Carlo Ancelotti says Real Madrid believe they have 'found solution to defensive problem'

8 November 2024Last Update :
Carlo Ancelotti says Real Madrid believe they have 'found solution to defensive problem'

Carlo Ancelotti believes Real Madrid have “found the solution” to their problems following a talk with his players and the head coach insisted: “It is a defensive problem, not offensive.”

Madrid lost 3-1 at home to AC Milan in Tuesday’s Champions League encounter, their first match since a four-goal home defeat to Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season.

Ancelotti’s side go into Saturday’s league match at home to Osasuna nine points behind league leaders Barcelona, albeit having played one game fewer after their scheduled match at Valencia last weekend was postponed due to local flooding.

The 65-year-old Italian has said that he and his squad have talked in recent days to address their recent form and they believe they have found a solution to their issues.

“We have talked, we have tried to evaluate the situation with the players,” Ancelotti said on Friday.

“We think we have found the solution and obviously it is just a theory, then we have to put a different version into practice. I see a united team. What we have detected is the right decision. We have to see if tomorrow we respond in the right way.”

Ancelotti was then asked about changing the position of Vinicius Junior in attack to get the best out of the Brazilian and Kylian Mbappe but the head coach insisted that the problems instead were defensive.

“I didn’t want to change Vini’s position because he makes the difference and Mbappe can play as central forward,” Ancelotti said. “It’s a defensive problem, not offensive. Not positioning.”

Madrid play Osasuna on Saturday before returning to action after the international break with an away game at Leganes on November 24.

(Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images)