Carlo Ancelotti Madrid France Italy La Liga Carlo Ancelotti Madrid France Italy

Ancelotti blames lack of intensity, slow ball circulation for Madrid’s poor play

guardian.ng

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Friday that two of the main factors behind his team’s poor play this season are “lack of intensity in defence and slow ball circulation”.Real Madrid sit second in La Liga on 18 points, three points behind leaders Barcelona, but have not set the new season alight despite the long-awaited addition of star striker Kylian Mbappe over the summer.On Wednesday, the reigning Liga and European champions lost their first match of the season away to French club Lille in the Champions League.“We are still not up to par, but we are not far away,” Ancelotti said during his pre-match press conference ahead of Madrid’s domestic clash with Villarreal.“I think there are players who have not reached their best level, it’s normal, we have to be patient.

We have a lack of intensity in defence, also offensively, and slow ball circulation — that’s where we have to improve.”The Italian was philosophical when it came to discussing his side’s 1-0 defeat at Lille, saying that “sometimes a defeat brings you back to reality and I liked the way the players have reacted”.Ancelotti also addressed concerns about Real’s strength in depth: “I don’t think there’s a lack of players to play with.“We have a lot of variety and even if we have not shown all the quality we have, there is nothing missing”.On Saturday, Madrid face third-placed Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Yellow Submarine have only lost one game in La Liga this season — 5-1 at home to Barca.You must be logged in to post a comment.Why are you flagging this comment?I disagree with this userTargeted harassment - posted harassing comments or discussions targeting me, or encouraged others to do soSpam - posted spam comments or discussionsInappropriate

Related News
Kylian Mbappe's start at Real Madrid has been satisfactory, his performances neither spectacular nor underwhelming, but Saturday's La Liga Clasico offers the French superstar a springboard to kick on from. The derby clash against league leaders Barcelona is the kind of fixture where contributing to a victory can bank him both credit and time, as he continues to adapt to life in the Spanish capital following his move in June from Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappe completed a "dream" switch to Madrid from PSG after years of failed attempts by the Spanish champions to lure him to La Liga.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday he wants striker Kylian Mbappe to focus on scoring goals over pressing to help the team. The Spanish and European champions have not been at their peak this season and are still searching for the best way to incorporate the former Paris Saint-Germain superstar following his arrival this summer. Madrid lost on the road at Lille in their last Champions League outing and host Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in a rematch of last season's final, which they won to earn a record-extending 15th European crown.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Monday he wants striker Kylian Mbappe to focus on scoring goals over pressing to help the team.
MADRID : Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe should prioritise scoring over pressing to support the team, manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday as he backed Jude Bellingham amid his goalless campaign.
Jude Bellingham's first season at Real Madrid started with a glut of goals and ended with a dream double, but his second is yet to take off. The England international faces his former side Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu in a rematch of last season's Champions League final, which Bellingham and Los Blancos triumphed in to win the competition for a record 15th time. The 21-year-old has shown signs of frustration in his sophomore year at Madrid, tasked with more defensive responsibility in midfield than at many times last season following the arrival of French superstar Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe will start for the Spanish champions at Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday amid reports he is being investigated for an alleged rape during a visit to Sweden.

Latest News

Change privacy settings
This page might use cookies if your analytics vendor requires them.