Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has expressed his frustration over the rigorous football schedule and its effect on his players. He joined the chorus of coaches across Europe who have been voicing their concerns about fixture congestion, an issue that has become increasingly prominent in recent years.
Football players are now involved in a higher number of matches than previously, and they are often expected to travel to remote locations for domestic tournaments. Ancelotti recently provided insight into the impact this has been having on his team.
While addressing the media in the lead-up to the first leg of Real Madrid’s Champions League Round of 16 showdown against Atletico Madrid, Ancelotti was questioned about his team’s depth and the injuries they have been grappling with. The coach didn’t shy away from discussing the recent injuries to key players, such as Carvajal and Militão. He noted that while these injuries have indeed affected the team’s performance, it also provided an opportunity for newer players to step up.
Praising his young recruit Asencio, Ancelotti said that injuries sometimes create opportunities for team members to showcase their character and for new players to get additional chances to shine. However, he reiterated his concerns about the demanding schedule, which he believes is physically strenuous for the players.
Despite facing recurring injury issues over the past two seasons, Ancelotti clarified that he has no plans of modifying his system for the upcoming match against Atletico Madrid. He emphasized his intention to stick with the same approach, taking into account the physical condition of the players who are well-rested and more likely to play in the next match, such as Asencio and Camavinga. The coach stated that he does not plan on adding to the midfield or cutting back on a forward, thereby maintaining his strategic consistency.
