Carlo Ancelotti's distrust on youngster receives poetic justice in Real Madrid's win over RCD Mallorca
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been criticised on multiple occasions for not providing playing minutes to youngsters in the current 2024-25 season. His distrust of young talents like Arda Guler and Endrick had fans and media questioning his approach even when results were going Real Madrid's way.
However, the recent triumph in the La Liga fixture against RCD Mallorca on May 14, 2025, had finally seen the veteran Italian manager giving first team chances to academy graduates and young guns.
20-year-old Spanish defender, Jacob Ramon, blasted a vintage volley into the opposition net at the last minute of the match from an open-play initiated by Jesus Vallejo that delayed their arch-rivals, FC Barcelona's La Liga title coronation by at least 24 hours. Los Blancos needed the three points to stay in the race for the title, however, it is seemingly out of reach at this point.
In the post-match press conference, fans witnessed an unusual side of the departing Carlo Ancelotti. He praised the efforts of the young talents who had stepped in a difficult period for the club. "The team fought hard and played with intensity, especially in the second half. We thoroughly deserved the victory. Everyone made a huge effort and we're pleased because we want to finish the season well.", he stated.
He further added on the commitment and hunger of the players on the field which saw 40 shots on target against RCD Mallorca, which stunned the 65-year-old manager. Carlo Ancelotti said, "The match was won thanks to a good attitude from the team and the players who came in and delivered a good performance. I've never seen a team shoot 40 times at goal like we did today.'
What went wrong for Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid's love story?
Carlo Ancelotti really robbed us all from seeing more of Arda Guler's magic. I can't wait to see what Xabi Alonso does with him next season.
The 15-time UEFA Champions League holders were underwhelming throughout the season, missing out on all possible titles like UEFA Champions League and La Liga. The blame for such a season with a team consisting of players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr cannot be just put upon the Italian manager either.
The recurring injuries played a big part in the disassembled squad of the Los Blancos. However, his rigid approach regarding squad selection has been a point of worry. Real Madrid currently suffer from 12 injuries, including players like Eduardo Camavinga, Vinicius Jr, Dani Carvajal, and other first-team members. However, his rigid approach and distrust of youth meddled with the relationship between Los Blancos and the Italian manager.
Carlo Ancelotti's distrust of youth led to the end of his Real Madrid career
Real Madrid 2023/2024 season - Courtois ACL injury- Militao ACL injury- David Alaba ACL injuryPlayers kept getting injured (Rudiger, Nacho, Arda Guler, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Vini)- Joselu was the only strikerYet Carlo Ancelotti did it without any complaints. Thank you 🤍 pic.twitter.com/Q4B8uABX1v
Real Madrid broke the bank to sign 20-year-old Turkish midfielder, Arda Guler, in 2023 for $31.6 million (2.7 Crores). However, the talented attacking midfielder had only made 53 senior team appearances since then. In the current season, he featured only 41 times and made 13 goal contributions (goals and assists).
The Real Madrid fans and football analysts have spoken on how more chances for the Turk midfielder could have stabilised the missing creative piece in the Spanish club. Similarly, the same cases can be noted regarding other youngsters like 18-year-old Brazilian forward Endrick, and Real Madrid academy graduates.
Carlo Ancelotti's reliance on veterans had given him short-term success, but the poetic nature of youngsters stepping up to save his reputation before he departs for the Brazil national football team has proven the importance of situational adaptability and change.
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