Ancelotti: Still Madrid’s Manager?

Carlo Ancelotti has long been one of the biggest names in football management, achieving great success with Real Madrid, most notably winning the long-awaited “La Décima” Champions League title. However, in recent times, some have started to wonder: is Ancelotti still the true manager of Real Madrid, or are there other figures pulling the strings behind the scenes?

In this article, we will discuss Ancelotti’s current role, the influence of his assistants on his decisions, and whether Real Madrid needs a change in its coaching staff for the next season.

Ancelotti… The Coach Who Restored Balance to Real Madrid

When Carlo returned to Real Madrid in 2021, the club was going through a difficult transitional period, needing to replace its aging core with a new generation of young players. Carlo successfully managed this transition, leading the team to win La Liga and the Champions League in 2022 while restoring stability to the dressing room.

However, in recent seasons, some issues have emerged, making it clear that Ancelotti is no longer the sole decision-maker in the team’s tactical approach.

The Influence of Davide Ancelotti and Francesco Mauri

Since last season, Ancelotti’s assistants, Davide Ancelotti and Francesco Mauri, have played an increasingly significant role in shaping the team’s tactical decisions. Davide, Carlo’s son, serves as the lead assistant and has been deeply involved in designing training sessions, analyzing opponents, and making in-game adjustments. Meanwhile, Mauri, the son of Ancelotti’s late friend Giovanni Mauri, has taken on a crucial role in the coaching setup, particularly in the physical conditioning and technical preparation of players.

Ancelotti himself has admitted that football has evolved, requiring a more analytical approach rather than just relying on intuition and experience. He has openly embraced modern technology, using advanced data analytics, video analysis, and performance metrics to refine strategies. This shift has naturally given Davide and Mauri greater influence, as they specialize in these modern coaching methods, helping to implement detailed tactical plans and adjust strategies based on real-time data. Their growing impact has led to speculation that they may have more control over the team’s day-to-day operations than initially perceived.

Loss of Identity and Dressing Room Tensions

When multiple voices influence tactical decisions, it is natural for a team to lose its identity. There is a clear contrast between Ancelotti’s traditional approach and the data-driven strategies employed by Davide and Mauri. This conflict has led to several issues within the squad:

• Unstable Lineups: Players are uncertain about their roles, which affects team cohesion.
• Clashes with Star Players: Players like Kylian Mbappé have reportedly expressed frustration over frequent substitutions, while youngsters like Arda Güler and Endrick are unhappy with limited playing time.
• Coaching Staff Tensions: Reports suggest heated arguments between Davide Ancelotti and players like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, as well as conflicts between fitness coach Antonio Pintus and Francesco Mauri.

Is Ancelotti the Right Man for Next Season?

No one can deny Carlo’s historical impact at Real Madrid, as he remains one of the most successful and respected managers in the club’s history. His ability to manage big personalities and guide the team through challenging transitions has been instrumental in Madrid’s continued dominance. However, in recent seasons, his influence has gradually diminished, and he no longer appears to be the dominant tactical force he once was.

His coaching methods, while effective in the past, are starting to show signs of being outdated compared to the modern approaches embraced by younger managers like Xabi Alonso. These new-generation coaches seamlessly blend traditional football philosophy with advanced tactical innovations, data-driven strategies, and high-intensity pressing systems.

For Real Madrid to continue evolving at the highest level, they need a coach who not only commands authority but also makes independent, decisive tactical choices without excessive reliance on assistants. The ideal candidate should strike a balance between discipline and adaptability, ensuring the squad remains organized and competitive while maintaining strong relationships with the players. A modern coach who understands both the club’s winning mentality and the demands of today’s fast-paced football could be the key to sustaining Real Madrid’s dominance in the coming years.

What’s Next After Ancelotti?

If Real Madrid decides not to renew Carlo’s contract, there is speculation that he might take on an administrative role within the club. Figures like Ancelotti should not be completely distanced from the club, as he remains a key part of its glorious past and successful present.

Conclusion

Carlo is a legendary manager for Real Madrid, but he is no longer the sole tactical leader of the team, with his assistants having a growing influence. The future of Real Madrid requires clearer leadership, and perhaps the ideal replacement is a coach who seamlessly blends modern and traditional coaching styles—someone like Xabi Alonso.

Could we see a change in Madrid’s managerial leadership soon?