Real Madrid: Three crucial tasks for Carlo Ancelotti to address
Carlo Ancelotti’s reappointment has brought in a fresh change of air in the Real Madrid dressing room along with a feeling of optimism. The Italian manager is one of the most decorated coaches in modern football and is nothing short of a genius.
He is now tasked with a herculean challenge of rebuilding Los Blancos into a winning side that can challenge teams for the Champions League title.
The former Everton manager will inherit a slightly similar squad to what he had during his first stint, however, the only noticeable absentees could be Isco, Marcelo, Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos, who are all expected to leave this summer transfer window.
Carlo Ancelotti will certainly sit down soon with Florentino Perez and Jose Angel Sanchez to discuss matters over the squad, transfers, and departures for next season. Until then, let’s look at three important tasks Ancelotti will have to address.
HOW TO MAKE USE OF DAVID ALABA
Sometimes in football, a manager inherits a team with a couple of signings that he probably did not want or were signings made by the previous manager. In the case of David Alaba, it’s certainly a signing made by Jose Angel Sanchez for the club.
So be it, Carlo Ancelotti will have to make place for the Austrian in his set-up. The 28-year-old signed a lucrative contract five-year contract with Los Blancos that will see him earn 12 million euros a year.
Real certainly not going to pay someone 12 million euros a year to warm the bench, so Carlo Ancelotti will have to find Alaba’s best position in this team. Luckily for the Italian, the two have worked together previously at Bayern where Alaba played 51 games under Ancelotti.
David Alaba can play in multiple positions including left-back, centre-back and even in the midfield. If Sergio Ramos or Raphael Varane are to leave or if both leave, Alaba can be slotted into the starting eleven to replace either of the two. However, he has not played that well as a centre-back last season which could be dicey.
Another option could be competing with Ferland Mendy for a spot on the left side or even acting as a cover for Casemiro. Carlo Ancelotti will have to draft a plan on how to make use of the Austrian.