Real Madrid have been struggling to replicate the impressive football they showcased last season, despite expectations that the arrival of Kylian Mbappe would bolster their play.
The coaching staff, led by manager Carlo Ancelotti, and players are working to find their rhythm and understanding, managing to avoid losses but facing more challenges than anticipated in securing victories.
As such, MARCA reports that one of Ancelotti’s key conclusions is the need to consider a four-midfielder setup to achieve the missing balance in the team’s play.
Real Madrid played with four midfielders for the majority of the last season, but reverted to a 4-3-3 this term, to accommodate Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo in the lineup.
However, the manager is considering returning to the four-man midfield setup again, which would mean him sacrificing one of the attackers.
This strategy would not be employed in every match but will likely be implemented in big matches and in demanding away fixtures. With the game against Atletico Madrid coming up in ten days, it is plausible that Real Madrid will soon test this formation.
Ancelotti believes that the introduction of a fourth midfielder is crucial for establishing the balance that has been lacking.
The team demonstrated their ability to create chances against Stuttgart, registering 19 shots on goal, but also allowed their opponents 17 shots, prompting the manager to rethink his strategy.
Beyond tactical changes, and despite clear improvements in speed and form at certain moments during the Stuttgart match, Ancelotti noticed recurring defensive issues that had not been present last season.
During the game, he was seen urging his players, particularly the forwards, to exert more effort in tracking back and supporting defensively.
This shift in formation had already been on the tactical board, and the performance against the German side will accelerate its implementation – not necessarily as a more defensive approach, but rather as a more solid one.
This tactical adjustment will require removing one of the forwards, with Vinicius and Mbappe among them.
Meanwhile, Bellingham would be asked to revert to his role from last season when he had attacking freedom but with defined defensive responsibilities on the left flank.
Injuries to players like Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga – who has yet to make his season debut – have not helped Ancelotti implement his vision as he seeks more solidity and control in midfield.
The idea would be to develop the team’s midfield around the quartet of Tchouameni, Camavinga, Bellingham, and Federico Valverde.