Ancelotti talks Mbappe, Vinicius, substitutions, defensive lapse after Mallorca 1-1 Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s La Liga curtain-raiser did not go as planned last night, as the team settled for a 1-1 draw against Mallorca at Estadi de Son Moix.

Los Blancos deservedly took an early lead through Rodrygo in just the 13th minute and had multiple chances to double their advantage. However, pressure from the hosts eventually overcame Real Madrid’s resistance, leading to Vedat Muriqi levelling the scores.

Speaking to the media after the match, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed various topics, ranging from the team’s overall performance to individual efforts that stood out.

The Italian tactician began by discussing the game at Estadi de Son Moix and his team’s performance in their season opener.

“We started well, went ahead and then we have had the opportunity to score the second. In the second part, we lacked balance.”

“It could be lost because there was no balance behind it. It hasn’t been a good game. We have to defend better. We are a very offensive team, but defensive balance is a fundamental part,” he added, acknowledging the team’s deficiencies.

Defensive incapabilities

Real Madrid struggled defensively against Mallorca. (Photo by JAIME REINA/AFP via Getty Images)

Elaborating on the defensive weaknesses, Ancelotti remarked, “The defensive aspect has not been good, it has been difficult for us to recover the ball and make pressure after loss.”

“That’s what we need to improve. When we talk about the defensive aspect, we talk above all about attitude and collective commitment,” he emphasized.

Ancelotti did not hide his dissatisfaction, openly stating his disappointment with the team’s performance.

“Last year I was happy with some draws, but not today because it could be done much better. I don’t want to make excuses for anything, we just had to do it better and with more attitude.”

“You can learn a lot from this game. It’s quite clear where we can have the problem,” he noted.

Explaining substitutions

After bringing on Luka Modric after the hour mark, the manager made no further substitutions until the 87th minute, a decision that drew criticism as tired players struggled to contribute.

“Everyone has their opinion about the changes. They are small details. I don’t want to comment on this,” he said when asked about his substitutions.

Kylian Mbappe failed to have an impact against Mallorca. (Photo by JAIME REINA/AFP via Getty Images)

When questioned about the dynamic between Kylian Mbappe and Vinícius Jr. on the wing, Ancelotti explained,

“They change the position from time to time. Sometimes Mbappe plays more inside and sometimes one of the two has to occupy this band, without a particular plan. It depends on how the two of you feel.”

Ancelotti also addressed the possibility of rotations this early in the season, clearly stating that it was too soon. “Last year I didn’t change much at the beginning of the season. When the Champions League returns, I will have a better chance of rotating.”

Mallorca’s resistance

Regarding Mallorca’s pressure in the second half, Ancelotti insisted it was neither a physical nor a mental issue.

“It has been a problem that the team was too open. We had to concentrate more, as we usually do, and be more together. It is not a physical or mental problem. It’s just a problem to think about it.”

Finally, the Real Madrid coach discussed the importance of balance and how he plans to implement it moving forward.

“It’s something that is found when players think about the same thing. When we have to get the ball back, we all have to think about it together. It is a problem of the forwards and the defence.”

“It is a problem of a team, which in this match has not understood that this was a very important aspect. Mallorca has played a very good game on a defensive level, better than us. I think the draw is right,” he concluded.

Source: Real Madrid official website