Real Madrid's once-dominant form has taken a significant downturn, leading to a series of disappointing results in both domestic and European competitions. Following their recent Champions League loss to Liverpool, the club's president, Florentino Pérez, is reportedly considering drastic changes, including the potential dismissal of head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The contrast between Real Madrid's triumphant 2021-2022 season, where they clinched both La Liga and the Champions League titles, and their current struggles is stark. The team currently sits second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona, and faces the prospect of early elimination from the Champions League after suffering three losses in their first five group stage matches.
To address this crisis, Pérez is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting with Ancelotti on Friday. This meeting will determine the Italian manager's future at the club. While injuries have undoubtedly affected the team's performance, insiders suggest that deeper issues, including concerns about Ancelotti's leadership style, are contributing to the club's struggles.
Former Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has emerged as a potential interim replacement for Ancelotti. Solari, who briefly managed the team between 2018 and 2019, is reportedly being considered to stabilize the team for the remainder of the season.
Critics have pointed to Ancelotti's perceived overreliance on external opinions as a factor in the team's decline. Former Real Madrid striker Predrag Mijatović has suggested that this departure from Ancelotti's previously decisive approach has weakened team unity and contributed to their poor form.
As Real Madrid faces a critical juncture, fans eagerly await Pérez's decision. The club's future hinges on the outcome of this pivotal moment, with the potential for significant changes that could either revitalize the team or further deepen their crisis.