Ancelotti talks Valverde, Tchouameni, Vinicius, Mbappe after Real Madrid 1-3 AC Milan | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti’s frustration was evident in his recent press conference following Real Madrid’s disappointing loss to Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu.

This defeat has placed Real Madrid’s qualification for the Champions League’s next stage in a challenging position.

The manager, clearly disheartened by the team’s performance, voiced his concerns about their current form. He admitted that the team is struggling with issues on the pitch, which need immediate attention if they are to stay competitive in Europe’s top tournament.

Review of the match

Real Madrid struggled to make an impact against AC Milan. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Ancelotti highlighted a need for order and discipline among his players, pointing out that the team’s lack of organisation has led to conceding unnecessary goals.

“We have to be worried. The reality is what we see on the pitch is that we are missing something and we have to fix it,” he began saying.

According to him, Real Madrid needs to work on becoming a more compact and cohesive unit, stressing that their defensive weaknesses must be addressed promptly.

“The team has not been giving a good version in the last few games. We have conceded nine goals in three games and that is too much for a team that has built its strength on defensive solidity.”

“It is normal that the players are down, as I am. It is going to be a very long night and it is good that it is that way,” he said.

Valverde’s substitution

Federico Valverde was taken off at half-time. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

The substitution of Federico Valverde at half-time became a notable topic. Valverde was replaced due to a back issue, which Ancelotti noted had affected his performance in the first half.

“Fede wasn’t giving his 100%, he had a back problem but he trained well yesterday… but I think he had problems in the first half.”

This decision, however, drew attention online, with some fans and even Valverde’s family expressing frustration over his early substitution. Ancelotti responded by saying that it was purely a physical decision and necessary for the team’s overall play.

“He wasn’t at his best physically and that’s why I changed him,” he noted.

Criticism towards Aurelien Tchouameni

Aurelien Tchouameni was booed. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The reaction from the crowd towards Tchouameni was another point of discussion. Ancelotti clarified that the team’s problems are not based on individual performances but rather a collective struggle.

“Emotionally it’s not an individual problem, it’s a collective one. We’re not doing well and we’re not doing well. We have to try to win the next game.”

Looking ahead, Ancelotti also spoke about the challenges of their future matches in the Champions League. With tough opponents like Liverpool and Atalanta on the horizon, the manager stressed the importance of staying focused and addressing the current issues.

“We have to focus on what we have today, which is a team that is not playing its best, and fight again for all competitions.”

The manager also talked about the partnership between Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, stating that the team was not clinical enough enough agianst the Italian side.

“Today we had many opportunities in attack, but we lacked accuracy. Because in my opinion, we could have scored many more.

“What is obvious here is the ease with which the opponent reaches us. That is the worrying thing, it is the main problem that we must solve,” he explained.

Lack of motivation

Real Madrid lack motivation. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Finally, Ancelotti dispelled concerns about a lack of motivation within the squad. He stated that the players are committed to improving and that criticism is part of the game.

He believes the team can bounce back by facing reality, defending better, and finding practical solutions to their struggles. Despite the setbacks, Ancelotti remains determined to turn things around and rally the team to fight for every competition this season.

“No [we do not lack motivation], we have to accept criticism and face reality. We want to do better because it’s very difficult to get to the end of the season like this.

“We have to defend better and we have to find solutions, without going crazy trying to change.”

Source: MARCA