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Carlo Ancelotti scores Real Madrid’s pre-season out of ten.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction with the team’s preseason performances while acknowledging significant flaws that need addressing.
Real Madrid began the preseason with victories against AC Milan (3-2) and Manchester United (2-0) but ended with substantial losses to Barcelona and Juventus.
Ancelotti admitted that the team’s defence had been a weak point during the preseason, with six goals conceded in the final two games.
“We showed two sides,” Ancelotti explained. “Very good offensively, but defensively, the team is not used to defending in a diamond. We have conceded many goals. Three [against Juventus], three from Barcelona, there was a lack of balance and we need to fix it.”
He added that improving the defence is the most straightforward aspect to address and attributed the issues to positioning, concentration, and attitude. Ancelotti also mentioned the possibility of lowering the defensive line to enhance stability.
When asked to grade the team’s preseason, Ancelotti gave it a six out of ten, highlighting the areas that need improvement.
Regarding the team’s formation, which has been a 4-1-2-1-2, Ancelotti stated that he is not considering a change at this time and believes the team has time to work on defensive improvements before their La Liga debut against Athletic Club.
“In San Mames, we will see, I think [the formation will stay],” he concluded. “We have time to work, especially defensively. Offensively, the team likes it a lot.”