Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will use Carlo Ancelotti as an excuse for season’s failure – report
Real Madrid’s defeat to FC Barcelona on Sunday night all but ended their hopes of defending the La Liga title.
After a triumphant last season, much better was expected of the team in the current campaign. However, things have not worked out as expected as Real Madrid first lost the Spanish Super Cup to Barcelona, in a match where they were schooled by the Catalans.
Following that defeat in January, Los Blancos have lost two more El Clasico matches versus Barça, with one defeat leaving them on the brink of a Copa del Rey exit and another pretty much knocking them out of the title race in the league.
Indeed, last night’s defeat means that Carlo Ancelotti’s men are now 12 points behind Barcelona in the table, with 12 games left to be played. Judging by how both teams are playing, a reversal of fortunes anytime soon looks unlikely.
And, according to Eurosport (h/t Madrid Xtra), the blame for this season’s shortcomings at Real Madrid will be laid at the feet of manager Ancelotti, despite the failure of the club’s recruitment department this season.
The Italian returned to the club in 2021 for a second spell and led the Merengues to a historic La Liga and UEFA Champions League double, setting the benchmark for the team. And that will be used as the yardstick to point fingers at the veteran manager for this term’s failure.
The fact that the recruitment team at the capital club failed to offer the necessary signings to the manager will be overlooked again, adds the report.
The Real Madrid squad, at this moment, is far from complete. However, the last season’s double helped paper over the cracks which then gave the club an excuse not to go big in the market, as they signed just Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger.
No right-back was brought in despite Dani Carvajal’s fitness woes, while a striker was also not signed even though the lack of cover for Karim Benzema was glaringly visible.
Los Blancos did not learn their lesson during the winter window either and did not sign any players, despite Ancelotti’s alleged request for a new striker.
Ancelotti has not been without faults either. The Italian has appeared too rigid at times with his team selection and tactics while often appearing to back players on their name and reputation over form and suitability of situations.
However, he was not backed by the club in the market suitably and will now shoulder the blame for the season going south. All is not lost, though, as the UEFA Champions League triumph could prove to be a saving grace.
Real Madrid News
Versatile Real Madrid star refuses to change plans despite reduced playing time under Mourinho
Brahim Diaz has no intention of changing his plans at Real Madrid despite his recent loss of playing time under José Mourinho, according to Bernabeu Digital.
The Moroccan international began the 2026/27 season as a trusted member of Mourinho’s plans and was handed regular starts during the pre-season.
His position has since become less secure, with fierce competition for places in Real Madrid’s attacking positions pushing him further down the pecking order.
However, that change has not altered Brahim’s thinking.
The 27-year-old, who has played just two La Liga matches, clocking a mere 77 minutes, chose to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu during the summer despite understanding that establishing himself as an undisputed starter would be difficult.
His decision was based on a desire to compete for his place rather than seek a new club where regular minutes might have been easier to find.
Interestingly, that stance remains unchanged.
Brahim determined to fight for his place
Brahim’s situation has developed considerably since the beginning of the season.
Mourinho initially showed considerable faith in the attacking midfielder, giving him opportunities from the start and making him part of the team’s plans.
As the competitive campaign started, competition in the attacking positions has increased his difficulty in maintaining a starting role.
The loss of minutes could easily have prompted Brahim to reconsider his future, particularly after he opted to stay during the summer.
Instead, the report claims the player remains committed to Real Madrid and intends to fight for opportunities whenever they arrive.
His objective is to earn Mourinho’s confidence again and demonstrate that he deserves a more prominent role.
Mourinho’s trust is now key
The biggest challenge for Brahim is rebuilding his relationship with Mourinho on the pitch.
The manager’s early confidence gave the forward momentum at the beginning of the campaign, but his subsequent reduction in minutes means he now has to convince Mourinho that he can once again become an important part of the starting XI.
Brahim is aware of the competition around him and does not appear to expect an immediate change in his circumstances. Instead, his approach is based on patience and consistent work.
