Ten days after suffering an embarrassing 4-0 defeat in El Clasico against Barcelona, Real Madrid faced yet another disheartening setback at the Bernabeu, enduring a 3-1 loss to AC Milan. This result only highlights how dire the current situation is for the once-mighty team.
The match ended in familiar fashion — with the discontent of the crowd resonating through the stadium. Initially, the whistles targeted the Champions League anthem, indicative of the fans’ frustration over Vinicius Junior’s absence from the UEFA-organized Ballon d’Or, which went to Manchester City’s Rodri.
By the final whistle, the disdain shifted toward coach Carlo Ancelotti and his players, although the intensity of the jeers was somewhat muted compared to what one would expect from the world’s most demanding fan base.
This reaction from the fans could stem from a growing sense of resignation or indicative of supporters simply leaving early. In any case, it epitomizes the widening disconnect surrounding this team.
Whether facing teams like Barcelona under Hansi Flick or seventh-placed squads such as Milan and Borussia Dortmund, it appears any opponent can exploit the deficiencies of the reigning Spanish and European champions, revealing vulnerabilities that were once unthinkable.
It’s challenging to recall a time when Real Madrid appeared this disjointed, be it at the board level, among the players, or with Ancelotti and the coaching staff at their Valdebebas training complex.
One might trace these issues back to the tumultuous 2018-19 season when Cristiano Ronaldo’s shocking summer departure to Juventus set off a chain reaction that ended with more coaches — Julen Lopetegui, Santiago Solari, and Zinedine Zidane — than titles secured (one: the FIFA Club World Cup).
The 2022-23 campaign also presented disappointments, albeit with a clearer silver lining. Although they secured the UEFA Super Cup, the Club World Cup, and the Copa del Rey, they missed out on La Liga to Barcelona and suffered a heavy defeat to them in the Supercopa de Espana final. The season came to hinge on the Champions League.
There exists an unwritten rule that a Real Madrid coach may not remain in charge if they fail to win La Liga or the Champions League. Thus, the 4-0 humiliation they faced at the hands of Manchester City in the semi-final was interpreted by many as a signal for Ancelotti’s departure. Yet, the board reaffirmed its commitment to him, a sentiment likely to persist.
On that grim evening at the Etihad Stadium, Toni Kroos faced the media head-on. “We will come back — it’s always like that,” he assured reporters then. Just over a year later, the German midfielder lifted his fifth Champions League trophy with Madrid, concluding his illustrious career in club football.
The dressing room profoundly misses the influential presence of the retired Kroos. In stark contrast, Andriy Lunin, the team’s current goalkeeper, spoke earnestly in the mixed zone after the game, presenting himself as a diligent player, yet one without the powerful voice that once resonated in the locker room. The players’ silence following El Clasico has drawn criticism, illustrating a troubling lack of leadership.
Madrid’s current struggles serve as another indicator of their diminishing quality and character. Strikingly, they have suffered more defeats in the first three months of this season — three losses in 16 games — compared to just two in a remarkable 55 matches last term.
Throughout both public statements and private conversations, Ancelotti has openly acknowledged he is grappling to balance the team’s offensive firepower with crucial defensive stability. “Would it be unfair to blame me? No, it seems normal to me,” he conveyed to reporters. “When the team doesn’t perform at its best, the coach has the responsibility.”
While the Italian tactician remains self-aware of his situation, he also emphasized the collective need for accountability within the squad. Ancelotti insisted he does not perceive a lack of effort among the players and maintained that the atmosphere in the dressing room remains healthy; however, several sources from Valdebebas have hinted that tensions are high due to unsatisfactory results.
Despite Ancelotti’s inclination to keep internal matters confidential, concerns surrounding the club’s summer planning remain prevalent. Having resigned himself to the fact that a new center-back would not arrive after missing out on Leny Yoro, he now stands wary of whether the board will secure any defensive reinforcements come January or if they will shell out excuses yet again.
The issue of squad depth has been under scrutiny since the season began. It raises eyebrows that club insiders have labeled this the “toughest and most demanding season in history,” while the team currently relies on only two elite center-backs: Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger. The already stretched defense is compounded by David Alaba’s serious knee injury, which has sidelined him for well over a year.
Criticism has also fallen on Lucas Vazquez, who has struggled in the right-back position due to Dani Carvajal’s injury. The decision to play him is less about Ancelotti’s preference and more about the lack of alternatives being forced upon him. Ideally, Ancelotti might have considered relocating a central defender to the right if he had a more robust selection available, yet that option would leave another gaping hole in an already struggling back line.
Potential fills a prominent void in Madrid’s deficiencies, notably in Aurelien Tchouameni, who frequently finds himself on the receiving end of fan criticism after being whistled recently at the Bernabeu. The midfielder has previously shown promise in a defensive role, yet he often plays with the lackadaisical demeanor of a player who has already claimed three or four Champions League titles.
Moreover, the overarching underperformance of many squad members has become increasingly glaring, especially concerning Kylian Mbappe, who merits a distinct mention. Although logical explanations exist for his need for an adjustment period, the looming question remains — when will the world see him back in prime form? Mbappe has now failed to find the back of the net for three consecutive matches after netting eight goals in his first 12 games. Where is the player lauded as the best in the world and the highest earner within the squad?
There is also growing frustration among club president Florentino Perez and the fanbase regarding the puzzling cases of young talents Arda Guler and Endrick. The Turkish playmaker has seen only one minute of action in the last four matches, while his Brazilian compatriot has not stepped foot on the pitch in the last five outings.
In summary, the current state of affairs paints a bleak picture for Madrid — and the situation could deteriorate further. Their looming challenge in the Champions League? An encounter with Liverpool at Anfield on November 27.
**Interview with Football Analyst Marco Rossi on Real Madrid’s Current Crisis**
**Interviewer:** Marco, thank you for joining us today. Real Madrid is facing some significant challenges after their recent defeats, particularly the 4-0 loss to Barcelona and the 3-1 loss to AC Milan. What do you think has led to this decline?
**Marco Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s quite alarming to see Madrid struggle like this. The issues stem from multiple fronts—player performance, coaching decisions, and even board-level decisions. Ancelotti is feeling the pressure, especially with the expectations surrounding the club. The absence of key players like Vinicius Junior and David Alaba due to injuries has further exposed their vulnerabilities.
**Interviewer:** The fans have made their frustrations very clear, especially at the Bernabeu. How significant is this unrest among the supporters?
**Marco Rossi:** Fan reactions are crucial at a club like Real Madrid. The whistles directed at the Champions League anthem reflect a deep-seated disappointment not just in recent results but also in a perceived lack of effort and leadership. When the crowd begins to lose faith, it can be a turning point for a club.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of leadership, you mentioned that the team seems to miss the voice of Toni Kroos. How much of an impact does this have on the squad?
**Marco Rossi:** Kroos’s retirement has left a leadership void. His ability to calm the dressing room and guide younger players is irreplaceable. The current squad seems to lack that strong presence who can rally the team during tough times. This is evident from the silence in the locker room after matches—an alarming sign for any team.
**Interviewer:** Ancelotti has acknowledged his responsibility for the team’s performance but insists the atmosphere remains positive. Could this be a cover for underlying tensions?
**Marco Rossi:** It’s possible. While Ancelotti promotes a positive narrative, reports suggest that frustrations are simmering. Balancing the offensive and defensive sides of the game is proving difficult for him. As the losses mount, maintaining a healthy atmosphere becomes increasingly challenging.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what needs to change for Real Madrid to turn things around?
**Marco Rossi:** First and foremost, they need to address their defensive weaknesses. The January transfer window is crucial, and the board must provide Ancelotti with the reinforcements he needs. In addition, fostering a strong leadership dynamic within the squad is essential. They must rally together to regain their form, or this season could continue to spiral downward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Marco. It’s clear that Real Madrid is at a crossroads, and the coming months will be pivotal for the team’s direction.
**Marco Rossi:** Absolutely. It’s a critical time for one of football’s biggest clubs, and fans around the world will be watching closely.
