As Real Madrid embarks on a new season, questions loom about their ability to defend their titles in both La Liga and the Champions League. Despite being one of the most well-rounded teams in Europe, the club has struggled to deliver on the pitch, raising concerns about the leadership of head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Known for his emotional management style rather than tactical innovation, Ancelotti has relied on the club's winning mentality to navigate difficult situations. However, cracks are beginning to show.
With the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, now the team's top scorer with six goals, and young star Endrick, expectations were high for a dominant season. Yet, despite these talents, Real Madrid's performances have been underwhelming. As they approach four major fixtures, including a Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund and the iconic El Clásico against Barcelona, calls for improvement have intensified. Some insiders believe a coaching change could be imminent if the team fails to deliver in these crucial matches.
One of the most pressing criticisms against Ancelotti is his handling of young players, particularly 19-year-old midfielder Arda Güler. Despite Güler’s standout performances during the international break with Turkey, where he impressed with his skills and scored, Ancelotti has been hesitant to give him significant playing time. In a recent match against Celta Vigo, Güler didn’t see any action, despite the team's need for more attacking creativity. This has led to frustration among fans and club officials, who are questioning why promising talents like Güler and Endrick aren’t being fully utilized.
Though Güler has seen more minutes this season compared to last, there is a growing belief that Ancelotti is not maximizing the potential of his younger players. Some within the technical staff, including Ancelotti's son Davide, argue that Güler could provide a much-needed spark in the attack. With critical matches on the horizon, Real Madrid's performance could ultimately decide Ancelotti’s future at the club, as patience begins to wear thin.