Real Madrid News
Ancelotti wants to tweak Real Madrid full-backs’ roles to ‘suffocate’ opposition – report
The change in squad composition has prompted Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti to adopt a concurrent change in formation.
After comprehensive testing in the pre-season, the coach zeroed down on a 4-4-2 diamond as the best way forward.
The newfound setup, however, comes with its own set of drawbacks. One of the primary limitations of the diamond formations is the lack of width in the final third as the forwards and midfielders play centrally.
According to reports from MARCA, Ancelotti wants his two full-backs to play a more attacking game and thus venture forward. He hopes that such a modification will help suffocate the opposition defence during attacking phases and enable his men to create better chances.
Problem with the personnel
Real Madrid have historically been known for its fast-paced counter-attacks, often led by pacey wing-backs who exploit the space on the flanks.
However, that has not been the case in recent years, especially at left-back.
Ferland Mendy has not lived up to the expectations since he arrived in 2019. The French full-back has been specifically criticised for his inconsistent performance in the final third and is not an ideal option to play the risky high-line that Ancelotti suggests.
Fran Garcia is thus the player the Italian tactician hopes to count on. Yet, not much is known about how the former Rayo Vallecano star will adapt to an attack-heavy role.
The situation at right-back is more concerning on the age front. Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez have proven to be promising venturing forward, but one doubts their ability to track back given that both players are on the wrong side of 30.
Real Madrid will look to adapt the tactical change right from the weekend’s clash against Almeria, and it will be interesting for fans to see how it affects the team’s defensive stability on the night.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rising star suffered against Atletico due to veteran forward’s absence, says Simeone
Real Madrid’s 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid was not the first time were in trouble this season. In fact, the Merengues have gone behind early in almost every league game so far.
However, the difference on Sunday night was that they never really mounted a comeback. More importantly, Jude Bellingham did not come good, for the first time.
Simeone unravels the mystery
A jubilant Diego Simeone spoke to the media after his side downed Real Madrid by three goals to one and spoke about a plethora of topics.
Interestingly, he commented specifically on why Bellingham did not have an impact at Civitas Metropolitano, citing the absence of Joselu as a key factor.
“No, the spaces were reduced and I think that Joselu’s lack of presence left him with fewer chances to get there, when he takes advantage of Joselu’s aerial play. We controlled him better, he’s extraordinary,” he said, as quoted by AS.
He even called out the refereeing on the night and insisted that the Real Madrid star-boy should have seen red for his late tackle on Angel Correa, saying:
“It looked like a sending-off to me live, it was a hard leg up, with Angelito hitting the ball.”
Ironically, he defended his defender Jose Maria Gimenez for an equally threatening tackle on the night.
“A bad foul, it’s a yellow card because it goes sideways. Bellingham goes from the front and I think it’s a bit more,” he stated paradoxically.
No time to lament
The game at Civitas Metropolitano may not have gone Real Madrid’s way. Yet, it is good for the Merengues to taste defeat early and see the gaping holes in their dynamic.
Carlo Ancelotti admitted in his press conference that he bore the lion’s share of the fault for Sunday’s loss and that he would have done things differently if given the chance.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Los Blancos have a hectic schedule ahead with two games in the next five days and a UCL fixture against Napoli next week. With Vinicius Jr back, one hopes they find their mojo once again.
