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Real Madrid's recent struggles continued with a humiliating 1-3 defeat to AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League group stage. This loss, coming just days after a heavy home defeat to rivals Barcelona, has raised serious concerns about the reigning European champions' form and defensive capabilities. The club, despite the arrival of star forward Kylian Mbappe, seems to be in a difficult spell, with their backline appearing particularly vulnerable.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the defensive frailties, stating that his team lacks solidity and needs to improve their organization and work rate. He emphasized that while he wouldn't call his players lazy, they are not working effectively together, resulting in a concerning defensive record. The absence of injured Dani Carvajal, coupled with the struggles of Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy, has further compounded the problem.
The lack of a commanding presence in midfield, particularly the absence of retired veteran Toni Kroos, has also been highlighted as a significant contributing factor to Real Madrid's current woes. Former Real Madrid player Jorge Valdano attributed the team's lack of balance to Kroos' departure, emphasizing his ability to dictate the tempo of play, provide patience, and accelerate the game when needed. He believes that Madrid's inability to compensate for Kroos' absence, despite having some of the world's best players, is a major concern.