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While Pep Guardiola can breathe a sigh of relief after Manchester City ended their poor run with a win against Nottingham Forest, another European giant is in turmoil. Carlo Ancelotti is enduring one of his most challenging periods at Real Madrid. A midweek La Liga defeat to Athletic Bilbao marked their fifth loss since October in just 11 games—a run of form far removed from the standards expected at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Champions League Woes
In La Liga, the gap to leaders Barcelona is a manageable four points (with a game in hand), but it’s in the Champions League where the real concerns lie. Losses to Lille, Milan, and Liverpool have left their campaign hanging by a thread. Next, they face Atalanta in Bergamo, a critical fixture for their European hopes.
Real Madrid’s struggles in high-stakes matches have been glaring: a draw with Atletico Madrid, a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Barcelona, and convincing losses to Milan and Liverpool at home. For the reigning European champions, these results are alarmingly subpar.
Lack of Balance and Injury Setbacks
One of the core issues is the lack of balance within the team. The attacking players contribute little defensively, leaving a weakened backline to absorb pressure. The defence has been significantly impacted by injuries to key players such as Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba, the latter only expected back in January.
Jude Bellingham, meanwhile, has been misused on the wing, tasked with tracking back rather than operating in his preferred central role. This tactical adjustment seemed to stall his progress, with the English midfielder rediscovering his scoring touch only in November.
Neglecting Youth Prospects
Ancelotti is also under scrutiny for his limited use of young talents like Arda Güler and Endrick. Despite injuries to key forwards such as Rodrygo and now Vinícius Jr., the pair have been largely sidelined. Endrick has made 13 appearances, 12 of them as a substitute in the dying moments of matches, while Güler has started only five games. Critics argue that these players could have offered much-needed solutions during the injury crisis.
Mbappé: The Wrong Fit?
Finally, Kylian Mbappé has become a lightning rod for criticism. While a phenomenal player, his signing has not resolved Real Madrid’s tactical issues. Early miscommunication with Vinícius Jr. and now struggles from the penalty spot—missing crucial attempts against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao—have only intensified scrutiny.
Some have unfairly labelled Mbappé a shadow of his Paris Saint-Germain self, contributing “just 1%” of what he did in France. This harsh assessment overlooks his 10 goals this season, but it’s clear he has yet to meet the sky-high expectations set upon his arrival.
Ancelotti Under Pressure
With Real Madrid faltering on multiple fronts, Carlo Ancelotti’s position is no longer untouchable. The Italian coach, who once brought unrivalled stability to the Bernabéu, now faces mounting criticism for tactical missteps, underwhelming results, and a perceived inability to maximise his squad's potential.
The pressure is on, and with the January transfer window looming, Real Madrid must act swiftly to salvage their season and restore their standing as Europe’s elite.
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Source: transfermarketweb.com