Ancelotti Reveals Real Madrid’s Downfall Despite Mbappe Arrival

Real Madrid’s turbulent season under Carlo Ancelotti remains a talking point in world football, largely due to the much-anticipated signing of Kylian Mbappe alongside the brilliance of Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham. The campaign, however, closed without major silverware, leaving fans and pundits to question how such a star-studded squad faltered. Ancelotti has now opened up about the real reasons behind Real Madrid’s underwhelming season.

Real Madrid’s Hopes High With Kylian Mbappe and New Signings

Real Madrid began the 2024/25 campaign brimming with optimism. After securing La Liga and the Champions League the previous year, the addition of Kylian Mbappe was seen as a statement of intent. With a frontline featuring Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Jude Bellingham, Los Blancos were tipped as favorites in every competition. Expectations soared, but reality told a different story as Madrid finished four points adrift of Barcelona in La Liga and exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

Carlo Ancelotti Explains Real Madrid’s Defensive Crisis

The legendary Italian manager, speaking from Brazil, pinpointed a devastating defensive crisis as the root cause of Real Madrid’s struggles. Ancelotti detailed how the team lost its defensive identity, with key defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao suffering serious ACL injuries and Antonio Rudiger playing through significant pain. This forced the coach into tactical improvisation, often deploying midfielder Federico Valverde at right-back and Aurelien Tchouameni as an emergency center-back. The domino effect was felt across the pitch, as these defensive reshuffles destabilized the midfield and disrupted the team’s winning rhythm.

Ancelotti emphasized that the failures had far less to do with personnel changes and far more to do with the collective loss of defensive solidity. “We lost our entire starting defence,” Ancelotti told AS. “Carvajal and Militao were out, Rudiger played injured, and we had to rely on youth like Raul Asensio. This forced rotations that affected the whole team’s structure, and ultimately, it cost us the titles.”

The Role of Kroos and Camavinga in the Midfield Shake-up

Some speculated that the departure of Toni Kroos destabilized the team, but Ancelotti refuted this, pointing to the adaptability of his midfield options. With a rotation that included Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, and the creative Bellingham, Madrid remained strong in the center of the park. Yet, Ancelotti admitted that replacing a player with Kroos’ experience and vision is nearly impossible, drawing attention to the unique qualities brought by veterans like Luka Modric.

After Real Madrid: Ancelotti’s New Challenge With Brazil

After his Madrid exit, Ancelotti took the reins of the Brazil national team—a move he admits he never anticipated. The coach highlighted the different pressures of international management: “At Real Madrid, there was relentless daily pressure, six press conferences a week. In Brazil, it’s more about observation and less daily involvement, which allows me to focus on preparing for big tournaments like the World Cup.”

Ancelotti spoke highly of his new environment in Brazil, enjoying the cultural immersion and the challenge of leading the historic Selecao. The Brazilian Football Confederation’s youthful leadership and drive for reform have also impressed him, allowing for a renewed focus on team development as Brazil eyes a record sixth World Cup title.

Vinicius Jr’s Transition From Madrid to Brazil

A central figure in both clubs, Vinicius Jr’s form was another focal point for Ancelotti. While Vinicius dazzled in Madrid, replicating this success on the international stage proved challenging. “He’s improved recently, scoring and assisting for Brazil. No one can question his class,” Ancelotti explained. He also addressed Vinicius’ emotional outburst after being substituted in El Clasico, calling it a learning moment for a player stepping into a leadership role at Madrid. “He made a mistake, apologized, and now he must grow from it. The coach must make the best decisions for the team.”

What Lies Ahead for Ancelotti and Real Madrid’s Legacy

As Brazil gears up for crucial friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, Ancelotti is eager to build momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Brazil has already booked its place at the tournament, and attention now turns to how Ancelotti can instill stability and fresh ideas into the squad. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, under new manager Xabi Alonso, will look to rebuild and learn from a season that, despite immense talent, ended in disappointment.

Opinion: Defensive Stability Still Trumps Star Power

Ancelotti’s candid analysis underscores a vital football truth: star-studded lineups alone cannot guarantee success. The loss of defensive linchpins exposed vulnerabilities even elite attackers couldn’t mask. For Madrid, the lesson is clear—greatness is built from the back. For more news on world football and managerial insights, visit for more news.