Ancelotti Speaks Out: Reveals Reasons Behind Real Madrid's Lack of Trophies

Ancelotti Reveals Real Madrid's Title-Less Season Was Derailed by Defensive Crisis

Former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has attributed the club's unprecedented trophy drought last season to a devastating injury crisis that decimated their defensive line. Speaking candidly about the challenges that prevented Los Blancos from winning any silverware, the Italian tactician highlighted how the absence of key defenders undermined their title ambitions and raises questions about squad depth management at Europe's most successful club.

A Season Undone by Injuries

In an interview with French publication L'Équipe, Ancelotti explained that last season's complications stemmed primarily from recurring defensive injuries. "We suffered from repeated injuries in the defensive line, which made it difficult to form a solid team capable of supporting the attacking strength we possess," the current Brazil national team coach revealed.

The injury list read like a who's who of Madrid's defensive structure: Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Carvajal all spent significant periods on the sidelines. "All of these are very important players, and we missed them in crucial stages of the season. How could we achieve titles under such circumstances?" Ancelotti questioned.

Academy Player Thrust Into Spotlight

The crisis became so severe that Madrid were forced to field makeshift defensive lineups, including academy graduate Raúl Asencio. "At times we had to play with only two defenders, one of whom was Asencio, who had just come from the club's academy. Although he performed well, the circumstances were difficult," Ancelotti acknowledged.

A Rare Drought for the Galácticos

For a club accustomed to collecting multiple trophies annually, last season's barren run represented a significant anomaly. Real Madrid's failure to secure silverware highlighted the fine margins between success and failure at the highest level, where squad depth often determines championship credentials.

The defensive injury crisis exposed a critical vulnerability in Madrid's squad planning. Unlike Manchester City's systematic rotation or Bayern Munich's defensive redundancy, Los Blancos appeared over-reliant on their first-choice defenders, leaving them exposed when injuries struck.

New Era Under Xabi Alonso

Ancelotti's revelations cast a spotlight on incoming coach Xabi Alonso's challenge. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder inherits a squad that demonstrated both its potential and fragility. The key question facing the Spanish tactician is whether he can implement systems and squad rotation policies that prevent similar crises.

Alonso's appointment represents a philosophical shift toward a more possession-based, tactically flexible approach. His success at Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided an unfancied team to remarkable heights, suggests he possesses the tactical acumen to maximize available resources and minimize the impact of injuries through strategic adaptation.

Lessons for Elite Football Management

Madrid's experience underscores the importance of squad depth in modern football's congested calendar. With players facing increasing physical demands across domestic leagues, European competitions, and international duties, clubs can no longer rely solely on first-choice elevens.

The situation also highlights the challenge of integrating academy products into high-pressure environments. While Asencio's emergence provided a silver lining, expecting young players to seamlessly fill gaps left by established internationals remains a risky strategy for clubs with championship ambitions.

As Real Madrid prepares for the new season under Alonso's guidance, the club's response to last season's defensive crisis will likely determine whether they can return to their trophy-winning ways or face another campaign of unfulfilled expectations.