Pressure is mounting on Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti as the Merengues suffered their second defeat in less than a week: ‘It was the worst game of the season,’ said the Italian coach.
The La Liga giants suffered a 2-1 defeat away at Espanyol today.
The Merengues were 2-0 down after 60 minutes and Karim Benzema’s strike in the 71st minute wasn’t enough for Ancelotti’s side to rescue a point.
That’s the first defeat in La Liga for Real Madrid this season. They are now on even points with Atletico Madrid on top of the table.
Fair to say this was a tough week for the former Milan and Juventus coach who had suffered a shocking 2-1 loss at the hands of Sheriff in Champions League earlier on Wednesday.
Real Madrid are in the same group as Inter and have three points in two games. Inter lost to the Merengues in the opening Champions League game of the season, followed by a 0-0 draw at Shakhtar.
The Merengues fans are now blaming the Italian coach on social media.
“We were bad. There is not much to say,” Ancelotti said after today’s game with Espanyol.
“We started with an idea, after the conceded goal, we were not able to remain calm. We were confused. We were not well-positioned. I have to be honest, it was our worst game.”
🎙| Ancelotti: "The loss of today is not an accident. We deserved to lose. We have to find a solution and improve."
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) October 3, 2021
🎙| Ancelotti: "The team was a mess on the pitch. And the players agree with me."
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) October 3, 2021
Carlo Ancelotti tactical masterclass against Espanyol 🔥🔥🔥 better than Arteta 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/IhOslIk4e6
— Courtinho0125 (@Courtinho0125) October 3, 2021
It's rare to see a manager find a solution to neutralizing both Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
But credit where it is due. Carlo Ancelotti did an excellent job of creating a tactical setup that quieted two of the best midfielders of this generation.
— The Real Champs (@TheRealChampsFS) October 3, 2021
I still don't understand why Ancelotti doesn't start Miguel in LB? Don't tell me it's because he isn't good defensively after watching our fantastic defensive performances nowadays 😂
— Real Madrid Xtra (@RealMadridXtra) October 3, 2021
Tuesday: Real Madrid 1-2 Sheriff
Sunday: Espanyol 2-1 Real MadridAfter an unbeaten start to the season, Carlo Ancelotti's side have lost back-to-back games. 😳 pic.twitter.com/fqhMdTIR5G
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) October 3, 2021
https://twitter.com/FinKitch/status/1444697030820040707