Ancelotti Reveals Real Madrid’s Defensive Crisis Behind Trophyless Exit

Real Madrid’s defensive crisis defined Carlo Ancelotti’s final season, overshadowing the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and the presence of stars like Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham. The legendary manager has now explained why, despite high-profile signings and championship ambitions, Los Blancos finished the 2024/25 campaign without major silverware.

Real Madrid’s Defensive Woes Under Carlo Ancelotti

Real Madrid’s defensive crisis was the central reason Carlo Ancelotti believes his last season at the helm ended in disappointment. After a triumphant 2024, with La Liga and Champions League victories and Mbappe’s blockbuster transfer, expectations soared. Yet, the campaign unraveled as Madrid struggled to maintain consistency, finishing behind Barcelona in La Liga and bowing out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

Speaking from Brazil, Ancelotti highlighted how injuries to key defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao—both sidelined with serious knee injuries—destabilized the squad’s backbone. Antonio Rudiger played through pain, and the domino effect forced Madrid out of their natural structure. “We lost our entire starting defence,” Ancelotti explained, emphasizing that these setbacks led to midfielders like Federico Valverde and Aurelian Tchouameni filling defensive roles, which in turn weakened the team’s midfield solidity.

Star Power Couldn’t Save Real Madrid’s Season

Despite the firepower of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Jude Bellingham, Ancelotti was clear: individual brilliance could not compensate for a fractured defence. The veteran manager dismissed claims that Toni Kroos’ departure was the root cause, arguing that the club adapted well with midfielders like Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, and Valverde. “Finding another Kroos or Modric is impossible, but we have great midfielders,” he noted.

Mbappe’s Arrival and the Team’s Expectations

The addition of Mbappe was expected to propel Real Madrid to new heights. Together with Vinicius Jr and Bellingham, the attacking trio promised goals and creativity, but defensive instability led to tactical improvisation and ultimately cost the team vital matches. Madrid’s rhythm and rotations were disrupted throughout the season, highlighting the importance of defensive identity over individual talent.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Transition to Brazil After Madrid

After leaving Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti accepted the challenge of coaching Brazil’s national team, a move he described as unexpected but fulfilling. “The legacy I left at Madrid was huge, and thinking about another club was difficult. But Brazil called, and it became a great dream to prepare for the World Cup with the historic Selecao,” Ancelotti shared.

The transition has offered Ancelotti a different pace compared to Madrid’s relentless pressure. With less daily intervention and more observation, he enjoys the opportunity to learn about Brazilian football and its culture. Living in Rio de Janeiro, Ancelotti embraces the chance to shape a young squad under a progressive Confederation president.

Ancelotti’s Challenge: Getting the Best from Vinicius Jr

Helping Vinicius Jr replicate his Real Madrid form on the international stage has become one of Ancelotti’s main goals. The Brazil manager acknowledged that Vinicius hasn’t always matched his club performances with the national team, but recent matches have shown improvement, with goals and assists to his name. Ancelotti defended Vinicius after his emotional outburst during El Clasico, emphasizing the need for maturity and adaptation to his evolving role both at Madrid and with Brazil.

Brazil’s Upcoming Friendlies and World Cup Preparation

Brazil’s journey under Ancelotti continues with two friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, crucial for gaining momentum before the 2026 World Cup. Despite a 3-2 defeat to Japan last month, the Selecao have already secured their place in the tournament, maintaining their record of qualifying for every edition. Ancelotti is determined to use these matches to stabilize Brazil’s form and reshape the squad for World Cup success.

Opinion: Why Defensive Solidity Matters Most

Carlo Ancelotti’s frank assessment serves as a reminder that even with elite attacking talent like Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Bellingham, a team’s defensive stability remains paramount. Real Madrid’s trophyless season underlines how injuries and tactical compromises at the back can ripple through the entire squad, disrupting balance and ambition. As Ancelotti builds for the future with Brazil, his focus on defensive structure could be the key to unlocking another chapter of international glory.

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