Real Madrid have had a tough time lately, but it at least got a little better when they beat Athletic Club 1-0 after a much improved performance from the team.
Real Madrid struggled to break down a weak Athletic Club, but they did win at the end - and Athletic are still a top-four team in Spain after all.
After the match, Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media, and made a very baffling statement. Real Madrid's legendary manager, who is due to leaving the club at the end of the season, admitted that the 4-4-2 formation is his preferred formation after all.
He said: "My preferred system is 4-4-2 because I think we defend better, I have a lot of affection for it because defensively it’s the best system.” I mean, what?
Real Madrid would be much better if they used a 4-4-2 in every big game
Real Madrid have struggled for defensive solidity all season, and you are telling me Ancelotti knew this and still kept making the same mistake over and over?
I get it. He wanted to start Real Madrid's attacking quartet up front, but at what cost? Real Madrid struggled so much defensively. Apart from that, they also struggled to control matches. Both of these issues would have been solved if Ancelotti had just gone back to a 4-4-2.
OK. You have to start all your four attacking players because of whatever reason, but at least do this when it matters most. Against an Arsenal, or a Barcelona. Is it more important to keep your players happy than to win crucial games?
It is baffling. Ancelotti has known this for the longest time, and yet, Real Madrid fans are forced to watch them being unable to defend.
I understand where he is coming from, but saving his job and his team should be a bigger priority than keeping your players happy. He has said so in the past himself, and yet, somehow, he finds a way to contradict his statements yet again.