Ancelotti Prioritizes Winning Over Style at Real Madrid

MADRID: Real Madrid's manager, Carlo Ancelotti, recently addressed the ongoing criticism regarding his team's style of play. In a world where aesthetics often take center stage, Ancelotti firmly believes that winning is the ultimate goal. With an impressive record of five victories in seven matches this season, he is determined to find ways to secure wins, even amidst injuries and players not performing at their best.

As the team prepares for their upcoming LaLiga match against Espanyol, Ancelotti stated, "Real Madrid fans prefer winning over playing well." This statement encapsulates the essence of the club's philosophy, where the pursuit of victory often outweighs the need for a visually pleasing style of play. He acknowledged that while it would be ideal to combine winning with attractive football, the primary focus remains on satisfying the demanding expectations of the fans.

"We are not at our best and that is normal in the beginning of a demanding calendar," Ancelotti explained. He emphasized that improvement is on the horizon as the season progresses and more significant challenges arise. The manager expressed confidence in his squad, despite the ongoing recovery of key players like David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, and Brahim Diaz, who are still weeks away from full fitness.

In the recent Champions League match against Stuttgart, midfielders Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni made their return from injury, contributing to a hard-fought 3-1 victory. However, Ancelotti remains unperturbed by the current form of forwards Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, believing that they are gradually improving and will soon provide the spark needed for a more effective attacking strategy.

"(The criticism) doesn't bother me because I see that the fans are delighted," Ancelotti remarked. He pointed out that while some may prefer a more refined style of play, the fans have grown accustomed to the team's unique brand of football, which he described as "rock and roll." This approach emphasizes intensity and pace, aiming to reach the opponent's goal without unnecessary delays.

Ultimately, Ancelotti's philosophy revolves around leveraging the strengths of his players. He believes that beautiful football is subjective and depends on the characteristics of the team. The focus remains on attacking effectively, defending solidly, and executing counter-attacks efficiently. As the LaLiga season unfolds, Real Madrid fans will undoubtedly be watching closely, hoping for a blend of victories and an evolving style of play that meets their high expectations.