In the vast expanse of the football world, where countless stars shine brightly, Real Madrid stands as a renowned powerhouse that is always at the center of attention. Any small move made by the club is enough to cause a stir in the media. On December 15th, Beijing time, Spanish media outlet Relevo dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the football community - following a draw with Vallecano, the Real Madrid hierarchy issued an ultimatum to their decorated coach, Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid correspondent Jorge C Picon confirmed the news and pointed out that this is not the first time Ancelotti has faced a crisis in his position as head coach this season. Rumors of a coaching change began to circulate after defeats against AC Milan and Liverpool in the Champions League. Now, the patience of the club's management seems to be wearing thin. While they have decided to give Ancelotti another chance, they have already identified Santi Solari as a potential replacement, waiting for the right moment.
The season is nearing its halfway point, and on the surface, Real Madrid's performance appears to be satisfactory. After 17 rounds in La Liga, Real Madrid has accumulated 37 points, ranking third in the league table, only one point behind leaders Barcelona with a game in hand, and level on points with second-placed Atletico Madrid. In the Champions League, they have secured 9 points after 6 matches, temporarily occupying second place in the group. After defeating Atalanta, they managed to stabilize their situation after being on the brink of elimination. Despite still being firmly in contention for titles and with no major conflicts or turmoil in the dressing room, it is indeed surprising that the club would consider dismissing a coach who led them to a domestic and European double last season.
Those familiar with the style of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez know that he has a habit of making others "carry the can." Looking back to 2015, when Real Madrid lifted their tenth Champions League trophy and set a record of 22 consecutive victories, it wasn't long before they ended up empty-handed, and Ancelotti was left with no choice but to step down. However, at present, the team is far from needing someone to take responsibility for their situation.
A deep analysis of Real Madrid's first team reveals a worrying state with many pressing issues that need to be addressed, akin to a field full of potholes that need filling. The most significant problem lies in the front line, which can be described as a "disaster zone." The three talented young forwards, Mbappe, Vinicius, and Rodrygo, are unable to cooperate well together, with poor compatibility between them. Interestingly, the frequent rotation of injuries among them seems to have provided some compensation for the existing problems in the squad structure, preventing the contradictions from escalating and spreading uncontrollably.
The midfield situation is truly concerning. Veteran Luka Modric, affected by the ravages of time, is no longer as agile as he once was. After the retirement of Toni Kroos, the team's delicate technical play has disappeared. The management had high hopes for Camavinga and Tchouameni, who possess great potential, but they are currently unable to fully replicate the abilities and roles of their predecessors. Bellingham and Valverde work tirelessly without complaint, but Bellingham has had to reduce his forward runs and attacking responsibilities, while Valverde, like a "universal brick," goes wherever the defense is under pressure, now often stationed on the flank, away from his familiar midfield area.
The defensive line is in a dire state. Militao has been unable to play this season, Alaba has yet to recover, and Vallejo is unable to shoulder the responsibility, leaving no choice but to rush young players into action. Even if Rudiger can play every match, with such a demanding schedule, who can guarantee he will remain injury-free? On the flanks, Carvajal is unable to compete, Mendy is frequently injured, and relying on Vazquez to fill in at full-back, the defense is often riddled with holes by opponents.
The situation with new signings Guler and Endrick is not looking good either. Guler initially showed extraordinary talent upon his debut, but his physical condition is lacking, often at a disadvantage in confrontations, and his defensive capabilities fall short of the team's requirements, frequently losing his position. Endrick is even more inexperienced, eager to showcase himself on the field with rash actions, once scaring the coaching staff with a sliding tackle. The coaching staff, already under pressure to deliver results, must also provide these unpredictable factors with playing opportunities to train through matches, which is akin to courting trouble and actively "messing things up." It's no wonder that some people lament that life is tough, but being a Real Madrid coach is even tougher.
Many fans who sympathize with Ancelotti surprisingly support Florentino's decision to change coaches. These fans are curious to see what kind of performance Real Madrid will deliver in the second half of the league season after the "delicate operations" of the "Old Man." If Solari takes over the coaching position, this plot will be all too familiar to the fans, as if history is repeating itself, with the possibility of losing all title hopes within a week, leaving them to hopelessly await Zidane's return to save the situation.
It must be acknowledged that Florentino, who has been in charge of Real Madrid for many years, has indeed built a star-studded team with remarkable achievements, but he has also done many things that are difficult to understand. Given the complex situation at Real Madrid, while Ancelotti, as the head coach, bears some responsibility, it is clear to those who understand that the real big problems lie with Florentino and the management.
Ah, the transfer market has once again dangled an attractive "bait," tantalizing the "Old Man." Erling Haaland's agent, Pimenta, has recently expressed goodwill towards Real Madrid in interviews, stating that both the Premier League and Real Madrid possess traits that are highly desirable to footballers. With Haaland's departure clause set to take effect in 2025, and Manchester City's uncertain future with Guardiola's contract renewal and unclear tactical reforms, it seems like a golden opportunity for Real Madrid to secure the Norwegian striker. However, it remains unclear where this storm involving the coaching position and the transfer of a superstar will ultimately lead Real Madrid.