Ancelotti faces crisis talks amid Real Madrid's struggles

In recent weeks, Real Madrid has faced a challenging period under head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The team is currently 24th in the league phase of the Champions League, having garnered only two wins and three losses in five matches, raising concerns about their ability to qualify for the knockout stages. This situation follows a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, which has intensified scrutiny over Ancelotti's management, especially since the club recently won the Champions League title in the previous season. In LaLiga, Real Madrid finds itself four points off the top spot, struggling offensively with 14 fewer goals than their rivals, Barcelona, despite a star-studded lineup featuring players like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jnr, and Kylian Mbappe. Ancelotti is scheduled for face-to-face discussions with president Florentino Perez to address the reasons behind the team's struggles. This meeting, which will take place before a crucial LaLiga match against Getafe, is seen as an opportunity for both parties to evaluate the situation and Ancelotti's standing within the club. The hierarchy at Real feels that this period is one of the toughest the team has encountered in the last five years. Compounding the challenges are significant injuries to key players such as Vinicius Jnr, Rodrygo, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Aurelien Tchouameni, which leaves the team with a thin roster and raises questions regarding depth in crucial positions. Additionally, the ongoing fitness issues among the squad have led the club to investigate the root causes, including the congested match schedule and insufficient recovery time. Reports indicate that fitness coach Antonio Pintus is under scrutiny as the team battles with injuries. However, Ancelotti remains steadfast in his support for his players, emphasizing the need for patience, especially with Mbappe's recent performance. The French forward’s penalty miss against Liverpool has become emblematic of the team's struggles, but Ancelotti maintains that the key to turning things around lies in continued hard work and collective support for players facing challenges. Overall, the situation surrounding Real Madrid is precarious. The combination of poor results, key injuries, and diminished player confidence has prompted the club to reassess its strategies moving forward. The upcoming discussions between Ancelotti and Perez will be crucial in determining the direction of the club as it navigates this difficult phase.