Carlo Ancelotti has put the criticism of Real Madrid into perspective. According to the coach of Los Blancos, people in Spain should not act as if they are watching a funeral. Ancelotti also shared good news about the return of Vinícius Júnior and the recovery of David Alaba.
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In a challenging week for Real Madrid, the team endured two significant defeats in three matches.
A 2-0 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League and a 2-1 setback against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga highlighted vulnerabilities that have drawn widespread criticism. However, Carlo Ancelotti, ever the experienced and composed manager, emphasized that the situation is far from disastrous. His message to fans and pundits alike was clear: this is not a crisis.
"It's not a funeral; we're still in contention in all competitions," Ancelotti asserted during Friday's press conference, a statement that carried both reassurance and realism. "I know the team isn't showing its best version right now, and the coach is the most responsible for that," he admitted, taking ownership of the team's recent struggles. However, he also struck a lighter note, suggesting that the players might be growing tired of his methods. "It could mean they're tired of me, but I'm not tired of them. I'm still happy and understand the criticism, which can sometimes serve as fuel to improve."
Ancelotti’s remarks reflect his deep understanding of the pressures surrounding a club of Real Madrid’s stature. With an ever-demanding fanbase and intense media scrutiny, moments of adversity are magnified. Yet, his confidence and pragmatism highlight his belief in the squad's ability to recover and excel as the season progresses.
Injury Woes: Updates on Vinícius and Alaba
One of the significant factors behind Real Madrid's recent dip in form has been the wave of injuries affecting key players. The likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, Vinícius Júnior, and David Alaba have all been sidelined, leaving Ancelotti with a depleted squad during a critical phase of the season. Despite these setbacks, the coach offered a silver lining with updates on two of the team's most important players.
"Viní has reached the end of his recovery and will be ready for the Champions League," Ancelotti confirmed, providing hope for fans eager to see the Brazilian winger back in action. However, he tempered expectations by ruling Vinícius out of this weekend's La Liga clash against Girona. "Against Atalanta, he will be available," Ancelotti added, suggesting that Tuesday's Champions League fixture would mark Vinícius' return to the pitch.
As for David Alaba, the versatile Austrian defender, Ancelotti explained that his recovery will take a bit more time. "Alaba needs the rest of this month and will be ready to play again in January," he stated. While this means Real Madrid will continue to miss Alaba’s leadership and defensive capabilities for the remainder of December, his anticipated return in January offers a boost for the second half of the season.
These updates are critical for a team that has struggled to maintain its rhythm without key players. Vinícius’ dynamic attacking presence and Alaba’s stability at the back are vital components of Real Madrid's system, and their absence has been keenly felt.
Kylian Mbappé Under Fire
Beyond the injuries and recent results, another storyline emerged from the Athletic Bilbao match. Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid's star signing and one of the most scrutinized players in world football, faced harsh criticism after missing a penalty that could have changed the game's outcome. The Frenchman, often celebrated for his composure and clinical finishing, has found himself under the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Ancelotti, however, demonstrated his trademark man-management skills by addressing the situation directly with Mbappé. "He’s not at his best right now, but he knows that," the coach revealed. By acknowledging the player’s current struggles while showing faith in his ability to bounce back, Ancelotti aims to rebuild Mbappé’s confidence without adding undue pressure.
Looking Ahead: Girona and Atalanta
Real Madrid's upcoming schedule provides both challenges and opportunities for redemption. The La Liga clash against Girona on Saturday offers a chance to stabilize their league campaign, but the match will be a test of character, particularly without Vinícius. Ancelotti’s side will need to rely on other attacking options and a collective effort to secure a positive result.
On Tuesday, the focus shifts back to the Champions League, where Real Madrid faces Atalanta. With Vinícius expected to return, the team will look to reignite their European campaign and respond to the setback against Liverpool. The match could serve as a turning point, allowing key players to regain their form and confidence as the team navigates a demanding December schedule.
Maintaining Perspective
Despite the recent turbulence, Ancelotti’s leadership remains a source of stability. His ability to defuse tension, address criticism constructively, and instill belief in his players sets the tone for Real Madrid's response to adversity. While the defeats to Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao highlight areas for improvement, they also serve as reminders of the challenges inherent in competing at the highest level.
For Real Madrid, the path forward involves not just tactical adjustments but also mental resilience. Ancelotti’s balanced approach, combining accountability with optimism, is precisely what the team needs to steer through this period and emerge stronger. As the calendar year winds down, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Real Madrid's season.
Updated: 02:45, 6 Dec 2024
