Real Madrid’s mixed start to the season suffered the biggest setback yet when they were completely outclassed by FC Barcelona last weekend.
The reigning European champions lost 4-0, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal running rings around the defence.
The defeat in El Clasico has put immense pressure on Carlo Ancelotti, who is now mulling changes to his system.
Ancelotti identifies the problem
As reported by Jorge Picon, Ancelotti is studying now more than ever, analysing each and every step Real Madrid takes.
The Italian has concluded that more focus must be placed on the defensive system, which has appeared quite porous this season.
The team has conceded seven goals in the last three matches, failing to retain a clean sheet in any of those games.
As such, Ancelotti believes lack of defensive organisation is a key reason why Real Madrid have underperformed this season.
Mbappe: A weakness in the first line of press?
However, it must be noted that Ancelotti does believe only the defensive backline is the issue for Real Madrid.
The Italian has observed that Real Madrid’s high pressure can easily go out the window and Kylian Mbappe, in particular, has been a huge underperformed in this aspect.
Real Madrid did not expect too much defensive work from Mbappe in the first place. But the Frenchman, so far, has neglected his defensive duties, which has hurt Real Madrid’s first line of press.
Ancelotti, though, has full faith in the former PSG attacker and believes he can turn things around sooner than later. However, the forward must increase his defensive work ethic in order to be more effective upfront.