Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti ‘tired’ of attitude of star players

It was noted in his most recent press conference that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has become much more serious of late. Naturally results have an impact on that, but the Italian coach is reportedly growing frustrated with the attitude of his players.

One of the issues began before their first appearance in the Copa del Rey against fourth-tier Deportiva Minera. Back-up centre-back Jesus Vallejo was due to start that game, but on the day before the game, he informed the Italian that he did not feel fit to play the match, despite the medical staff being unable to find an injury.

Real Madrid then leaked that Vallejo was looking for an exit, but that has been denied by the player’s camp. What is certain is that Ancelotti was infuriated by the incident, which meant one less rest for his stretched squad. He had planned to leave a number of stars in Madrid for the game too, but Relevo explain that plan was also scrapped.

This month Carlo Ancelotti asked his stars if they wanted to rest in the Copa, and with exceptions, they said yes. He hadn’t planned for it, but their atittude irritated him, and Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius and Jude Bellingham all traveled to Deportiva Minera as a result. (Relevo) pic.twitter.com/6vd8CV4Obn

— Football España (@footballespana_) January 16, 2025

Stars such as Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior all confirmed they would like to miss the game when asked, an attitude that frustrated Ancelotti, and led to him taking them with him. Mbappe and Vinicius featured, while Fede Valverde was in the opposite situation: the Uruguayan said he was keen to play, and was taken off at half-time.

In addition, Cadena SER have explained that Ancelotti has grown tired of his players disobeying his orders on the pitch. Ancelotti has emphasized on numerous occasions the importance of defensive commitment, but when it comes to it, only show this in games here and there. He feels that his team are well coached, but is frustrated that his players are not responding.

This checks out with Ancelotti’s own words on Wednesday, noting that his players lacked ‘collective commitment’. Equally, earlier in the week a report appeared saying that the squad of stars had ‘sold out’ their manager. Having said that, Ancelotti’s primary job, after winning games, is to be able to motivate his players, and if he is no longer able to, his tenure is under threat.