Title: Ancelotti Criticizes Real Madrid's Performance in Super Cup Final Against FC Barcelona
In a post-match press conference, Real Madrid's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, acknowledged that his team must enhance their defensive abilities after a disappointing 5-2 loss to FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The Italian coach expressed his frustration, stating, "We didn't defend well. They scored goals very easily. We didn't work well collectively or individually, leaving us feeling sad and disappointed."
The match started promisingly for Real Madrid as Kylian Mbappe capitalized on Vinicius Jr.'s theft of the ball from Marc Casado, making it 1-0 inside five minutes. However, the tide turned dramatically as Madrid trailed 4-1 by half-time, with Raphinha scoring his second goal following the interval. Though Rodrygo reduced the deficit with a converted free kick after Wojciech Szczesny was given a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Mbappe, the 2024 titleholders failed to capitalize on Barcelona's being reduced to 10 men.
Ancelotti admitted that the team's defensive performance was subpar, singling out Aurelien Tchouameni and Lucas Vazquez for not defending well at the back. Despite this, he chose not to blame individual players, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the team to defend better. He lamented the entire game, revealing that he told his troops during the half-time break to focus on playing football instead of resorting to long balls since their initial strategy was to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.
The defeat marked a setback for Real Madrid, who now prepare to face Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey on Thursday at the Bernabeu. Ancelotti emphasized the importance of defending well and sticking to the initial game plan to improve their chances of victory in upcoming matches.
Jules Kounde, a potential target for Real Madrid, could have provided additional defensive support during the Super Cup final. Raphinha's second goal in the match, contributing to Barcelona's lead, highlighted the defensive weaknesses Ancelotti identified in his team. In preparation for the Copa del Rey match against Celta Vigo, Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal, among others, will be expected to contribute to a more solid defensive performance, following Carlo Ancelotti's call for improved collective defending.
