Ancelotti Overworking Key Players?
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has faced criticism this season for his reluctance to rotate players and use substitutes effectively. The Italian coach has used all five substitutions in only seven of the team’s 23 matches so far, a decision that has raised questions about his squad management, particularly with injuries piling up.
🗣 Ancelotti: "Rotations? It's very difficult to rotate when you have a 14-15 men squad." pic.twitter.com/oBrGmFj8xC
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 13, 2024
Ancelotti’s hesitance to rest star players like Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe has led to concerns about overwork. Vinicius played the entire match against Atalanta despite recently recovering from injury, while Mbappe has been pushed to play unnecessary minutes in games where the result was already secure. Both players have suffered injuries this season, and fans worry about the long-term impact of such decisions.
Depth in the Squad Goes Underutilized
Real Madrid has a deep and talented squad, with backup players like Dani Ceballos, Fran Garcia, Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler, and young sensation Endrick ready to step up. However, Ancelotti has been hesitant to rely on them, often only bringing on substitutes when absolutely necessary.
🗣 Ancelotti: "Injuries? The calendar is very demanding. We have a short squad and can't rotate a lot." pic.twitter.com/YbAg8UbgiH
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 10, 2024
Despite this, the second unit has delivered when given the chance. In the recent victory against Atalanta, players like Lucas Vazquez, Fran Garcia, and Brahim Diaz were instrumental. Substitute appearances from Modric and Arda Guler also added much-needed energy and creativity.
Injuries and Fatigue Take a Toll
The lack of rotation has resulted in more than 20 injuries across 23 games this season. Star players like Mbappe and Vinicius are visibly fatigued, while dependable performers like Fede Valverde and Antonio Rudiger have admitted to feeling the strain. Even young talents like Endrick, who could ease the burden on key players, remain underused.
Learning from Rivals
Ancelotti’s approach contrasts with that of managers like Hansi Flick, who regularly rotates players to keep the squad fresh and avoid injuries. For example, in recent games, Flick substituted key players like Lewandowski and Rapinha early, even when the results weren’t fully decided.
Second Unit Key to Success
Despite Ancelotti’s reservations, Real Madrid’s backups have proven their worth this season. Players like Fran Garcia, Ceballos, and Brahim Diaz have contributed to important wins, providing fresh legs and creativity. Luka Modric, a veteran of the squad, continues to deliver key passes and remains injury-free, demonstrating the value of smart squad management.
Looking Ahead
Ancelotti remains confident that Real Madrid will improve in the second half of the season as injured players return. For now, the second unit has kept the team afloat, showing that they are more than capable of supporting the first-choice players. With the packed schedule and crucial tournaments ahead, the team’s success may depend on better rotation and utilizing the squad’s full depth.