The defeat against Valencia at Santiago Bernabéu and the loss to Arsenal have put Real Madrid on alert. The alarms have sounded not only within the club but also for Carlo Ancelotti, who continues to face a season full of difficulties. Paolo Maldini, one of the most respected voices in soccer, has pointed out the real problem afflicting the team.
Maldini's Diagnosis
Maldini points out that Real Madrid lacks a collective and structured game. The former Italian defender emphasizes that, although the locker room has exceptional players, there is no solid tactical foundation on which to build the game.
Throughout the matches, individual performance has been the one saving the group, although this is not sustainable in the long term. According to Maldini, the lack of a clear collective plan has put Real Madrid in a vulnerable position.
Beyond individual triumphs, "Madrid doesn't govern, doesn't dominate the matches. It's a team that doesn't press, that doesn't steal a ball," added the renowned journalist. These statements criticize Carlo Ancelotti for not improving the tactical schemes or the control of the game.
Criticism on Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid in 2021 with the goal of keeping the team at the top, as he did in his first cycle. In his first years back, Ancelotti led the team to conquer several titles, showing his ability to manage squads and lead great players. However, this season has been an unexpected challenge.
Despite his past achievements, the current season is testing his ability to adapt and improve the group. Tactical problems, lack of consistency, and reliance on individual performance have exposed Carlo Ancelotti.
As a coach, he is expected not only to manage but also to create a clear game plan, something Maldini thinks it's missing. Carlo Ancelotti's great challenge is to improve the collective performance of a competitive but less solid environment than in previous years.
An Uncertain Future
The defeats against Valencia and Arsenal have opened the door to speculation about Carlo Ancelotti's future. In recent days, rumors about his possible departure at the end of the season have gained strength. However, despite the pressure, Real Madrid still trusts him, at least for now.
Carlo Ancelotti finds himself at a crossroads. He needs to quickly change the team's dynamics and correct the tactical deficiencies that have come to light.
The club, which remains one of the most powerful in Europe, needs more than just flashes of individual brilliance. The question now is whether Carlo Ancelotti will be able to implement the necessary improvements before it's too late.