Goodbye to Carlo, Hello to Davide: Why Ancelotti Junior Will Be Alone on the Bench Against Alavés

Carlo Ancelotti, the venerable coach of Real Madrid, will not be in the dugout this weekend when his team faces Alavés in La Liga. The reason for his absence is a suspension, a consequence of accumulating yellow cards throughout the season. This opens the door for his son, Davide Ancelotti, to take charge of the team in what will be his first official match as the head coach of Real Madrid.

Normally, the absence of the manager would go unnoticed, especially when it’s for such an administrative reason as a suspension. However, in the current context, Carlo’s absence is anything but routine. Real Madrid is coming off a humiliating 3-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, and the air around the club is thick with criticism. With the pressure mounting on the senior Ancelotti, every detail, including his suspension, becomes magnified.

The suspension was the result of an incident during the match against Valencia the previous weekend. Ancelotti received a yellow card for protesting after the referee had gone to the VAR. This infraction triggered a cascade of consequences, culminating in the ban for the upcoming match against Alavés. The Spanish Football Federation confirmed the suspension midweek, and thus, Carlo will not be at the helm for this crucial fixture.

In Carlo’s place will be Davide Ancelotti, a name familiar to Real Madrid supporters, but not one that has been seen in the spotlight as a manager. Davide has been part of his father’s coaching staff for years, acting as a trusted assistant. However, this match will mark his first official role as the head coach of the first team in a La Liga match, a notable milestone in his career.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Davide has been thrust into a managerial role. In 2022, during a match against Celta de Vigo, Carlo Ancelotti tested positive for COVID-19 and was unable to attend the game. At that time, Davide stepped in to manage the team. However, back then, he had not yet completed the necessary UEFA qualifications to be listed as the official head coach, so another member of the staff, Abián Perdomo, was listed as the coach on the official matchday sheet.

This time, however, Davide has all the necessary credentials. He has officially obtained his UEFA coaching licenses, and this will be a true debut as the head coach of one of the biggest clubs in the world. While he is undoubtedly nervous, Davide is also fully prepared to take on this responsibility, and the match against Alavés will serve as his chance to prove himself on the grand stage.

The circumstances surrounding this match are anything but ordinary. Real Madrid’s performance this season has been rocky, with the club facing several ups and downs. The team is still trying to find its rhythm, and their recent defeat to Arsenal has added pressure to an already tense atmosphere. This makes Davide’s role even more significant; not only does he need to step in for his father, but he must also help guide a team that is in need of a morale boost.

For Davide, this match is crucial for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it represents an opportunity to prove himself as a capable leader in his own right. If he can lead Real Madrid to a victory, it will be a strong statement to both the players and the fans that he is more than just Carlo Ancelotti’s son. Secondly, with the return leg against Arsenal looming large, Davide will need to prepare the team for the Champions League clash, ensuring that key players who have been out of form get the opportunity to regain their confidence and fitness.

The Alavés match will also be a platform for some of the underperforming players in the squad. Real Madrid’s squad is full of talented individuals, but not all of them have been firing on all cylinders this season. Davide will have to find a way to get the best out of them, offering playing time to those who have been struggling. His ability to inspire and motivate will be put to the test in this regard, as he looks to get the team back to winning ways.

The presence of the “Ancelotti” name will be closely scrutinized, especially in light of the rumors surrounding Carlo’s future at Real Madrid. Speculation about his departure has been rife, particularly after the Arsenal loss, and the younger Ancelotti will likely face intense media attention as he steps up. His leadership will be evaluated not just for the results on the pitch, but also for his ability to handle the pressure of managing a club as large and high-profile as Real Madrid.

Despite the weight of the situation, Davide is expected to remain calm. He has been groomed for this role for years, learning the intricacies of coaching under his father’s watchful eye. His deep understanding of the game, combined with the tactical knowledge he has accumulated, will be essential as he leads the team into battle against Alavés.

This match represents more than just a step forward in Davide’s managerial career; it’s also a critical moment for Real Madrid’s season. A win would provide a much-needed confidence boost, helping to restore some faith in the squad’s ability to recover from setbacks. It would also give them the perfect platform to build on before their crucial Champions League encounter with Arsenal.

Davide will be hoping that the team responds positively to his leadership. With the players needing to come together after the heavy loss to Arsenal, the young coach will need to motivate them and ensure that they are fully focused on the task at hand. There is a lot at stake in this match, and Davide’s ability to manage the team under such high-pressure conditions will be watched closely.

In conclusion, the match against Alavés will be an important moment for both Davide Ancelotti and Real Madrid. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Ancelotti family at the club, with Davide now in the spotlight as the man in charge. If he can lead the team to a strong performance, it will be a major milestone in his career and a sign that he is ready to take on greater challenges in the future. As for Real Madrid, a victory would be a crucial step in their ongoing pursuit of success, both domestically and in Europe.