Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Arsenal has left coach Carlo Ancelotti on shaky ground. The 5-1 aggregate defeat has exposed the team’s flaws, and Ancelotti’s inability to accommodate Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior together without destabilizing the team has been a major factor.
Tactical Dilemma
Ancelotti has deployed Mbappe in a centre-forward role, but the French star frequently drifts, and the coach has also preferred to play him off the left flank, which is Vinicius’ preferred spot. This tactical dilemma has left Madrid reliant on individual brilliance rather than collective effort. As goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois noted, “We have to make more collective moves rather than individual ones.”
Lack of a Target Man
Madrid’s lack of a target man like Joselu Mato, who left for Qatar last summer, has also been a significant issue. Courtois observed, “We put in a lot of crosses but this year we don’t have a Joselu, a born centre-forward up there.” The team’s inability to break down Arsenal’s solid defense was evident, and they were forced to rely on long balls into the box.
Ancelotti’s Future
Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid is uncertain, with speculation mounting that the club will look for a new coach in the summer. The Italian coach has been open about his future, saying, “It could be that the club decide to change (coach), it could be this year — or the next when my contract expires, there’s no problem.” With trophies still on the line, including the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey final, Ancelotti will be under pressure to deliver.
What’s Next?
Madrid’s defeat to Arsenal was their 12th of the season, a far cry from their 2023-24 campaign, which saw them win the Champions League and La Liga double. With Mbappe’s ankle injury adding to the team’s woes, Ancelotti will need to find a way to overcome these challenges and lead his team to success. The Clasico against Barcelona in May could decide the La Liga title, and the Copa del Rey final on April 26 will be a crucial test for Ancelotti and his team.