Real Madrid’s 3-1 loss to AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday evening has sparked a whirlwind of controversy, not just on the pitch but off it as well. The defeat, which came at the Bernabeu, further dampened the spirits of a club already struggling this season, leaving coach Carlo Ancelotti under immense scrutiny. The pressure on the Italian manager has now escalated, with his tactical decisions coming under intense fire, even from unexpected quarters.
Federico Valverde, who started in a midfield role, was one of the players withdrawn by Ancelotti at halftime as Real Madrid found themselves trailing 2-0 to the Italians. The decision to substitute the Uruguayan midfielder, who has been a key player for the team in recent years, raised eyebrows, especially given that Valverde’s energy and versatility have been crucial to Real’s midfield. The move didn’t sit well with Valverde’s partner, Mina Bonino, who took to social media to voice her disapproval of Ancelotti’s tactics.
In a series of posts on her X (formerly Twitter) account, Bonino vented her frustration, stating, “It’s better that I keep quiet because they would take me to jail.” This statement clearly indicated her anger at the situation, but it was what followed that drew the most attention. When a user defended Ancelotti’s decision, claiming it was purely tactical, Bonino responded sharply, “Brother, Fede plays best as a pivot and in recovery. What are you talking about? When are they going to understand once and for all that Fede is not a winger?”
Her comments quickly gained traction, sparking a firestorm of reactions from fans and media alike. The attack on Ancelotti’s decision-making came at a time when the coach was already facing significant criticism for his team’s poor form, both in domestic and international competitions. Real Madrid’s defense has been a particular cause for concern this season, and the loss to Milan only highlighted the team’s vulnerabilities. Ancelotti, however, did not seem fazed by the criticism, addressing the media after the game.
In his post-match comments, Ancelotti defended his decision to substitute Valverde, explaining that the midfielder had been dealing with some back issues. “For me, he was not 100 percent,” Ancelotti said, “He had back problems, and although he trained well yesterday, it seemed he was not at his best physical level, that’s why I made the change.” Ancelotti’s reasoning did little to calm the growing discontent among some fans and players, especially with Bonino’s remarks amplifying the pressure on him.
Despite the fierce backlash, Bonino later claimed that her account had been compromised, suggesting that her earlier messages were not from her. “It’s not me, I was hacked,” she wrote, attempting to distance herself from the controversy. Whether or not this was the case remains unclear, but it didn’t stop the media storm surrounding the incident. The fact that a player’s partner was publicly challenging the coach’s decisions added fuel to an already tense atmosphere at the club.
The defeat to Milan has deepened the sense of frustration surrounding Real Madrid’s current form. The team now sits in 17th place in the revamped Champions League group stages, having suffered two losses in their first four matches. To make matters worse, they are nine points adrift of arch-rivals Barcelona in La Liga after a humiliating 4-0 loss in El Clasico just weeks earlier. Real Madrid’s struggles seem to stem from a series of defensive lapses, which were again evident in the Milan game. Despite creating numerous chances, the team’s inability to protect their own goal proved to be their undoing.
Ancelotti addressed the team’s defensive issues after the Milan defeat, admitting that the ease with which the opposition had found attacking solutions was a major concern. “The concern is normal,” he said. “We’ve conceded too many goals in the last few games, something that was our strength. In today’s game, we had a lot of chances, but what jumps out today is not the attack, but the ease with which the opposing team finds offensive solutions.”
The coach went on to acknowledge the mounting pressure on him, saying, “When the team doesn’t perform at its best, the coach is responsible. But it’s very important that we all take responsibility.” Ancelotti’s self-reflection was a rare moment of humility, especially in the face of mounting criticism. His admission that the players, himself included, were downcast following the loss did little to reassure fans, as the club’s struggles continue to cast doubt over their ability to compete on all fronts this season.
In the wake of the Milan defeat, Ancelotti and his team will need to regroup quickly. Real Madrid will return to action on Saturday against Osasuna in La Liga, where they will be hoping to salvage some pride and momentum before the upcoming international break. The pressure on Ancelotti will only increase if the team fails to deliver a positive result in that match.
As for Bonino, her comments, whether hacked or not, have added a new layer to the drama surrounding Real Madrid’s tumultuous season. The fact that a prominent figure within the club’s inner circle is publicly criticizing the coach only underscores the tension and dissatisfaction that currently exists. Real Madrid fans will be watching closely to see how both the team and Ancelotti respond to the mounting challenges they face in the coming weeks.
In the end, this situation is far from over, and with the stakes higher than ever, Ancelotti’s job at the helm of Real Madrid may hang in the balance.
