Ancelotti’s Pre-Season Conundrum: How will Mbappe fit in at Real Madrid?

As the countdown to Real Madrid’s pre-season ticks away, manager Carlo Ancelotti is grappling with a significant challenge as most of his key players have yet to return, presenting a puzzle that needs solving urgently.

It must be noted that last summer while preparing for the 2023/24 season, Ancelotti and staff crafted a new formation to make the most of their attacking talents.

They knew they would rely heavily on Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Rodrygo, so they designed a 4-4-2 diamond formation that placed Bellingham in a crucial midfield role.

This strategy, honed during the pre-season and refined throughout the campaign, allowed other players to adapt to a well-defined playing style.

There are new challenges now

However, with the pre-season just two days away, Ancelotti finds himself needing to rework his plans.

The absence of Kroos and the inclusion of Kylian Mbappe present new hurdles and Ancelotti needs to adjust his tactics to ensure the team functions seamlessly. O

According to Mundo Deportivo, one possibility being considered is repositioning Bellingham to a deeper role, where he can orchestrate play alongside Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, or Aurelien Tchouameni.

The challenge here lies in maintaining clarity and control of the ball, a trait Kroos excelled at, which will be difficult to replicate without a similar player.

Dani Ceballos could step in, but he doesn’t command the same status as Kroos or the other key players and is also expected to leave.

What about the forwards?

The forward positions also need reevaluation. Vinicius and Rodrygo, although used as forwards last season, are not natural strikers. The same goes for Mbappe, who prefers playing on the left, clashing with Vinicius’ preferred position.

This creates a conundrum for Ancelotti: how to accommodate the attacking prowess of his players while maintaining defensive solidity.

Ancelotti’s task is to find a balance that utilizes his players’ strengths without compromising the team’s structure. The upcoming pre-season matches against Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea will be crucial.

These games will offer valuable insights into how Real Madrid should approach the 2024/25 season. The pressure is immense, as always, and there’s no room for doubt.

Ancelotti’s decisions will be under scrutiny from the first official match of the season, the European Super Cup against Atalanta, where success is expected.