Real Madrid’s start to the season has not been as dominant as many anticipated, despite the fanfare surrounding the signing of Kylian Mbappe. While the team has avoided outright defeats, they’ve encountered unexpected struggles in securing consistent victories. Manager Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff are fully aware that the team has yet to find the rhythm and chemistry they displayed last season, and urgent changes may be needed to restore balance to their play.
Considering a Tactical Overhaul: Formation Shift in the Works
According to MARCA, Carlo Ancelotti is now seriously contemplating a return to a four-midfielder formation, a tactical approach that worked well for much of last season. Real Madrid had previously utilized this system to great effect, with a solid midfield dictating the tempo and enabling the team to dominate possession. However, the arrival of Mbappe and the desire to integrate him into the attack alongside Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo saw Ancelotti shift to a more traditional 4-3-3 formation this season.
While this new setup was designed to maximize the offensive potential of the squad’s star forwards, it has exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in terms of defensive stability and balance. Real Madrid has created plenty of chances, but they’ve also been prone to defensive lapses that opponents have exploited. Ancelotti’s analysis suggests that reverting to a four-midfielder system could provide the necessary structure to better control games and tighten the team’s defense, especially in high-pressure situations.
This potential change, however, won’t be implemented universally across all fixtures. Ancelotti is expected to deploy the four-midfielder strategy primarily in big matches—such as key Champions League ties or domestic clashes against top rivals—and in challenging away games where control of the midfield becomes crucial. The first real test for this tactical shift may come in Real Madrid’s highly anticipated derby against Atletico Madrid, which is set to take place in just ten days.
Why the Shift? A Quest for Balance and Defensive Solidity
The decision to revisit the four-midfielder system stems from Ancelotti’s concerns about the team’s balance. Despite their attacking prowess, Real Madrid has struggled to find the defensive discipline they enjoyed last season. In a recent friendly against Stuttgart, for instance, Los Blancos generated 19 shots on goal, showcasing their attacking threat. Yet, they also allowed their German opponents to create 17 chances, exposing their defensive vulnerabilities. This imbalance has prompted Ancelotti to rethink his approach.Ancelotti understands that the current system, while effective in certain areas, leaves his side vulnerable, especially when it comes to defending transitions. During the Stuttgart match, the veteran manager was seen urging his forwards to contribute more defensively, pressing higher up the pitch and tracking back when necessary. However, individual efforts from the front three have not been enough to mask the gaps in the midfield, and as a result, Real Madrid has conceded more opportunities than they should.
The introduction of a fourth midfielder is not just about tightening the defense, though. Ancelotti sees it as a way to regain control of the game and dominate possession. The manager believes that adding an extra player in the middle of the park will allow the team to dictate play, particularly in high-stakes matches where possession and midfield control are often decisive factors. The goal is not to adopt a more defensive mindset but rather to create a more well-rounded, stable team capable of both attacking fluidly and defending resolutely.
The Dilemma: Sacrificing a Star Forward
The potential return to a four-midfielder setup presents a difficult dilemma for Ancelotti: one of his star forwards will need to make way. With Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo all vying for starting spots, the decision to drop one of these talented players will not come easily.
Vinicius Jr. has been a standout performer for Real Madrid over the past few seasons, cementing his place as one of the most dynamic wingers in world football. His pace, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring prowess have made him a fan favorite. Mbappe, meanwhile, is one of the most high-profile signings in the club’s history, brought in to lead the attack and deliver on the club’s ambitious goals. Rodrygo, too, has shown flashes of brilliance, and his versatility makes him an asset in multiple attacking positions.
However, with the tactical shift on the horizon, Ancelotti may be forced to leave one of these forwards on the bench in certain games. This decision could be influenced by a number of factors, including the opposition, the specific demands of each match, and the individual form of the players involved. It’s likely that Ancelotti will rotate his attackers based on the needs of the team, with the 4-3-3 still being utilized in games where the opposition allows for more attacking freedom.
Bellingham’s Role in the New System
One of the key figures in this tactical adjustment will be Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder, who has already demonstrated his immense talent in both attacking and defensive roles, will be asked to revert to a position similar to the one he occupied last season. In this setup, Bellingham will have the freedom to push forward and join the attack, but with clear defensive responsibilities, particularly on the left side of the midfield. His ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch makes him a vital cog in Ancelotti’s plans for a more balanced and cohesive unit.
Injuries and the Long-Term Vision
Ancelotti’s tactical vision has also been hindered by injuries to key midfielders, notably Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga. Tchouameni, who was expected to play a pivotal role in providing defensive cover in midfield, has been sidelined, while Camavinga has yet to make his season debut. These absences have forced Ancelotti to rely more heavily on other midfield options, which in turn has delayed the full implementation of his desired tactical changes.
Once Tchouameni and Camavinga return to full fitness, the idea is to build the midfield around a core group of four players: Tchouameni, Camavinga, Bellingham, and Federico Valverde. This quartet has the potential to offer a perfect blend of defensive solidity, creativity, and energy, allowing Real Madrid to control matches from the center of the park. Ancelotti envisions this midfield as the backbone of his team, one that can compete at the highest levels both domestically and in Europe.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Real Madrid’s Midfield
As Real Madrid prepares for a series of challenging fixtures, including the upcoming Madrid derby, all eyes will be on Ancelotti’s tactical choices. The decision to sacrifice a forward in favor of an extra midfielder may not be popular with some fans, but if it delivers the balance and solidity that the team has been missing, it could prove to be a masterstroke.
Ultimately, Ancelotti’s focus is on long-term success, and he understands that tactical flexibility is key to navigating the complexities of modern football. Whether this formation change becomes a permanent feature or is reserved for specific matches, it represents a significant step in Real Madrid’s ongoing evolution under the Italian manager’s leadership.Carlo Ancelotti’s potential tactical shift at Real Madrid reflects his quest for balance and defensive stability. Despite the excitement surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s arrival, Real Madrid has struggled to replicate their dominant form from last season, and Ancelotti is weighing a return to a four-midfielder system, which had previously been effective in dictating possession and maintaining control.
The 4-3-3 formation, designed to maximize the attacking trio of Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo, has exposed defensive vulnerabilities, particularly during transitions. Ancelotti believes adding an extra midfielder, possibly in key fixtures, can restore structure, allowing Real Madrid to dictate play and minimize defensive lapses. Jude Bellingham will play a critical role in this new system, given his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
However, the tactical shift presents a dilemma—one of the star forwards may need to be benched. Ancelotti may rotate based on opposition and game requirements, utilizing the 4-3-3 when more attacking freedom is viable. The return of key midfielders like Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga will further solidify this approach.
With high-profile matches ahead, especially the Madrid derby, Ancelotti’s decisions could define Real Madrid’s season. This balance between offensive firepower and midfield control is crucial for sustaining success in both La Liga and the Champions League.
