Real Madrid News
Ancelotti could adopt ‘pyramid formation’ in Real Madrid superstar’s absence – report
It has been a season of new beginnings for Real Madrid. The departure of Karim Benzema was the first of many drastic changes at the Spanish capital, and the saga culminated in Carlo Ancelotti’s novel formation to fit the current squad.
The 4-4-2 diamond appeared to be the right way forward for Los Blancos, for it helped players like Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni play to their strengths. Of the three games the team played in the aforementioned setup, the men in white did not falter in any.
Vinicius Jr’s injury marks the commencement of another sub-heading in Real Madrid’s book this season. With the star forward ruled out for six weeks, Ancelotti strongly considers changing the formation once again.
According to reports from El Chiringuito, the Italian tactician is preparing a ‘pyramid formation’ as a solution to the Brazilian’s absence.
The team will adopt a 4-3-2-1 setup with Joselu playing as the central striker, and the duo of Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes playing behind him.
A minor tweak
While the change appears drastic on paper, the difference between the 4-4-2 diamond and the 4-3-2-1 is not much. The key difference, however, is in the position of Rodrygo.
The young phenom has always been one to pounce on the half-spaces and shine behind an established striker.
Officially deploying him in attacking midfield may help bring the best out of him, albeit it remains to be seen how the new formation affects Bellingham.
Focus on the full-backs
Much like its twin 4-4-2 system, Ancelotti’s new setup does not feature any width in midfield or attack.
With the team centrally concentrated, the responsibility of stretching the defence and adding an element of width falls on the two full-backs.
Fran Garcia and Dani Carvajal have proven to be valuable on that front in recent games and will look to produce more of the same when Los Blancos take to the field this weekend.
Real Madrid’s game against Las Palmas this midweek was an important one for the club.
The Spanish giants secured a 2-0 victory over the Canaries. But more importantly, the game witnessed the return of Vinicius Junior, who was coming back from an injury.
However, it was not the most pleasing return from the Brazilian, who had an altercation with head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Dispute ends without a handshake
A video has surfaced recently which shows that Vinicius Junior and Ancelotti even ended the game without even shaking hands.
The altercation started when Ancelotti was seen talking to Vinicius, asking him to play more freely.
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خلاف بين فينيسيوس و انشيلوتي ينتهي دون مصافحة بين الطرفين بعد نهاية مباراة لاس بالماس.
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Vinicius, though, was not happy with the Italian’s tactics. He pointed out his disagreement with Ancelotti and highlighted the team’s lack of structure.
Ancelotti continued to yell at the Brazilian, asking him to play a certain way. The matters turned worse when Vini continued to turn his back on the Real Madrid coach.
After the final whistle, the Brazilian international did glance past Ancelotti without even shaking his hand.
Ancelotti under pressure
This is a worrying sign for Real Madrid and an indicator that the team is not entirely happy with Ancelotti, who has faced criticism despite a relatively good start to the season.
Although the Real Madrid board has continued to back the former AC Milan and PSG coach, the Italian is certainly running on thin ice.
The upcoming games against Girona, Napoli and Osasuna could be crucial as Real Madrid look to maintain their winning momentum, especially following a derby defeat to Atleti.
In the meantime, Ancelotti must definitely have a word with Vinicius and calm the Brazilian, knowing the attacker could play a key role in revving up the team’s offensive unit in the coming weeks.
