Carlo Ancelotti’s Problems Are Piling Up: “He Is Absent…”

Real Madrid is experiencing one of the most turbulent times in recent memory. After suffering a humiliating 5-2 defeat at the hands of FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, the pressure is mounting on Carlo Ancelotti to steer the ship back on course. However, with each passing day, the complications continue to stack up, making the task of turning things around increasingly difficult for the Italian coach.

The 2-5 loss to Barcelona has shaken the confidence of not only the players but also the supporters, who are growing increasingly frustrated with Ancelotti’s tactics and team selections. Although his position is not immediately under threat, the stakes are higher than ever. Every match now feels like a must-win situation, with failure to deliver possibly leading to deeper questions about his future at the club. The upcoming Copa del Rey match against Celta Vigo has become a crucial fixture for Ancelotti, one that could either stabilize the situation or exacerbate the mounting tensions.

In the lead-up to the Celta Vigo match, Ancelotti’s preparation plans have been further disrupted by several key players being unavailable for training. Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, and Kylian Mbappé, all essential to the team’s success this season, have been undergoing recovery programs in the gym. Their absences have caused some disarray in the preparation process, leaving Ancelotti with the difficult task of finding solutions in their potential absence. While their participation in the match remains likely, the uncertainty surrounding their fitness adds another layer of complexity to an already difficult situation.

However, the most pressing concern comes in the form of Eduardo Camavinga, who has been a vital player in Ancelotti’s midfield. The Frenchman missed training due to illness, with the flu being cited as the cause of his absence. Camavinga’s importance to the team cannot be overstated; his dynamic presence in the midfield has been crucial to Real Madrid’s balance this season. If his condition worsens or if he faces a prolonged absence, Ancelotti will be forced into making last-minute tactical adjustments that could have significant consequences for the team’s performance.

The flu-related setback is not the only problem facing Ancelotti. There is also a growing sense of dissatisfaction within the Real Madrid camp regarding the coach’s decisions and tactics. Players are questioning why certain individuals are not being rotated or given the chance to step up, especially given the club’s ongoing struggles. In particular, many feel that young talents are not being given sufficient opportunities to prove themselves. In contrast, Barcelona, Real Madrid’s rivals, have been more proactive in incorporating fresh faces into their lineup, which has sparked debate about Ancelotti’s approach.

The match against Celta Vigo, scheduled for January 16, 2025, will provide Ancelotti with an opportunity to quiet the critics and get Real Madrid back on track. The stakes are incredibly high. Not only is the team expected to advance in the Copa del Rey, but they also need to regain their confidence and demonstrate that they can compete with the top teams. A defeat could have disastrous consequences, both for Ancelotti’s tenure and for the morale of the squad.

Despite his typically composed demeanor, Ancelotti now faces a real challenge in managing this situation. With several key players struggling with injuries or illness, he will have to rely on his experience and tactical acumen to navigate through these troubled waters. The next few matches could be crucial in determining whether Ancelotti remains the right man for the job or if Real Madrid needs a change in leadership.

The pressure on Ancelotti is only amplified by the growing unrest among the fanbase and the media. Critics are already questioning his methods and his ability to adapt to the challenges posed by the team’s current situation. The defeat against Barcelona has given rise to a sense of uncertainty, with many supporters wondering if the coach can recover from this setback and lead the team to success in the Copa del Rey and beyond.

As the days lead up to the match against Celta Vigo, Ancelotti’s decisions will be under the microscope. How he handles the absences, adjusts his tactics, and motivates his players will be key in determining whether Real Madrid can avoid further embarrassment. The coach’s ability to make the right choices could be the difference between a successful turnaround and a season that falls apart at the seams.

In the context of Real Madrid’s broader ambitions, this match could be pivotal in salvaging the team’s chances in domestic competitions. Ancelotti’s tactical flexibility will be tested, and the absence of key players could force him to experiment with new formations or strategies. The match against Celta Vigo is more than just another Copa del Rey clash; it has become a litmus test for Ancelotti’s future at the club.

The team’s performance in the next few weeks will also reflect on the squad’s morale. A victory against Celta Vigo, coupled with a solid performance, would go a long way in rebuilding the confidence of both the players and the fans. Conversely, another lackluster showing could further damage Ancelotti’s reputation and leave Real Madrid searching for answers.

The situation surrounding Ancelotti has highlighted some of the challenges that come with managing a club of Real Madrid’s stature. Expectations are always high, and there is little room for error. The club’s recent failures, including the loss to Barcelona, have cast doubt on the coach’s ability to deliver silverware in the current season. The pressure is mounting, and Ancelotti’s response will be crucial in determining his future.

In conclusion, Ancelotti finds himself at a crossroads. His ability to navigate this crisis will determine whether he remains at the helm of Real Madrid or whether a change is needed. The Copa del Rey clash against Celta Vigo is an important opportunity for him to restore some stability to the team and to reaffirm his place as the club’s leader. However, with multiple challenges to overcome, including player absences and mounting pressure, the outcome of this match could have far-reaching implications for both Ancelotti and Real Madrid.

For now, all eyes are on the Santiago Bernabéu, where Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership and tactical decisions will be put to the test.