Ancelotti safe but Real Madrid’s confidence in coach deteriorates after Barcelona thrashing | OneFootball

The significant defeat in Jeddah against Barcelona has left a lasting impact on Real Madrid. The poor image projected, the second heavy loss to their arch-rivals, and the perception of a lack of a cohesive plan on the pitch have triggered alarm bells within the club.

The Merengues’ president Florentino Pérez’s expression in the King Abdullah Sports City stadium said it all. While no drastic or immediate decisions will be taken, a reset plan has been initiated to evaluate the situation and redirect the team’s trajectory.

High-level meetings, involving the board and Carlo Ancelotti, are scheduled this week to thoroughly diagnose the problems and seek solutions.

Eroded confidence in Ancelotti

Now, according to AS, the first clear consequence of the defeat is a deterioration in the club’s confidence in Ancelotti.

Under scrutiny. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Real Madrid acknowledge the Italian’s achievements during his second tenure, including winning two trophies this season, but the inability to find consistent form this season has become undeniable.

Despite this, the idea of dismissing Ancelotti mid-season has been ruled out. In modern football, replacing an entire coaching setup with around 15 staff members is a monumental challenge.

Moreover, the Real Madrid hierarchy believe that the team’s position is not entirely bleak.

Despite heavy losses to Barcelona and struggles in big matches against teams like Liverpool, AC Milan, Athletic Club, and Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid has already secured two trophies, remains in contention for La Liga and can advance to the UCL knockouts.

However, the team’s gameplay has raised significant doubts. A lack of defensive coordination, a clear playing style, and the ability to dominate key matches weigh heavily against Ancelotti. Injuries to key players have also impacted the team’s performance.

It is no secret that Florentino Perez has Xabi Alonso in mind as a potential successor, but any decisions regarding Ancelotti’s future will be deferred until the end of the season.