Carlo Ancelotti, a living legend of football, may have ended his era as coach of Real Madrid on a bitter note, but his connection to the Merengue club remains strong and unbreakable. The Italian, who recently handed over the reins to Xabi Alonso, continues to be one of the most respected names at the Santiago Bernabéu, and this week, he decided to share his reflections on what is happening at his former home.
In statements to Marca, Ancelotti revealed that, even out of the coaching role, he still feels deeply connected to Real Madrid. “I live peacefully because every moment has its time. I have fantastic memories from my long period at Real Madrid and an extraordinary affection for the club and the people who work there. Now I am in a new project and I live it with the same intensity. When they play, I pay attention, not only to watch the Brazilians but also to support Real Madrid,” said the 66-year-old coach.
The conversation quickly turned to the challenges that Real Madrid has faced over the past two years. There were high hopes that the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, one of the biggest stars in world football, could propel the team to a new level of success. However, Ancelotti was clear: “The difficulties of Real Madrid have nothing to do with Mbappé. What really impacted the team were the departures of important players in the summer of 2024.”
The coach emphasized that the dynamic within the locker room has changed significantly, pointing to the importance of chemistry among players. “Football changes with small things and, with that, the chemistry also changes. It’s not just about swapping Kroos for Mbappé. That same year, Nacho left, Carvajal was injured, and Modric played less. The old generation that created a fantastic atmosphere in the locker room is no longer there, and a new generation of footballers needs to come in to bring character, personality, and example.”
Ancelotti underscored that the integration of new stars does not happen overnight. “Mbappé had a fantastic season, scoring around 50 goals, but the team struggled to win titles because football is made up of small details. When you change something, it doesn’t always work out well.”
The former Real Madrid coach also took the opportunity to speak about Vinicius Junior, one of the most promising young talents in Brazilian football. Ancelotti has high hopes for the player in the upcoming World Cup, which will be the first under his leadership as coach of Brazil. “Vinicius has never failed in important games. I don’t remember a semi-final or a quarter-final where he has let us down. It may be that Vinicius lost his head in Valencia and was sent off, but in important matches, that has never happened. I am convinced that he will have a great World Cup, if he is called up.”
Ancelotti’s statements not only provide a fascinating insight into his mindset but also reveal the complex challenges that Real Madrid faces in its pursuit of continued success. The transition of generations in football is a recurring theme, and the coach’s experience may be key to understanding how these challenges can be overcome. The future of Real Madrid may depend on the ability to integrate new talents while preserving the club’s rich heritage.
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
