Real Madrid's defeat against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final (5-2) has left a strong mark on the club. With the disappointment still fresh, the first important decisions are beginning to be heard. Florentino Pérez and Carlo Ancelotti have pointed to two players who might be experiencing their last moments at the club after this tough defeat.
Tchouaméni: the One Singled Out after the Defeat
One of the main protagonists of the defeat against Barça was Aurélien Tchouaméni. The French midfielder didn't measure up in such a high-stakes match. His poor performance was evident and didn't go unnoticed by Ancelotti.
The Italian coach had already shown his confidence in the player, but his performance against Barcelona has set off alarms. In a club like Real Madrid, competition is fierce, and such a significant drop in level can have consequences.
More Criticism and a Team without Clear Solutions
Tchouaméni wasn't the only one at the center of criticism after the final. Other players have also earned Ancelotti's disapproval.
The lack of defensive solidity and the constant shortcomings in certain key positions on the field are a cause for concern. The team's fragility against Barcelona shows that, despite efforts, there's still much to improve.
The Right-back Position was a Critical Area
An especially problematic area has been the right-back position. Lucas Vázquez, the usual substitute for Dani Carvajal, didn't measure up in defense.
Although Lucas is has high approval at the club, his performance in high-level matches leaves much room for improvement. Against Barça, his performance was once again questioned, which has reignited doubts about his future at Real Madrid.
The situation is even more complicated when considering the absence of Éder Militão, another key piece in Madrid's defense. Without a reliable replacement, Ancelotti has been forced to temporarily reshape his defense. The lack of personnel in this area has become evident and could be one of the decisive factors for the team's reconstruction.
The Transfer Market and the Urgency to Strengthen the Team
With these shortcomings in sight, Real Madrid can't afford more mistakes. The management is already working on assembling the team for next season.
One of the main objectives is to strengthen the defense, especially the right-back position. The situation of Lucas Vázquez, whose contract ends in June, seems increasingly uncertain. His performance against Barça has marked a turning point and it will be difficult for him to secure a renewal.