Real Madrid’s Next Generation Disappoints in Pre-Season El Clasico
Real Madrid’s pre-season El Clasico against Barcelona in Texas saw a new-look midfield take the field, providing an opportunity for the club’s next generation to impress. However, the result was one to forget for Carlo Ancelotti, leaving him with mixed feelings.
The midfield consisted of Aurelien Tchouameni as the sole pivot in defensive midfield, with Federico Valverde to his right, Eduardo Camavinga to his left, and Jude Bellingham as a No 10. This formation was part of Ancelotti’s experiment with a diamond shape in the middle of the park.
The decision to leave seasoned veterans Toni Kroos and Luka Modric on the bench raised eyebrows, hinting at forthcoming changes for the team. With an average age of 22, Madrid’s starting midfield showcased the club’s investment in young talent. However, the experiment did not deliver the desired results, and even the late addition of Kroos and Modric failed to make a difference.
Ancelotti had emphasized that the result was of little importance before the match, and he reiterated this sentiment after his team’s 3-0 defeat. The coach focused on the positives, highlighting the numerous chances created and the overall mobility of the team. He also downplayed the idea that Kroos and Modric’s roles would be diminished in the upcoming season, claiming that he already knows what they can contribute.
The discussion surrounding Kroos and Modric highlighted how quickly football can evolve. In a pre-season tour a year ago, Ancelotti referred to the midfield trio of Casemiro, Kroos, and Modric as “the Bermuda Triangle.” Since then, Casemiro left for Manchester United, and while Kroos and Modric extended their contracts, the club’s president, Florentino Perez, has been adamant about providing opportunities for younger midfielders such as Camavinga and Tchaoumeni.
The second half of the match saw Modric and Kroos sent out to warm up amidst a standing ovation from Madrid fans. The introduction of the veteran duo, along with the substitution of Valverde and Camavinga, aimed to turn the tide for Los Blancos. However, Ancelotti ultimately decided to revert to a 4-3-3 formation, which did not help the team find a way back into the game.
The defeat against Barcelona was a bitter pill for Madrid, especially considering their victories against AC Milan and Manchester United in previous pre-season matches. The referee’s final whistle saw Kroos, Tchouameni, and Ancelotti heading straight for the dressing room – a clear indication that the result was not what they had hoped for.
Despite the disappointment, there is still plenty of time for Madrid to analyze and improve, whether it be with the veterans, the youngsters, or a combination of both. Ancelotti will need to assess his team and make adjustments as they continue their preparations for the upcoming season.