Following Real Madrid’s 3-1 Champions League loss to AC Milan, Carlo Ancelotti has expressed deep concerns about his squad’s current form.
The defeat, coming off the heels of a 4-0 thrashing by Barcelona in El Clásico, has heightened the pressure on Los Blancos. With two losses in four European fixtures and a nine-point gap in La Liga, Ancelotti is facing a challenging period in his tenure.
Mbappe’s Role and the Team’s Recent Downturn
A major topic of discussion has been Kylian Mbappe, whose recent performances have drawn mixed reactions.
Despite his reputation as a prolific scorer, Mbappe has only netted once in his last six games, leading some, including former teammate Karim Benzema, to question if he’s being used in his optimal position.
However, Ancelotti, as quoted by GOAL, has dismissed any speculation that Mbappe’s arrival has caused friction within the squad.
“No, the dressing room is healthy,” Ancelotti clarified, acknowledging that while criticism is part of the game, the team’s sudden drop in form is a normal challenge that every squad faces at some point.
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Defensive Woes a Key Concern
Ancelotti has pinpointed Real Madrid’s defensive fragility as his primary worry. Conceding nine goals over three games, the manager emphasized the need to tighten up defensively to restore stability.
“We had a lot of chances,” he admitted. “Probably we lacked being clinical, but the main problem we have to fix is how easily our opponents are creating opportunities.”
Ancelotti described the team’s current performance as “unorganized,” underscoring the importance of teamwork and solid defense as key areas for improvement.
Crucial Upcoming Fixture Against Osasuna
Real Madrid will host Osasuna on Saturday, a match that has taken on must-win significance in their season.
Despite his recent struggles, Mbappe is expected to start, with Ancelotti banking on both him and the team to respond positively. For Ancelotti and Los Blancos, this fixture offers an opportunity to regroup and potentially realign their season’s trajectory.