Ancelotti admits his new-look Real Madrid have a problem

Carlo Ancelotti addressed Real Madrid’s challenging start to the season, with the team having earned only five points from their first three league matches.

The Madridistas are set to face Betis (Sunday, September 1, 2024, 3.30 p.m. ET / 12.30 p.m. PT.), a club with a strong track record at the Bernabéu, having scored in six of their last seven visits. Another setback at home just before the international break could widen the rift within the club from the capital.

Ancelotti, who spoke in a serious tone, faced 13 questions that ranged from the team’s gap with Barcelona to the chemistry between Vinicius and Mbappé, as well as the squad’s morale, the Ceballos situation, penalty takers, and defensive solidity.

- How he sees the match against Betis

”I think the fans will help us. We want to show our best form after the match against Las Palmas. The team is motivated to play well again and maintain possession.”

- How he is searching for solutions within his team

”The time we have is sufficient, as we are used to this schedule. We’ve faced these issues previously—if you don’t have time... we need to see how the match unfolds tomorrow.”

- Is there concern within the club regarding the form?

”Being concerned means we are actively working to solve our problems. So far, we haven’t been able to maintain a compact formation, and this needs improvement. I have discussed this with the players, and they agree. When the problem is clear, it becomes easier to address.”

- Is it a complex issue?

”No, we just need to defend better, and that’s a collective commitment. Right now, it’s about individual effort that needs to be channeled into a team effort. It has been difficult for us to win back possession, and opposing teams have exploited gaps between our lines. It’s something we recognise and will resolve.”

- The points gap with Barcelona in the LaLiga table

”It’s a minor detail because we’ve been more affected by our performance rather than the points difference. The season is long. We’re not satisfied, but it’s not just about the four points—it’s about not playing at our best. The season is long, and the current gap doesn’t mean much.”

- Does Barcelona’s four-point lead bother you?

”No, we will compete until the very end; there’s no doubt about that.”

- Who will take the penalties? (Vini Jr scored from the spot against Las Palmas)

”The decision is made by the players.”

- Dani Ceballos and his future at Real Madrid

”He is an important player for us. It’s true that he hasn’t had the minutes he wanted or deserved, but we’re glad he’s stayed with us, and he will be very useful to the team.”

- Does the team need to defend better from the front with the attackers?

”If we consider defensive work, Kylian is the last player we need to worry about. He’s playing very well, even if he hasn’t scored; his presence creates danger. Mbappé's adaptation isn’t an issue.”

- Do you think that Real Madrid are receiving excessive criticism at this point in the season?

”No, it’s absolutely normal because the expectations for this team are always high. We will face criticism until May. That’s normal for us.”

- Do Vinicius and Mbappé not have a good partnership together?

”In my opinion, they are combining well. Our offensive play has been strong, and we’ve scored in every game. Over time, their partnership has improved—not just Vinicius with Mbappé, but also Mbappé with the midfielders. Offensively, we don’t have a problem. We haven’t had one in recent years, and we won’t now with some of the best strikers in the world.”

- How will you rotate postitions between Vinicius and Mbappé?

”They have been rotating, but Vinicius has primarily played on the left, and that will continue.”

- Is it OK to have more than one penalty taker in the starting side?

”It’s right to let both Mbappé and Vinicius share the responsibility. I trust them, so I prefer they decide who takes the penalties based on how they feel during the match.”

The match between Real Madrid and Betis will be played on Sunday, September 1, 2024, with kick-off scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT. You can stream the game live on Fubo TV (free trial available).