Trending 
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has urged his players to tighten up defensively ahead of Sunday’s La Liga trip to Alaves, as the Spanish giants look to keep pace with league leaders Barcelona.
The reigning champions, currently sitting second in the table, head into the fixture with concerns over their recent form at the back, having conceded 11 goals in their last four matches across all competitions. Their latest setback came in a 3-0 Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat to Arsenal in midweek.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Ancelotti admitted that his team had dipped in form and stressed the need for immediate improvement.
“In recent weeks, there’s been a general drop across the team,” he said. “We’ve conceded too many goals and that needs to stop, especially when the forwards aren’t being as effective as usual.”
With Barcelona playing Leganes on Saturday, Madrid will have a clearer picture of the title race by the time they kick off against Alaves. However, with the return leg against Arsenal looming on Wednesday, Ancelotti was keen to stress the importance of focusing on the task at hand.
“We want to win to get back a good feeling,” said the Italian coach. “Of course, everyone is thinking about Wednesday, but that depends on how we perform tomorrow.
“Each defeat is difficult, but in football, every setback is followed by another opportunity. The team has trained well and is fully focused.”
Ancelotti acknowledged that his players had covered less ground than Arsenal during the defeat at the Emirates but dismissed that as the defining reason for the loss.
“In the past, we’ve run less and still won two Champions Leagues,” he noted, referring to Madrid’s recent triumphs in 2022 and 2024. “We can certainly improve in that area, but it’s not the whole story.”
During growing criticism in the Spanish media and speculation over his future, Ancelotti remained unfazed, reiterating that his position is secure for now.
“My contract is very clear, and we’ll discuss the future at the end of the season,” he stated. “The club has always supported me, especially during tough times.”
