Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti growing ‘tired’ of squad attitude

During his most recent press conference, it was noted that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has become much more serious lately. Obviously the results have an influence on this, but the Italian coach is reportedly frustrated by the attitude of his players.

One of the problems started before their first appearance in the Copa del Rey against fourth-tier Deportiva Minera. Back-up centre-back Jesus Vallejo was due to start that match, but the day before the match he informed the Italian that he did not feel fit to play the match, despite the medical staff being unable to detect any injury.

Real Madrid then leaked that Vallejo was looking for an exit, but this was denied by the player camp. What is certain is that Ancelotti was furious about the incident, which meant one less rest for his stretched team. He had planned to also leave some stars in Madrid for the match, but Relevo explains that plan was also scrapped.

Stars such as Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior all confirmed they would be happy to miss the match if asked, an attitude that frustrated Ancelotti and led to him taking them away. Mbappé and Vinicius played the leading role, while Fede Valverde found himself in the opposite situation: the Uruguayan said he wanted to play and was taken off the pitch at half-time.

Furthermore, Cadena SER has explained that Ancelotti has grown tired of his players ignoring his orders on the pitch. Ancelotti has emphasized the importance of defensive effort on numerous occasions, but when push comes to shove, he only shows it here and there in games. He thinks his team is well coached, but is frustrated that his players are not responding.

This was reflected in Ancelotti's own words on Wednesday, in which he noted that his players lacked 'collective commitment'. Similarly, a report emerged earlier this week stating that the team's stars had 'sold out' their manager. That said, Ancelotti's main job after winning games is to be able to motivate his players. If he can no longer do that, his term of office will be threatened.