After Real Madrid’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Real Betis on March 1, 2025, manager Carlo Ancelotti did not hold back in expressing his frustration with his team’s performance. The Italian coach was visibly displeased, citing a lack of commitment and the right attitude from his players.
He warned that if there was no significant improvement, their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid could be in jeopardy.
Ancelotti’s post-match comments reflected his growing concerns about the team’s consistency and discipline, which have been recurring issues throughout the season.
Adding to the controversy, football analyst Iturralde González weighed in on the match, particularly focusing on the refereeing decisions. He criticized a controversial penalty incident involving Antonio Rüdiger, which he believed had a major impact on the outcome of the game.
This further highlighted the defensive struggles that Ancelotti has been vocal about in recent months. The defensive frailties were once again exposed in this match, raising questions about Real Madrid’s ability to handle pressure in crucial moments.
This is not the first time Ancelotti has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with his squad. Earlier this year, following a crushing 5-2 defeat to FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, the Real Madrid boss openly criticized his players. He pointed out their failure to follow his tactical instructions and lamented their poor defensive organization.
That loss to Barcelona served as a wake-up call, but based on recent performances, it seems that some of the same issues persist within the squad.
Reports suggest that Ancelotti’s frustration has been building over time. The experienced manager is known for his tactical flexibility and ability to get the best out of his players, but his patience appears to be wearing thin.
He has repeatedly emphasized the need for greater discipline and responsiveness from his squad, yet the same defensive lapses and inconsistencies continue to haunt them.
With the high-stakes Champions League fixture against Atlético Madrid approaching, Ancelotti is under immense pressure to turn things around. The expectations at Real Madrid are always high, and failure to perform in crucial matches could lead to further scrutiny of both the manager and the players.
The upcoming clash with their city rivals presents an opportunity for redemption, but it also carries significant risks. If Real Madrid fails to address these ongoing issues, their Champions League campaign could be at serious risk.
As the team prepares for the challenge ahead, all eyes will be on Ancelotti and his ability to inspire a response from his squad. The next few matches could define their season and potentially shape Ancelotti’s future at the club.
