Although Real Madrid suffered a heavy defeat in El Clásico against Barcelona and also took a hit from AC Milan in the Champions League, there is calm at the Bernabéu, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti. There is no sign of panic.
Real Madrid finds itself in a challenging position, sitting nine points adrift of Barcelona at the top of La Liga. With the season reaching a crucial phase, every match now feels like a must-win for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
The upcoming clash against Osasuna is no exception, as the team looks to close the gap and regain momentum in the title race. Ancelotti, however, remains composed and pragmatic despite the growing pressure from fans and the media. “The match against Osasuna is a good opportunity to get back to winning ways and put our best foot forward,” he remarked. The Italian coach’s calm demeanor signals his experience in handling high-pressure situations, something he hopes will resonate with his players as they prepare for the weekend fixture.
The defeat in El Clásico against Barcelona was a significant blow, not just in terms of points but also for the morale of the squad. Following that loss, Real Madrid faced another setback in the Champions League against AC Milan, raising concerns about the team’s form and the effectiveness of their current tactics. Ancelotti addressed these worries head-on in the press conference, noting that discussions had taken place within the squad to assess what went wrong. “We have spoken and tried to evaluate the situation with the players,” Ancelotti shared. “We believe we have found the solution, but that’s in theory. Tomorrow (Saturday), we will try to put it into practice.”
Ancelotti’s comments reflect a sense of unity and collective problem-solving within the team. He emphasized that despite the recent losses, there is no sense of panic. “I’m not the only one who feels confident about this,” he said. “We are still a family, and I have a lot of faith in the players. These are moments that always happen in football. It’s normal to face difficulties, but it’s how we respond that defines us.”
The conversation then shifted to Kylian Mbappé, whose form has been under intense scrutiny. The French forward, recently omitted from Didier Deschamps’ national team squad, has been struggling to make an impact, leading to speculation about his fitness and mental state. Ancelotti was quick to downplay the rumors, stating that he had not spoken directly with Mbappé about his exclusion from the national team. “I haven’t spoken to him, and I won’t comment on the French national team,” Ancelotti said firmly. “I don’t have the right to judge their decisions, and we must accept them. Mbappé is feeling fine; he’s down like everyone else, but he’s motivated to look ahead.”
Mbappé’s situation is indicative of broader issues within the squad, as several key players have struggled to find their best form. Ancelotti acknowledged this, pointing out that the team as a whole is going through a difficult period. “He is going through a tough period, just like all of us,” Ancelotti admitted. “We need to be smart and help him get out of it as quickly as possible. I could say the same about Vinícius, Bellingham, Rodrygo, and even myself. It’s normal for this to happen in a sport where losses also occur.”
The Real Madrid manager elaborated on the challenges faced by the team, noting the impact of injuries and a demanding schedule. The absence of key players like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos has disrupted the rhythm in midfield, while the younger stars like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr. have had to shoulder more responsibility than expected. Ancelotti highlighted the importance of patience and a supportive environment, especially for the younger talents who are still adapting to the intense demands of playing for a club of Real Madrid’s stature.
“There are moments when things don’t go your way, and that’s part of football,” Ancelotti said. “The key is to stay united and keep working hard. We have a lot of quality in this squad, and I believe in every single one of these players. It’s about finding the right balance and giving them the confidence to express themselves on the pitch.”
Looking ahead to the match against Osasuna, Ancelotti expressed optimism that the team’s recent setbacks could serve as a wake-up call, reigniting the hunger and desire needed to compete at the highest level. He described the game as a pivotal moment in the season, an opportunity to bounce back and show the fighting spirit that has characterized Real Madrid’s greatest triumphs.
Ancelotti also provided updates on the squad’s injury situation, which has been a source of concern throughout the campaign. He was pleased to report that Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount, both of whom returned to action in the Europa League match against PAOK Saloniki, are fully fit and ready to contribute. “We’re very happy to have them back,” Ancelotti said. “They add a lot of creativity and experience to our midfield, and their return is a big boost for us.”
The Italian coach was equally positive about the progress of Luke Shaw and summer signing Leny Yoro, both of whom have returned to training after long injury layoffs. Shaw, a mainstay in the defense, has been sorely missed, while Yoro, who impressed during preseason before getting injured, is still awaiting his official debut. “It’s great to see them back on the training pitch,” Ancelotti said. “Luke is an important player for us, and Yoro has been eager to show what he can do. We’re hopeful that they will be fully match-fit soon.”
Finally, Ancelotti addressed the status of Amad Diallo, who was named Man of the Match in the Europa League clash but appeared to pick up a few knocks during the game. Ancelotti reassured fans that Diallo is expected to be fit for the match against Osasuna. “He took a few hits, but we had him checked out immediately,” Ancelotti explained. “We’re doing everything we can to ensure he’s ready for Sunday. He’s been in fantastic form lately, and we want to keep that momentum going.”
In conclusion, Ancelotti remained steadfast in his belief that Real Madrid is on the right track despite recent struggles. “Football is about ups and downs, and we’ve had our fair share of challenges,” he said. “But I have full confidence in this team. We have the quality, the experience, and the unity to overcome this difficult period. I’m looking forward to seeing a strong response on the pitch against Osasuna.”
