Real Madrid fans are debating head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the club after a bitter loss against their long-time rivals FC Barcelona.
“This isn’t just about losing to Barcelona; it’s about Carlo’s outdated tactics,” said Vicente Martín Pozuelo, a 20-year-old Madrid native.
Following Real Madrid’s 0-4 defeat to FC Barcelona, a heated debate has erupted over whether Carlo Ancelotti should remain as manager. The loss has left Madrid six points behind Barcelona in La Liga, Spain’s top football league.
Ancelotti’s first tenure with Real Madrid, beginning in 2013, brought the team a record-breaking 10th Champions League title, known as La Décima, and a historic 22-game winning streak. His second spell, which began in 2021, added another Champions League and La Liga title to his record, making him the only coach to win Europe’s five major leagues. But for critics, his methods now appear outdated.
“The team lacks cohesion,” said Pozuelo. “We’re Madrid—we need someone who can drive players to be disciplined and organized.”
Standing nearby, Ignacio de la Torre, 22, agreed.
“Ancelotti doesn’t have the right approach for this team,” he said. De la Torre pointed to Ancelotti’s handling of young players, particularly Jude Bellingham, who had shown promise but recently struggled to fit into the squad’s system.
“He’s got the potential to be a game-changer, but lately he’s been out of place. That’s on the manager,” he added.
For many younger fans, the Barcelona defeat marked a tipping point, reflecting a broader need for new tactics and leadership.
Others, however, argue that Ancelotti’s record and experience warrant patience. Luis de Agustín, a 20-year-old university student, defended the veteran manager.
“Ancelotti has guided us through rough times,” he said. “He knows how to bring this team back. We’ve seen him do it before.”
De Agustín referred to past seasons when Ancelotti steered Madrid through difficult periods and finished strong, even as injuries and setbacks piled up.
“It’s not the first time he’s faced a tough situation,” he said. “People forget how much he’s done.”
Susana Martín Luna, 59, also supports Ancelotti’s continued leadership, pointing to his role in some of Madrid’s greatest achievements.
“Carlo has brought us titles that we’ll never forget,” she said. “Madrid is built on history, and he’s part of it. Let him prove himself again.”
Recent losses have raised questions about whether Ancelotti’s more relaxed, pragmatic style suits a long league season. His supporters argue that his calm approach is precisely what Madrid needs, especially in high-pressure tournaments.
Nemesio Fernandez, a 31-year-old office worker, shared similar doubts about Ancelotti’s ability to lead Madrid in La Liga.
“He’s great in the Champions League,” he said. “But this league requires more intensity—and we aren’t seeing that.”
Fernandez believes that Madrid would benefit from a manager who brings more energy and tactical discipline, especially against opponents like Barcelona who play with consistency and structure.
Antonio Doblas Gil, a Real Madrid fan from Barcelona, voiced his frustrations with the team’s reliance on individual players.
“I’m tired of Real Madrid depending on one or two stars to carry the rest of the team,” he said. “There’s very little strategy involved in our play right now. Just look at Xabi Alonso—he’s boosted a team that nearly relegated two years ago to Bundesliga champions and Europa League finalists, all while going 51 games undefeated across competitions.”
Alonso, a Real Madrid legend, played a central role in the midfield during Ancelotti’s first tenure, helping the team secure La Décima in 2014. Known for his tactical awareness and leadership on the field, Alonso now manages Bayer Leverkusen, where he has been praised for transforming the team into a title-winning force in Germany. His rapid success at Leverkusen has added fuel to the debate over whether he could bring a similar resurgence to Madrid.
Xabi Alonso is seen by many as Ancelotti’s natural successor. But both their contracts and their current clubs run until 2026.
The German club’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, made it clear that they are counting on the Spanish manager until his contract expires.
“As of today, Xabi Alonso’s chances of staying until 2026 are 100% certain.” He told RTL, a French commercial radio station. “He has a contract and shows no signs of going in any other direction.”
