Penalty Taker: 48 Hours After Valencia, Carlo Ancelotti Officially Announces His Decision

In a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey clash against Deportiva Minera, Carlo Ancelotti revealed a groundbreaking decision about his team’s penalty takers. This announcement comes just 48 hours after Jude Bellingham’s missed penalty in the La Liga match against Valencia. The Italian tactician, known for his calm demeanor, opted for a unique and strategic approach to penalty-taking responsibilities.

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Preparing for a Key Match

Real Madrid, fresh off their hard-fought victory against Valencia, is gearing up for their second match of the year. With the Copa del Rey game on Monday and the Spanish Super Cup looming, Ancelotti used this opportunity to address various squad updates. He confirmed the rest of key players like Kylian Mbappé and Antonio Rüdiger while announcing his innovative decision regarding penalty takers—a choice that surprised both fans and pundits.

An Unexpected Approach

Despite Mbappé’s impressive penalty record, with a success rate of 79%, Ancelotti decided not to assign a permanent penalty taker. Instead, he introduced a match-by-match approach. Speaking candidly, he said, “I didn’t like the fact that we’ve missed so many. If we had scored, there wouldn’t have been a problem. I will clarify before each match who the penalty taker will be. The taker could be Vini, Bellingham, Mbappé, Modric, or even Arda Güler.”

Ancelotti further explained the rationale behind this unconventional method. “Penalties are a very complex technical aspect to work on because the atmosphere changes during a match. In a training session, it’s impossible to replicate the atmosphere of a stadium,” he stated, emphasizing the psychological and situational nature of penalty-taking.

Avoiding Squad Friction

Ancelotti’s decision also reflects his keen sense of squad management. By rotating penalty-taking duties, he aims to avoid any potential jealousy or rivalry among his stars. This move fosters harmony within a team filled with talent, where prioritizing one player could upset the balance.

Recent Struggles from the Spot

Real Madrid’s penalty record has been concerning. Out of their last four penalties, three have been missed—two by Mbappé and one by Bellingham in the Valencia game. Ancelotti’s strategic shift is clearly an attempt to reverse this trend and instill confidence across the squad.

Tactical Insights

By not designating a fixed penalty taker, Ancelotti ensures flexibility and adaptability. Depending on the opponent, match situation, and player form, the team can choose the best candidate for the task. This decision highlights his innovative coaching style and focus on maintaining competitive edge.

A Bold Gamble or Masterstroke?

Time will tell whether this unorthodox strategy will pay off. Ancelotti’s decision, while unconventional, could set a precedent for managing a squad with multiple high-profile players. By allowing each match to dictate the penalty taker, he ensures that no single player bears the weight of expectation.

Looking Ahead

Real Madrid’s next test comes on Monday in the Copa del Rey, followed by their journey to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup. The team will undoubtedly face pressure, and it remains to be seen whether this penalty strategy will be a turning point in their campaign.

Ancelotti’s leadership, combined with his ability to adapt, continues to solidify his reputation as one of football’s most pragmatic managers. With young stars like Bellingham and Güler and veterans like Modric and Mbappé, this new penalty-taking system might be just what the team needs to regain confidence and precision.

As Madridistas wait to see the results, one thing is clear—Carlo Ancelotti’s decision is as bold as it is calculated. The spotlight will now shift to the pitch, where his plan will either thrive or falter under the immense pressure of competitive football.