, Ancelotti remains confident that his team can turn things around. “We have to suffer together,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of adversity. The experienced coach believes that every season has its difficult moments and that Real Madrid have the quality and character to overcome this challenging period.
New Signings Struggling to Settle
One of the key factors contributing to Real Madrid’s woes has been the integration of new signings, particularly the highly-anticipated arrival of Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar was expected to take the Bernabéu by storm, but finding his place in a team already boasting the talents of Karim Benzema and Vinícius Júnior has proved challenging.
Similarly, midfielder Jude Bellingham, who starred for Borussia Dortmund last season, has struggled to find his footing in the Spanish capital. The young Englishman’s role in the team remains undefined, and he has yet to score a goal this campaign, a stark contrast to his prolific output in Germany.
Defensive Frailties Exposed
Real Madrid’s defensive solidity, once a hallmark of their success, has crumbled in recent weeks. The absence of key players like Thibaut Courtois and Dani Carvajal has exposed vulnerabilities, with the team conceding an uncharacteristic nine goals in their last three home games.
Ancelotti acknowledged the need to improve defensively, stating that it is the “key” to turning their fortunes around. The Italian emphasized the importance of collective work and understanding, admitting that his players are currently not capable of executing effective team defensive efforts.
Lack of Intensity and Desire
Perhaps most concerning for Ancelotti and Real Madrid fans has been the apparent lack of intensity and desire shown by the players on the pitch. Against Milan, the home side was outrun by a staggering 5 kilometers, with each outfield player covering an average of five lengths less than their Italian counterparts.
This drop in physical output has been a recurring theme this season, with Real Madrid ranking near the bottom of the Champions League in terms of distance covered. Ancelotti admitted that he “can’t say his players are lazy” but acknowledged that their current efforts are simply not good enough.
The Road to Recovery
Despite the current doom and gloom surrounding the Bernabéu, Ancelotti remains optimistic about his team’s chances of turning things around. The Italian believes that the pain of these defeats can serve as a catalyst for change and improvement.
It is good for the players to feel sunk like I feel sunk… We have to accept the criticism and be aware of the reality, which is that we are not doing well.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach
Ancelotti has called for unity and suffering together as a team, emphasizing that every season has its challenging moments. He believes that with hard work, tactical adjustments, and a collective desire to improve, Real Madrid can rediscover the form that made them such a formidable force last season.
The road to recovery begins now for the Spanish giants, and Ancelotti will be hoping that his faith in his players’ ability to turn things around is not misplaced. With crucial matches coming up in both La Liga and the Champions League, Real Madrid cannot afford to dwell on their recent failures.
The pressure is on for Ancelotti and his men to prove that this is merely a blip in an otherwise successful campaign. The eyes of the footballing world will be fixed on the Bernabéu in the coming weeks, eager to see if Real Madrid can rise from the ashes and reassert their dominance on the European stage.
Only time will tell if Ancelotti’s faith is well-placed or if Real Madrid’s season is destined to unravel further. For now, the Italian master tactician must rally his troops, restore their confidence, and prove that even in the face of adversity, the reigning European champions have the quality and character to overcome their struggles and compete for the game’s biggest prizes.
