First painful exit at Madrid: An important decision for this summer
Real Madrid is inevitably preparing for a summer in which, once again, they will have to make painful decisions regarding the squad. In fact, starting with Carlo Ancelotti, whose future remains largely up in the air, waiting for the end of the season to decide.
Beyond the issue of the bench, where Xabi Alonso is tipped as the ideal replacement for the Italian, major deficiencies have been detected in certain positions within the Real Madrid squad. Defense has been a real headache for Ancelotti. So much so that in the end, he opted for Raúl Asencio, who has demonstrated the ability to play in the first team, but who has been seen as an undisputed starter with Militao and Alaba out for much of the season, even Rüdiger. Despite the fact that Jesús Vallejo doesn’t count for anything at all for Ancelotti, Tchouaméni has been the Italian’s patch-up for many stretches of the season, revealing his shortcomings.
The problem at the back for Real Madrid is significant, as Dani Carvajal’s injury has also forced them to improvise on the wing, with Asencio or Valverde on the right or even Camavinga on the left. A real puzzle in which Madrid will have to make decisions.
First start decided for Real Madrid
At the Santiago Bernabéu offices, they are already looking sideways at preparations for next season. However, this is still a long way off for a Madrid side that still has to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup. This could mean, depending on how far Ancelotti’s team finishes in the tournament, that the Whites’ vacation could be delayed until early July.
Obviously, this schedule complicates any planning, due to the lack of time and the proximity of the next season, which would start in mid-August as usual. Therefore, there are some ideas that must be clear in order to execute as soon as possible.
The spotlight is on Madrid’s defense. The numerous problems and lack of signings for that position have left Ancelotti in a bind on several occasions throughout the season. Therefore, the renewal will be comprehensive, starting with… David Alaba.
The Austrian defender has recovered this season from a long-term knee injury. Alaba has only been able to play ten matches in 2025, as adaptation to the competition and a few physical issues have hampered his performance and continued performance.
