‘We Are in Emergency!’ – Ancelotti Highlights Real Madrid’s Centre-Back Crisis Before Man City Clash
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has raised concerns ahead of their crucial Champions League showdown with Manchester City, calling the team’s defensive situation an “emergency.” Speaking at a press conference, Ancelotti confirmed that both Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba will miss the match due to injuries, leaving Los Blancos with a major shortage in central defense.
Defensive Injuries at the Worst Time
Ancelotti did not downplay the severity of the crisis. “We are in an emergency,” he admitted, emphasizing the difficulty of losing two key defenders just days before facing Pep Guardiola’s attacking powerhouse. Alaba remains sidelined with a long-term injury, while Rüdiger picked up a knock in Madrid’s last league game, ruling him out of the City clash.
With Éder Militão still recovering from injury and unlikely to be match-fit, Ancelotti faces a tough decision. His remaining options include veteran Nacho Fernández or a potential tactical shift, possibly deploying a midfielder in defense.
Ancelotti’s Tactical Dilemma
The absence of key defenders forces Ancelotti to rethink his strategy against City’s dangerous attack, led by Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. “We have to find solutions. It’s not ideal, but we will adapt. This is Real Madrid, and we always fight till the end,” he assured.
One possibility is shifting defensive midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni into a center-back role, a tactic Ancelotti has experimented with before. Another option is turning to academy players, though fielding inexperienced defenders in such a high-stakes match poses a significant risk.
A Crucial Challenge for Madrid
The timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse, with Real Madrid eyeing their 15th Champions League title. Their last meeting with Manchester City ended in disappointment, with the English champions dominating in the semi-finals. Now, the pressure is on Ancelotti to find a defensive solution capable of withstanding City’s relentless attack.
Despite the setbacks, Ancelotti remains defiant. “We respect City, but we’re Real Madrid. We know how to handle big games, even in difficult situations,” he declared, rallying his squad ahead of the must-win clash.
With kickoff approaching, all eyes will be on how Ancelotti reshapes his defense and whether Madrid can overcome yet another obstacle in their pursuit of European glory.
