Carlo Ancelotti has very clear ideas after the 4-0 defeat in the classic. The causes of the defeat have been identified and he's gotten down to work in search of a solution.
This season, Real Madrid has two problems. First, Toni Kroos's absence, which no one has covered. Then, Kylian Mbappé's incorporation, which is proving more traumatic than expected.
New Roles for Bellingham and Mbappé
Ancelotti, after several experiments, has chosen Jude Bellingham to become the new Toni Kroos of Real Madrid. He wants him to be the man to provide the criteria, the architect of offensive plays from the back.
The other pending issue, that of getting the most out of Kylian Mbappé, has been something Ancelotti's been working on in recent days. Whether he likes it or not, he has to be Real Madrid's center-forward. That's what is going to happen.
Ancelotti wants Mbappé to contribute to the defensive tasks from attacking positions. The pressure must start with him.
And from now on it will be Mbappé who will be in charge of pressing in the opponent's goal area. He will be responsible for preventing the opponent from starting their attacking play without opposition, as has happened until now.
Both Mbappé and Bellingham were blamed for the 4-0 debacle in the classic and Ancelotti is clear about it. Both must contribute more to the team containment work: Mbappé up front and Bellingham behind.
The contemplative version of both is over. Real Madrid will always have more quality than their rivals. However, if they don't run as fast as their opponents, they'll lose. Barça ran more and won 4-0; that can't happen again.
Real Madrid Has to Press Much More than it Did in the Classic
Ancelotti has obtained a commitment from Mbappé that he will be the first to address the pressure on the opposing goalkeeper or center-back. Then, behind him, Bellingham will wait to break up the opponent's offensive play.
Mbappé still holds on to his habits at PSG, where he had no defensive responsibilities. Bellingham, meanwhile, is coming off a season in which Real Madrid didn't have a center forward. He used to play that role coming in from the back.
Ancelotti hopes to solve the problem by adjusting the roles of both players. The Italian coach doesn't expect Bellingham to score (no goals this season) but rather to do a lot of defensive work in the midfield. He expects Mbappé to harass the opponent when he has the ball in his area.
Both players have accepted the change of strategy proposed by Ancelotti for the future. It is to be hoped that tonight, against Milan, the team will have a different image.