Ahead of the Real Betis clash, head coach Carlo Ancelotti says criticism of Real Madrid is normal
After criticism surrounding the team's opening matches, head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes it is 'normal' for the 15-time Champions League winners.
Madrid: Despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid, the team has struggled to get off to a good start in the 2024/25 season, drawing two of their opening three matches. After criticism surrounding the team's opening matches, head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes it is 'normal' for the 15-time Champions League winners.
“Criticism just 3 months after winning the CL? It's normal in Madrid, we don't care. As usual it will be until May,” Ancelotti told reporters at a press conference.
The Madrid team drew 1-1 against Mallorca in their first game and registered a resounding 3-0 win against Real Valladolid in their second game.
Real faced Las Palmas in a midweek fixture on Friday, a battle that ended 1-1 after Vinicius Junior's 69th-minute penalty leveled the game for Los Blancos. Ancelotti suggested that their opening games have seen the team struggle on the ball.
“We have to defend well as a team. We have conceded 2 goals in 5 matches but the problem is that we are having problems recovering the ball,” he added.
A major question mark following Mbappe's arrival is whether French players Vinicius Junior and Rodrigo both have the ability to play from the left wing, where Mbappe likes to operate.
The opening games have seen Madrid's attack crowding the left flank at times leading to steady ball movement. Ancelotti addressed the team's playing style and confirmed that it will be the Brazilian who will continue to play on the left.
“Vinicius and Mbappe? They are doing well. Of course, we can get better, get faster. But we have scored goals in every match and we will do better in the next matches. Mbappe will soon adapt to everyone. Mbappe and Vinicius can switch positions on the pitch but Vinicius is playing more on the left and we will continue like that,” concluded Ancelotti.
Real Madrid will hope to turn their fortunes around when they face Real Betis in their fourth league game of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu on Monday.
