Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti met with club CEO José Ángel Sanchez on Wednesday to discuss the team's current state and potential transfer options following their disappointing 5-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa. While sources close to the club emphasized the routine nature of the meeting, it comes at a crucial time as the team faces mounting challenges.
The meeting addressed ongoing defensive concerns that have persisted since the start of the season. Ancelotti and his coaching staff have been vocal about their need for defensive reinforcements since the summer transfer window. The club had previously targeted Leny Yoro as a replacement for Nacho, but the young French defender ultimately signed with Manchester United. Additionally, although Alphonso Davies was a priority target, Madrid's respectful approach toward Bayern Munich has seemingly complicated any potential move, with recent reports suggesting Davies might extend his contract with the German club.
The Spanish giants continue to pursue defensive options, with Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold emerging as their top target. However, ESPN sources confirm that Liverpool has already rejected Madrid's approach for a January transfer, potentially forcing the club to wait until summer for a free transfer opportunity. In the meantime, the coaching staff remains hopeful for January signings to strengthen the backline, while considering internal options such as increasing Raúl Asencio's role or deploying Lucas Vázquez and Fede Valverde as defensive alternatives.
The return of David Alaba following a year-long knee injury provides some relief, though sources indicate the coaching staff is cautious about his immediate impact, expecting a gradual return to form. The team's defensive struggles have been particularly evident in the absence of key players Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão, with the latter suffering a torn ACL in November. These absences have contributed to concerning performances, including losses to Barcelona, AC Milan, Lille, and Liverpool, as well as a draw against current LaLiga leaders Atlético Madrid.
Despite these challenges, Ancelotti maintains his characteristic composure. During Wednesday's press conference, he addressed criticism with his typical pragmatic approach, stating, "I don't follow the wave of criticism, that one day you are the best and the next you are the dumbest. Fortunately, thanks to my experience, I have balance. I don't think I'm the best but I don't think I'm the dumbest, either."
Sources indicate that the club remains optimistic about their LaLiga title prospects, believing improvement in the second half of the season is possible with or without new signings. Real Madrid currently sits just one point behind Atlético Madrid in the league standings and remains active in both the Champions League and Copa del Rey, with their next challenge being a Copa del Rey round of 16 match against Celta Vigo on Thursday.
