Carlo Ancelotti holds 'tense' crisis meeting with Real Madrid players to find solution to 'critical situation' after Barcelona & AC Milan defeats

Real Madrid’s season began with high expectations, especially after the euphoria of winning another Champions League title in June and the addition of Kylian Mbappe to their ranks. However, a series of poor performances have left the squad drifting, both in La Liga and in Europe. The low point came with a heavy 4-0 loss to Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu, a defeat that not only diminished morale but also laid bare the vulnerabilities of Ancelotti’s men. Adding to their woes, Tuesday’s 3-1 home defeat to AC Milan set the alarm bells ringing as they now find themselves trailing in the Champions League standings to teams like Brest, Celtic, and Dinamo Zagreb.

According to Marca, Ancelotti held a critical internal meeting at Valdebebas that aimed to aimed to confront Real Madrid's current struggles and chart a path to restore confidence and cohesion in a team that lifted its 15th European title only months ago. Thursday morning’s meeting involved deep reflection on the recent downturn, pinpointing not only tactical shortcomings but also identifying a lack of zeal and urgency in recent games.

Reports from the meeting suggest that players were neither blamed individually nor shielded from criticism. Instead, the team collectively acknowledged the need for heightened responsibility and resilience moving forward. The meeting featured visual statistics that showcased the team’s declining energy levels and inconsistent work rates on the pitch, data that reportedly surprised many players. Ancelotti, who has rarely been as direct in his approach, insisted on a shared understanding of these issues, urging the team to push beyond technical talent alone and focus on the fundamentals of teamwork.

Following the intense meeting, Real Madrid’s training session took on a renewed energy, with players noticeably more engaged and unified in their drills. Indeed, Ancelotti claims to have found the solution to his side's woes. The new dynamic hinted at a squad determined to implement the changes discussed earlier in the day. They will be back in competitive action against Osasuna on Saturday, October 9 for the final time before the November international break sets in.