Carlo Ancelotti couldn’t hide his elation following Real Madrid’s remarkable comeback against Barcelona, a match that took place on October 28, 2023, which saw Real Madrid triumph over their arch-rivals and establish themselves as the undisputed leaders of La Liga.
Ancelotti’s post-game remarks have been widely circulated on social media, showcasing his joy and sharing insight into the team’s turnaround.
The coach, Ancelotti, disclosed his halftime motivation tactics when Real Madrid was trailing 1-0 against Barcelona.
He emphasized that while losses can happen, the key is to approach them with energy, motivation, and unwavering desire. This message seemed to resonate with the players, evident in their second-half performance.
Ancelotti also commented on the impressive Jude Bellingham and his goal-scoring abilities.
He expressed optimism that Bellingham, despite not being considered a primary scorer, could easily net 20-25 goals due to his strong start in the season. However, Ancelotti still had high expectations for the team’s forwards.
Despite Real Madrid’s victory, the fact remains that their performance was subpar for the first 60 minutes. Ancelotti shed light on the game plan, which involved Vinicius playing on the inside and Bellingham pressing the flanks.
Barcelona’s tactics forced adjustments, particularly instructing Bellingham to cover the space to prevent Toni Kroos from chasing Gavi and creating gaps.
They also encountered issues in applying pressure on Íñigo Martínez, as they were hesitant to commit fully, resulting in occasional missed opportunities. Ancelotti noted that their ball movement was sluggish and, at times, they needlessly wasted time with back passes.