Superclásico: One Week After the 5-2 Defeat, Ancelotti Takes Responsibility for Real Madrid’s Loss
Published 13 minutes ago on January 18, 2025 by ENOCH
A week has passed since Real Madrid endured a humiliating 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Superclásico. In an unusual moment of accountability, Carlo Ancelotti, the Madrid coach, addressed the media before their La Liga match against Las Palmas, openly accepting responsibility for the embarrassing result.
With key players like Luka Modric, Vinícius Júnior, and Eduardo Camavinga absent, Real Madrid faces a must-win game against Las Palmas to stay in contention for the title. The aftermath of the Superclásico has been filled with reflection and criticism for the Madrid camp, who must recover quickly.
Ancelotti Acknowledges His Fault
Speaking to reporters, Ancelotti made a striking admission: “The team’s performance against Barcelona is my responsibility. I accept that the fans are booing me, and I understand why.” His honesty highlights the severity of the situation. Known for his calm demeanor and tactical expertise, Ancelotti has been heavily criticized for his player choices, which many believe contributed to the team’s downfall.
Despite his past successes at the club, including La Liga titles and Champions League victories, his admission has done little to quell the anger of Madrid supporters. The repeated defeats to Barcelona this season, including a 4-0 loss at the Bernabéu earlier, have left fans questioning the team’s direction.
A Rivalry Intensified
The Superclásico defeat has not only affected the standings but also wounded Madrid’s pride. Losing twice to their eternal rivals in such a manner has heightened tensions. Ancelotti stressed the importance of learning from the mistakes: “People won’t forget our past achievements, but we must show resilience.”
Defensive Weaknesses Exposed
The game exposed significant defensive flaws, particularly Ancelotti’s decision to play Aurélien Tchouaméni as an emergency central defender. While Tchouaméni excels in midfield, he struggled in this unfamiliar role, leaving the defense exposed.
Looking ahead, Ancelotti plans to review his defensive options. Young Raúl Asensio, 21, may be given a more prominent role, while the experience of David Alaba could prove vital in stabilizing the backline.
Turning the Tide Before May
The upcoming second-leg Clasico on May 11 is already in the spotlight. To silence critics and regain their dominance, Real Madrid needs to focus on consistent performances in both La Liga and the Champions League. Ancelotti emphasized that building confidence through victories against top teams is essential in preparing for another clash with Barcelona.
Midfield Balance is Crucial
One key takeaway from the loss is the need for better balance in midfield. The absence of Camavinga was sorely felt, and the lack of creative transitions exposed Madrid’s reliance on injured players. Ancelotti will prioritize reinforcing the midfield with players in their natural positions moving forward.
A Test of Depth and Mentality
The game against Las Palmas offers an opportunity for redemption. Despite being a mid-table team, Las Palmas held Madrid to a draw earlier this season. This match will test the squad’s depth and mental resilience as they seek to bounce back from such a demoralizing defeat.
Fans Demand Accountability
Supporters have voiced their frustration, taking to social media to demand changes. Many have criticized Ancelotti’s tactics and squad management, especially in high-stakes encounters. The signing of Tchouaméni, initially celebrated as a brilliant acquisition, is now under scrutiny due to his misuse in critical moments.
Acknowledging Mistakes
Ancelotti’s public recognition of his mistakes is a step forward, but actions must follow. Madrid’s coaching staff is under pressure to make necessary adjustments, particularly in defense. Bold decisions, such as relying on younger players and avoiding forced experiments, will be essential.
Focus on the Bigger Picture
While the Superclásico loss is a significant blow, the season is far from over. Madrid is still competing for multiple trophies, and their resilience in the face of adversity has been a hallmark of their success.
Building Momentum
Ancelotti’s leadership will be crucial in keeping the team focused on their goals. A win against Las Palmas could provide the momentum needed to navigate upcoming challenges and restore confidence.
Fans Remain Divided
Although some fans appreciate Ancelotti’s honesty, others remain skeptical about his ability to deliver under pressure. This divide reflects broader uncertainty about the team’s future.
A Defining Period Ahead
The coming weeks will be critical for Real Madrid. With the title race intensifying and the Champions League knockout stages on the horizon, the team must prove their strength. Every decision Ancelotti makes will come under close scrutiny.
A Coach Under Fire
For Ancelotti, the stakes have never been higher. Though his legacy at Real Madrid is impressive, recent failures threaten to overshadow it. The Italian coach must rise to the occasion, silence his critics, and guide the team back to glory.
The path to redemption starts now. For Real Madrid, every match is an opportunity to regain trust and reaffirm their position as one of the greatest clubs in football.
