Carlo Ancelotti has received an unexpected blow in his plan to strengthen the right-back line at Real Madrid. The Italian coach had his eyes set on Andrea Cambiaso, a player he knows well and who seemed the ideal replacement for Dani Carvajal.
However, Thiago Motta's ambitious project at Juventus has thwarted Madrid's aspirations. For the moment, Cambiaso doesn't want to leave the Turin team. The influence of Motta, a coach greatly admired by the young full-back, has been key in this decision.
Carlo Ancelotti gets the cold shoulder
Real Madrid are still exploring the market to find a temporary replacement for Dani Carvajal, following the injury of the Spanish defender. Although names such as Trent Alexander-Arnold continue to be heard, Andrea Cambiaso was a more than attractive option for Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian full-back, who can play on both the right and left, has had a meteoric rise under Motta.
Since arriving at Juventus after several loan spells, Cambiaso has proven his worth. His versatility, defensive ability and offensive projection made him one of the key players in the Bianconeri team. In fact, he has even earned a place in the Italian national team. Ancelotti, who had been closely following his development, saw him as a perfect option to cover Madrid's needs, but the player has made his position clear.
Carles Puyol's friend, key
The problem for Ancelotti has been none other than Thiago Motta himself. The former Barça player arrived at Juventus this summer with a project that has excited his players, especially Cambiaso. The young full-back confessed in an interview that Motta's work has completely changed him as a footballer.
Cambiaso highlighted his unique training method and his ability to surprise players. “With Motta you never know who will start until a few hours before the match. That raises the competition and the level in each training session,” Cambiaso said.
For Cambiaso, Juventus is his "Real Madrid", and his admiration for Motta is evident. His relationship with the coach has been so influential that the player renewed his contract with the Turin club until 2029. He thus made it clear that his intention is to stay as long as possible under Motta's orders. "I am where I want to be," he assured, practically closing off any possibility of transfer for the white club.
Thiago Motta's influence is not a surprise to those who know his career. Trained at La Masia, the former midfielder shared a dressing room at FC Barcelona with legends such as Ronaldinho, Xavi, Iniesta and, above all, Carles Puyol. His friendship with the former Catalan centre-back has endured over the years. Now Motta is applying many of the values he learned at Barça at Juventus.
Motta has always been a coach who favors collective soccer, with a lot of discipline and a tactical approach in which the freedom of the players is also essential. This combination is what has won over Cambiaso and convinced the young full-back to stay in Turin, thus frustrating Ancelotti's plans.
A market still open for Ancelotti
With Cambiaso's refusal, Real Madrid will have to continue looking for alternatives to reinforce the right-back position. Although Alexander-Arnold remains an option, the market doesn't offer many easy solutions. In the meantime, Ancelotti will have to recompose his plans and rely on the resources at hand or look for a plan C.