Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has faced growing criticism after back-to-back defeats against Barcelona and AC Milan, with frustrations spreading not only among fans but also to the families of his players.
The recent substitution of Fede Valverde, one of the team’s prominent midfielders, during the match against Milan ignited a particularly strong response from Valverde’s wife, Mina Bonino, who is known for her candid presence on social media.
Following the Milan match, Bonino expressed her dissatisfaction over Ancelotti’s decision to substitute Valverde at halftime, especially given the team’s struggling performance. Using her Twitter (now X) account, she posted, “I have to close this down (Twitter/X), it’s better because I’ll be arrested,” hinting at her frustration with the decision in a comment she later removed.
This message reflected the discontent she felt seeing her husband taken off when Real Madrid was already trailing, suggesting that she held Ancelotti’s choice partly responsible for the team’s issues on the pitch.
Bonino’s reaction did not go unnoticed, and soon, others on the platform began interacting with her about the decision. When one fan tried to reason with her, attributing the substitution to tactical reasons rather than any issues with Valverde’s performance, Bonino responded dismissively, pointing to Valverde’s strongest position on the field. She explained, “Brother, where Fede plays best is as a pivote.
What are you talking about? hahaha When will they f***ing understand for once and for all that Fede is not a winger?” With this reply, Bonino underscored her belief that Valverde had been misused tactically, a point of view that some fans share, believing that Valverde is most effective in central midfield rather than pushed out wide.
At a press conference following the game, Ancelotti was asked about the comments and online backlash regarding his decision to substitute Valverde. Maintaining a calm and measured response, he explained the rationale behind his choice.
According to Ancelotti, Valverde’s removal wasn’t purely tactical but stemmed from concerns over his fitness. “I removed him because he was not at 100%, he had a problem with his back,” Ancelotti explained.
He noted that although Valverde appeared to be in good shape during training, he seemed to struggle during the match, which led the manager to make the substitution out of caution for Valverde’s health.
Bonino eventually deleted her posts, but the incident highlights the intense scrutiny and high emotions surrounding Real Madrid’s performance, especially as the club endures a challenging period.
This exchange reflects how even personal relations and family opinions can spill into public view, amplifying the pressure on Ancelotti as he navigates the team through criticism both online and within his own roster’s circles.
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