Ancelotti Reveals the Fatal 'Changes' That Triggered Real Madrid's Shocking Collapse
Carlo Ancelotti feels that the "transformations" during his final campaign at Real Madrid—particularly Kylian Mbappé's signing—contributed to the trophy-free season and his eventual dismissal.
Mbappé's arrival wasn't the only factor, as Toni Kroos and Nacho Fernández also departed following the Champions League triumph in 2023–24. These moves created a "shifted dynamic" during what turned into a rebuilding year for Los Blancos.
When multiple significant events occur simultaneously, everything requires time to settle properly.
"Football transforms with minimal adjustments, and when that happens, the team chemistry shifts," Ancelotti explained during a conversation with Radio MARCA.
"It's not simply about the environment, it's not merely replacing Kroos with Mbappé. During that same period, Nacho departed, [Dani] Carvajal suffered an injury, and [Luka] Modrić had reduced playing time.
"The veteran core that had established an incredible locker room culture was no longer there, and a fresh wave of players needed to step up, bringing leadership, character and setting standards. This transformation doesn't occur immediately; it requires patience.
"Mbappé's signing happened alongside two significant exits, Kroos and Nacho, which altered the team dynamic. Mbappé performed excellently, netting approximately 50 goals, yet the squad found it difficult to secure silverware because football hinges on fine margins.
"When you modify elements, the results aren't always immediately successful."
More Change Is Coming for Real Madrid
Additional Transformations Await Real Madrid
The evolution from Ancelotti's veteran squad to a newer, more youthful roster remains incomplete. Xabi Alonso was dismissed mere months into what should have been a rejuvenated period under a club icon's leadership, with uncertainty surrounding Álvaro Arbeloa's role beyond the immediate future.
There's a strong possibility that a different manager will take charge for the upcoming campaign.
The exodus of veteran players continues as well. Carvajal, aged 34, faces contract expiration this summer and might depart within three months. David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger, both 33, find themselves in comparable situations and could also seek new opportunities.
Defensively alone, losing such a substantial amount of expertise and guidance simultaneously would be remarkable, especially after Kroos and Modrić already departed in consecutive summers, leaving the midfield weakened.
Trent Alexander-Arnold would benefit from Carvajal's potential departure—provided the English player maintains fitness—though the right-back position still needs additional coverage. In central defense, Éder Militão will return, but Dean Huijsen and Raúl Asencio have a total age of merely 43 and just 108 top-division league matches combined.