A recommended Solution to Carlo Ancellotti.

Its no longer news Real Madrid lost to Atletico in the El Derbi Madrileno. It was a classic tale of the have's and have nots with Atletico Madrid triumphing on the night, beating their cross town rivals in the league for the first time since 1999. It was a compact and effective display from the Los Colchoneros and it proved that Atletico are ready to break Barcelona and Real's duopoly. Simeone's side have already proved a tough side to beat over two legs in the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona where they drew twice with Barcelona winning on the away goals rule. For Simeone, life is jolly good at the Vicente Calderon, sitting joint top with Barcelona at the Spanish League summit. For Carlo Ancellotti, he has finally entered the eye of the storm.

I'm not going to dwell on Madrid's loss. Analysts on different sport websites have done that already with some always waiting for Madrid to have a bad day so they can write on something. Madrid is clearly a team in transition with Ancellotti trying to impart a different footballing philosophy. Fine it may not be working now but Rome wasn't built in a day. Atletico Madrid beating Real shouldn't be such a hot topic based on their current form. I mean it was about time since 1999 and they were clearly more determined than Madrid who were a bit slow in their play. For Madrid, increasing their speed seems to be their main issue while Ancellotti sometimes adopts the wrong starting XI. For him, a team that spent close to €200 million on fresh recruits can't afford to drop points especially if you have the two most expensive players in your team. The Italian hasn't done a shabby job so far but a few observations may make his work easier.

Firstly Diego Lopez must continue in goal. Even though Mourinho may have benched Casillas initially out of pure spite, Lopez has shown he is simply in the form of his life and is easily the best shot stopper in Spain. A number of impossible saves are under his belt and is far more consistent than Saint Iker. It must be a calculated and not an emotional decision. Alvaro Arbeloa is becoming more of a liability every single match with shoddy defending and terrible forward play. Experience or no, Daniel Carvajal should get the right back slot as he is more attacking minded and energetic. 

Marcelo we all know is terrible at defending, but his attacking play and understanding with Ronaldo means Madrid suffer on the left when he is absent. I mean Brazil use the guy and seem to flourish when he plays. They obviously don't count on him defensively, his attacking play is sufficient. Fabio Coentrao is defensively solid but his attacking forays are dreadful. Lastly in defence, Pepe has no business being a starter in Madrid. The Portuguese has become erratic, slow and simply inconsistent. His physical play lacks intelligence and gets caught out way too often and can be blamed for most of Madrid's conceded goals. Raphael Varane may be young but is clearly better than Pepe. The Frenchman was simply superb last season and justified Mourinho's decision to use him in the big games. They need him ASAP!

Xabi Alonso is currently injured so Ancellotti has been forced to tweak his midfield options. Using Khedira and Illarramendi however is a big no no. It stifles the midfield and doesn't make room for flowing attacking play. Using Modric alongside any of  those two seems a better fit with the Croatian serving as a second playmaker to Isco who has been brilliant so far. When Modric is missing, Isco struggles and it was evident against Atletico. Those two need to work in tandem. Now that Bale is fit, there is no reason for a €100 million to be on the bench. Though Di Maria is a workhorse, his penchant for ball duelling, indecision, and diving makes him irritating at times. Bale is definitely more dangerous and strong, his speed and shooting causes defences all sorts of problems. His starting role shouldn't be in dispute.

Lastly Madrid need a striker Urgently. Benzema has been terrible so far and a club like Madrid with such lofty aspirations can't afford to have a misfiring striker. He has missed shocking chances this season even my Mum could tuck away and his confidence is dwindling fast. Alternate striker Alvaro Morata has potential but that is all it is, potential.

Carlo Ancellotti is a man I admire who has won so much but isn't arrogant like some 'special people'. A club like Madrid lack patience and the sooner he realises his best XI, the better. Another bad result won't be tolerated and it will be too bad if Madrid under achieve. After all the materials are there. He just has to use them.

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