Real Madrid’s struggles this season have sparked a heated debate around the role of their coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Benni McCarthy, the current coach of Harambee Stars and former Manchester United attacking coach, has openly criticized Ancelotti’s coaching style, attributing Real Madrid’s recent disappointments to the Italian manager’s laidback and passive approach.
The Spanish giants failed to reach the Champions League final after being knocked out by Arsenal in the quarterfinals. Real Madrid’s campaign began disastrously with a 3-0 loss at the Emirates Stadium, followed by a 2-1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite boasting a squad filled with talented players like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, the team struggled to make a significant impact, raising questions about the effectiveness of Ancelotti’s leadership.
McCarthy pointed out that Ancelotti’s strategy seems to work best when dealing with experienced players who can manage themselves on the pitch. However, the current Real Madrid squad is relatively young, with many key players under the age of 25, and therefore requires more hands-on coaching. According to McCarthy, the coach’s tendency to step back and let the players figure things out on their own during matches comes across as unprofessional and has negatively impacted the team’s performance.
One of the key observations McCarthy made was about Ancelotti’s energy levels and presence on the sidelines. He suggested that Ancelotti might be “ageing now,” resulting in a decline in his vocal and active engagement during games. This lack of visible leadership means the players miss the vital guidance and moral support needed to navigate tough situations on the pitch, especially during high-pressure matches against elite opponents.
McCarthy emphasized that while Real Madrid’s players are undeniably world-class, their youthfulness means they are not yet fully ready to take on extensive responsibility without active managerial support. The generation of players Ancelotti has previously worked with tended to be more experienced and capable of self-management. The current squad, however, benefits more from a coach who is energetic, communicative, and constantly involved throughout the 90 minutes.
Drawing a comparison to former Real Madrid legend Xabi Alonso, McCarthy suggested that the club needs a “young Xabi Alonso” type figure a coach who can run up and down the touchline, constantly motivating and directing the team. This kind of presence, he argued, is crucial when facing challenging opponents like Barcelona or Arsenal. The coach’s role is not only tactical but also psychological, providing a constant source of encouragement and tactical adjustments during games.
McCarthy criticized Ancelotti for essentially “abandoning” the team during critical moments, leaving the young players to fend for themselves. This hands-off style, while it might have worked with seasoned veterans in the past, appears to be less effective with this Real Madrid squad, resulting in a lack of cohesion and decisive impact in crucial fixtures.
Ultimately, McCarthy believes that Real Madrid’s current struggles stem from a leadership gap on the sidelines. Despite the team’s wealth of talent and ability, the absence of a dynamic, energetic coach who can lead from the touchline during intense moments is a serious handicap. The laidback approach of Ancelotti, in McCarthy’s view, fails to provide the necessary on-field guidance and support that the young Real Madrid players need.
In conclusion, McCarthy’s analysis suggests that for Real Madrid to overcome their current challenges, a change in managerial style or perhaps a change in the person leading the team might be necessary. A younger, more active coach who is fully engaged throughout the match could offer the tactical direction and emotional support needed to elevate the team back to its winning ways. Real Madrid’s quality and potential are undeniable, but without the right leadership approach, those qualities may continue to go underutilized in critical moments.
