Thierry Henry slams three Ancelotti stars after elimination: “I wanted to see…”

In what turned out to be a shocking and disappointing evening for Real Madrid fans, the Spanish giants were eliminated from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage after a 1-2 home defeat to Arsenal. Despite their strong pedigree in the competition, Carlo Ancelotti’s side failed to overturn a 0-3 deficit from the first leg. And while some tried to stay diplomatic after the final whistle, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry did not hold back.

Appearing as a pundit on CBS Sports, Henry launched a scathing criticism directed at three of Real Madrid’s most prominent attacking players—Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes. According to the former French international, these players represent a glaring weakness in Real Madrid’s current setup.

“I wanted to see what Ancelotti was going to do this season, especially given the attacking options he has and the balance of the team,” Henry began. “But when you look at the five players who cover the least ground per game in the Champions League, three of them play for Real Madrid.”

Henry didn’t mince his words. His analysis revealed an uncomfortable truth for Madridistas: the attacking trio that should have made the difference against Arsenal were, in his view, part of the problem. While Ancelotti counted on their flair and individual talent to unlock the Gunners’ backline, the three were largely ineffective.

Vinicius Junior was the only one among the trio who had a decent outing. He looked dangerous in bursts and managed to get on the scoresheet. However, his efforts were not enough to shift the momentum. Meanwhile, Rodrygo, whose form has dipped in recent weeks, struggled to impose himself and contributed more defensively than offensively. He was the first to be substituted.

Kylian Mbappé’s case was even more concerning. The 26-year-old, who arrived with sky-high expectations, appeared lethargic and uninspired. Not only did he fail to create any meaningful chances, but his defensive work rate was non-existent. To make matters worse, he limped off the pitch to a chorus of whistles from the Santiago Bernabéu faithful.

Henry’s comments sharply contrasted with those of Ancelotti, who maintained a composed and diplomatic stance after the match. “It’s not right to analyze things too harshly today,” the Italian manager stated. “We have to accept this defeat. Sometimes in football, these things happen. The team gave everything.”

However, Henry and many others believe Ancelotti’s leniency is part of the problem. With a squad built around individual brilliance rather than collective effort, the team’s flaws have become increasingly visible, especially against opponents like Arsenal who prioritize structure, intensity, and teamwork.

Adding to the chorus of criticism, former French international Samir Nasri also pointed out that Mbappé might be the biggest obstacle to Madrid’s cohesion. “He doesn’t press, he doesn’t track back, and that sets the wrong tone for the rest of the team,” Nasri said. “Real Madrid needs warriors, not passengers.”

The implications for Real Madrid are massive. A club used to lifting European trophies now finds itself facing serious questions. The absence of a defined playing style, combined with tactical rigidity and over-reliance on underperforming stars, has left many wondering whether Ancelotti is still the right man for the job.

Fans and pundits alike are also questioning the exclusion of promising young talents like Endrick and Arda Güler. Both players have shown glimpses of brilliance, yet they were left out of the starting eleven. “Barcelona has no problem trusting Lamine Yamal,” said Alain Bisiaux, a frustrated fan. “Real Madrid should have shown the same boldness.”

This sense of underutilized potential is only adding fuel to the fire. With Ancelotti nearing the end of his current contract and Real Madrid rumored to be considering managerial changes, the pressure on Florentino Pérez to act decisively has never been higher.

Rebuilding will not be easy. Madrid must address issues of fitness, tactical discipline, and squad harmony. But the first step, many argue, must be acknowledging the need for change. As Henry so pointedly concluded, “If your stars don’t work hard, your system fails. And today, Real Madrid’s system failed.”

As Los Blancos prepare to shift their focus to La Liga and domestic competitions, questions loom large. Will Ancelotti stay on? Will Perez back him or pull the trigger? Can players like Mbappé and Rodrygo regain the trust of the fans?

For now, what is clear is that the aura of invincibility surrounding Real Madrid in Europe has faded. And unless significant changes are made, the road back to European dominance may be longer and more painful than expected.

The defeat against Arsenal is not just a tactical setback; it’s a wake-up call. The Real Madrid of the future will require more than talent—it will demand commitment, balance, and above all, evolution.