Carlo Ancelotti demands defensive revamp following Real Madrid's pre-season struggles
- Rob Fleming
- 3 August 2023
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti candidly admitted that his team's defensive capabilities must improve following a 3-1 defeat to Juventus in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti voiced his concerns over Real Madrid's defensive frailties following their 3-1 defeat to Juventus in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday, rating his side's pre-season as a modest "six" out of 10.
Juventus' Moise Kean and Timothy Weah quickly put the Italian side 2-0 up at Camping World Stadium. Though Vinicius Junior pulled one back for Madrid, Dusan Vlahovic added a late third for Juventus.
The loss marks the second consecutive match in which Madrid have conceded three goals, after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in Arlington, Texas on Saturday.
"We've shown two facets of our game," Ancelotti told reporters after the match. "We've been very good offensively, but defensively the team isn't accustomed to defending with a midfield diamond. We've conceded far too many goals. The three today, against Barcelona... We lacked balance, and we need to address that."
Madrid's pre-season US tour began with impressive wins against AC Milan (3-2) and Manchester United (2-0) before the recent setbacks. Ancelotti has been experimenting with a new formation, employing four midfielders, including summer star acquisition Jude Bellingham, behind a front two, departing from Madrid's usual 4-3-3.
"The most straightforward thing to improve is positioning," Ancelotti said. "It's all about concentration and attitude. We did well with our high press, but we were weak in a low block."
However, Ancelotti found consolation in Vinicius' outstanding performance and fantastic goal, assuring that the attack does not concern him. Instead, he stressed the urgency of addressing defensive issues.
When asked to grade Madrid's pre-season, Ancelotti candidly stated, "a six," and added, "It's obvious what we have to fix. Now we'll have two days' rest and work on the defence."
Unfortunately, left-back Ferland Mendy will be sidelined for three weeks due to his latest injury, and new signing Arda Guler, faces an extended period on the sidelines with a knee issue.
"It isn't a serious problem," Ancelotti said about Guler's injury. "We're deliberating between conservative treatment or surgery. In the worst case, it's a month out."
Madrid will kickstart their new La Liga season at Athletic Club on 12 August, followed by away matches against Almeria on 19 August and Celta Vigo on 25 August.
Ancelotti has the daunting task of shoring up the defence ahead of the crucial season ahead.
