Ancelotti Reflects on Madrid Tenure and Embraces Brazil Challenge

Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure at Real Madrid concluded in a manner far removed from his expectations. Following triumphs in La Liga and the Champions League in 2024, and the addition of Kylian Mbappé to a roster already rich with talent, including Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, optimism was high. However, the season culminated in disappointment, with Madrid finishing four points behind Barcelona in La Liga and exiting the Champions League at the quarter-final stage. Consequently, Ancelotti was succeeded by Xabi Alonso.

In a recent interview with AS, Ancelotti analyzed the factors contributing to this decline. He attributed the struggles to an unprecedented defensive injury crisis that disrupted the team’s natural structure. The absence of key players such as Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão, both sidelined with anterior cruciate ligament injuries, along with Antonio Rüdiger competing through significant discomfort, deprived Madrid of the solid defensive foundation that had underpinned their previous successes. This situation instigated a chain reaction that affected player rotations, altered midfield dynamics, and destabilized team rhythm. Ancelotti emphasized that the team’s downfall was predominantly due to a loss of defensive identity rather than the departure of individual players.

Elaborating on the defensive issues, Ancelotti remarked, “We lost our entire starting defense. Losing Carvajal and Militão, along with Rüdiger’s injury, had a profound impact. Fortunately, [Marco] Asensio emerged from the youth academy and performed admirably. Numerous times, I had to deploy [Federico] Valverde as a right-back and [Aurélien] Tchouaméni as a center-back, resulting in significant gaps in the midfield. We sacrificed defensive solidity, which ultimately cost us titles.”

Ancelotti also dismissed the notion that Toni Kroos’ departure had destabilized the team, asserting, “It wasn’t because of Kroos. We adapted well with [Eduardo] Camavinga, [Dani] Ceballos, Bellingham, Tchouaméni, and Valverde. While we have exceptional midfielders, replicating the influence of Kroos or [Luka] Modric is an arduous task.”

Following his departure from Madrid, the 66-year-old took on the role of head coach for Brazil, a development he admits was not on his radar during his time in Spain. “Contemplating a move to another club was challenging due to the immense legacy I had established here, making it difficult to envision my future elsewhere. However, when Brazil reached out, it presented itself as an exciting challenge—a dream to prepare for a World Cup with the historic Seleção, a five-time champion team. Coaching a national team offers a different dynamic. I truly enjoy this role and believe I made the right choice.”

Ancelotti reflected on the pressures of coaching Real Madrid, describing it as an intense environment with frequent media engagements. “At Real Madrid, I faced brutal daily pressure, with six press conferences a week. Brazil carries its own pressures, but the role feels less frantic and focuses more on observation than constant intervention. Although training time is limited, this was also true at clubs due to demanding schedules. I strive to learn each day about Brazilian football and its culture while residing in Rio de Janeiro, which I enjoy immensely. Now, I have the freedom to observe the players and the organizational structure of Brazilian football, guided by a young Confederation president eager for positive changes.”

Addressing Vinícius Júnior’s performance on the international stage, Ancelotti noted, “He hasn’t replicated his Real Madrid form with the national team yet. Nevertheless, he has shown improvement in recent matches, scoring goals and providing assists. His talent is undeniable; Vini is top-class.”

He also commented on Vinícius’s emotional reaction during a substitution in El Clásico: “He made a mistake that day and needs to better understand his evolving role within Real Madrid, which now carries greater significance in the locker room. He acknowledged his error and must learn from it, recognizing that the coach has the prerogative to make changes for the team’s benefit.”

Looking ahead, Brazil is poised for two international friendlies that will play a crucial role in their momentum as they prepare for the World Cup. They will face Senegal and Tunisia, with Ancelotti aiming to regroup the team following a recent 3-2 defeat to Japan. Brazil has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, continuing their remarkable streak of participation in every edition of the tournament. All eyes will be on how the former Madrid manager steers these upcoming matches to stabilize Brazil’s performance as he embarks on his most significant challenge yet: securing a sixth World Cup title.