Real Madrid entered the Copa del Rey final amid intense questions about the future of coach Carlo Ancelotti, especially after their exit from the Champions League to Arsenal and the team’s overall decline. During the first half of the match, the Italian coach appeared to be in real danger, as the team’s performance on the field was underwhelming.
However, a change came in the second half when Ancelotti decided to bring on Rodrygo for Mbappé and implemented man-marking tactics, which gave the team a strong push forward. Real Madrid enjoyed their best moments during this period, while Barcelona found themselves under immense pressure for several minutes. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Aurelien Tchouameni brought the team closer to victory.
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According to reports from the Spanish newspaper ‘‘Defensa Central‘‘, although the cup was not decided in Real Madrid’s favor, club president Florentino Pérez emerged with a clear conclusion: the problem does not lie with the players. His decision is nearly final, with growing conviction that Xabi Alonso is the next coach and that Ancelotti will leave next summer.
Pérez pointed out that the team’s crisis relates to motivation and desire, alongside a technical stagnation that has been evident throughout the season. He believes these issues were apparent on the bench, and he holds Ancelotti responsible for the decline. For him, the solution lies not in changing players, but in changing the technical leadership.
Real Madrid has suffered from inconsistent performances this season, which has been reflected in its results. The Copa del Rey final clearly revealed that the problem is not the quality of the players, but rather the way the team is managed. When Ancelotti decided to abandon his usual caution, make early substitutions, and push the team to attack, the picture changed completely.
Real Madrid succeeded in imposing its dominance over Barcelona, who were content to defend and try to keep the ball out of their own half, without finding solutions to stop Madrid’s attacking advances. These moments proved that the team has the potential, and that tactical changes make the difference.
Pérez believes that the team’s performance in the second half of the final reflects what can be achieved with a new coach. There is growing conviction within the club that Xabi Alonso, with his technical vision and leadership, is the right man to revitalize the dressing room and transform the team.
As the season draws to a close, it is almost certain that Ancelotti’s contract will not be extended. According to some sources, an announcement of his departure could come as soon as next week. Although the team is still in the league race, the future of the coaching staff is clearer than ever.
