Carlo Ancelotti is facing increasing pressure to prove that he is still the right man to lead Real Madrid through a turbulent season. The Italian manager has found himself under scrutiny as Madrid’s recent performances have left much to be desired. A 1-0 win against Alaves on Sunday, despite having 10 men for a significant portion of the match, only highlighted the mounting concerns surrounding the team’s form. Ancelotti’s frustration was palpable, especially given that he was banned from the touchline, leaving him unable to directly influence the game as his side clung to a narrow lead.
The 64-year-old coach is well aware that his tenure could be in jeopardy, especially with Madrid’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread after a disastrous exit to Arsenal. With Barcelona four points clear at the top of La Liga and just seven matches remaining, the pressure on Ancelotti to secure a competitive finish is immense. The team’s lack of cohesion and an imbalanced squad have compounded the challenges he faces.
One of the major issues that has plagued Ancelotti this season is the team’s lack of balance. The squad, featuring a number of attacking stars like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham, has been too top-heavy, leaving the midfield and defense exposed. Ancelotti has struggled to integrate these players into a system that works while also maintaining a solid midfield and defensive core. The departure of Toni Kroos in the summer left a significant gap in the midfield, one that has not been adequately filled, leaving the team vulnerable when faced with high-caliber opposition.
Mbappe’s red card in the Alaves match only served to further highlight Madrid’s issues. His aggressive lunge on Antonio Blanco could have resulted in a serious injury, and his dismissal left the team to grind out a victory with only 10 men. This kind of undisciplined behavior from a star player has not helped Ancelotti’s cause, especially when the team has struggled to find consistency in its performances.
Despite these struggles, Ancelotti remains hopeful that Madrid’s famed history of comebacks in the Champions League can provide some inspiration. The possibility that Mbappe and Vinicius could finally click into gear, something they have failed to do consistently this season, remains a glimmer of hope for the Italian. The upcoming matches will be crucial, with Madrid needing to make a statement if they are to have any chance of salvaging the season.
Tactically, Ancelotti is contemplating several changes to his lineup. With Aurelien Tchouameni returning from suspension, the defensive midfielder could play a key role in stabilizing the midfield. This would allow Fede Valverde, who has been more influential from a central role, to partner with Tchouameni in the absence of Eduardo Camavinga, who is banned after his red card in the Arsenal clash.
If Valverde is moved into the center, it could mean that Lucas Vazquez, who has been largely unconvincing in defense, would need to play as right-back. Alternatively, Ancelotti might opt for Dani Ceballos, who has just returned from a six-week injury layoff. Ceballos had been performing well before his hamstring injury and could provide the creative spark that Madrid have lacked in recent weeks.
Regardless of the tactical decisions Ancelotti makes, the “Four Fantastics” Mbappe, Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Bellingham remain essential to Madrid’s hopes. These players have scored an impressive 80 goals between them this season, but their collective work ethic has often been called into question. Against stronger opposition, Madrid’s lack of defensive discipline and tactical coherence has been exposed. Ancelotti knows that if these players can find a way to harmonize their attacking play with a more cohesive defensive structure, Madrid might still have a chance to turn their season around.
In the coming days, Ancelotti’s decisions will be critical in determining whether he can hold on to his job and guide Madrid to success, or if the team’s struggles will lead to a managerial change come summer.
