This analysis at Etihad reveals something less obvious than the late hour suggests. Real Madrid may appear tired, yet it remains a club that has surpassed expectations in recent seasons, degrading the notion of stability into a topic for scrutiny rather than celebration. When mapping out the near future, it pays to dissect by lines and by personnel, beginning with the bench and what it signals for the squad’s dynamics.
Ancelotti has a word
Carlo Ancelotti still has one year on his contract. He understands this, and so does Florentino Pérez, fresh from a Cup triumph that underscored Madrid’s habit of collecting trophies. There is no argument that the Italian is Madrid’s premier manager, but lingering doubts about his continuity persist. After a draw with Atletico and a Cup semifinal defeat to Barcelona at the Bernabéu, the president assessed the situation. Mauricio Pochettino—the coach who has long been the subject of Madrid’s whispers—was considered, though a course correction sent Pochettino to Chelsea.
Thus, the question becomes who will replace Ancelotti if the decision goes that way. A meeting with Zinedine Zidane, available and likely to return, was among the options discussed. Jose Mourinho, a name Florentino admires for roster rebuilding and maximizing talent, also features in the conversation. Among potential foreign additions linked to Madrid was Xabi Alonso, enjoying a stellar season with Bayer Leverkusen, alongside Raúl and a plan to move a Castilla player abroad. Alvaro Arbeloa has been pushed forward through Madrid’s ranks, but the president remained unconvinced. The read on the situation is clear: if Ancelotti decides to depart for Brazil, a change in leadership would be on the table; yet today the Italian continues to lead Madrid into the next season.
Supplements for the squad
Madrid faces notable structural challenges behind the scenes. The build-up play has slowed, with answers required on the wing and at full-back. On the right, Dani Carvajal may have delivered his best moments already, and Lucas Vázquez remains an urgent, league-adapted solution, though gaps show in tougher matches. On the left, Ferland Mendy has spent too much time sidelined, and although Ancelotti often squeezes every drop of effort from the players, opportunities to rotate are scarce. The high-press and counter-attack dynamic that defined past campaigns needs renewed consistency in Europe. The performance at Anfield stands as a reminder of the impact injuries can have on rhythm, with Salah’s variety and David’s input underscoring how fragile the balance can be.
The back line requires leadership and solidity. Woodwork-like pressure from rivals demands a defensive voice who can organize from behind. The central defensive pairing is a concern: Militao and its partner have to balance aggression with control, receiving guidance from an experienced mentor. Nacho is a trusted, personable option who can contribute meaningfully if given more responsibility; Antonio Rudiger brings physicality and diligence but may not be the perfect fit to anchor the defense in every scenario. Madrid may prefer to add a winger and consider another central defender to cover if Nacho explores options elsewhere. Jesús Vallejo and Álvaro Odriozola have roles to play as depth options. Alfonso Davies and Reece James are among the names Madrid has evaluated as potential full-backs who could raise the intensity level.
Bellingham and Ceballos’ roles
Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić are expected to extend for another season, but their responsibilities should evolve. They must conserve energy for key fixtures and avoid overextending in non-critical qualifiers. Camavinga is best suited to a deeper, shielded midfielder role where his energy can stabilize defensively and carry the ball forward with purpose. This season marked a turning point that could position Camavinga as the Casemiro-like driver for the next decade. Aurelien Tchouameni faced a difficult return from a World Cup-related dip in form; his youth means Madrid will grant him time to adapt, building his influence as he matures.
Daniel Ceballos has found his footing more in outside spaces than at the heart of midfield. He flashed potential during mid-season leadership moments but faded during the big matches. With Isco’s departure in the rearview, Madrid is likely to pursue signings that enhance the creative core around Casemiro’s successor and the bold plan surrounding Jude Bellingham. There’s talk of a 30-million-euro bid for Gabriel Veiga, following Kroos and Modrić’s continued presence, with the long-term aim of refreshing the midfield and rebalancing the squad for Europe.
Mbappé’s sit-in and the 9 role
Mbappé’s public stance continues to occupy headlines, while Karim Benzema remains a reference point as a striker who still carries the team’s weight though questions about his pace and longevity persist. Benzema has reached 30 goals this season, yet the scoring surge was uneven when the team needed him most. Madrid now seeks a central striker who can claim ownership of the ninth position or, at least, generate strong competition. While Mbappé remains an option, Madrid is also exploring regional alternatives who can deliver a reliable goal tally. Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo keep generating danger from the flanks, while Federico Valverde has emerged as a versatile engine in offense, delivering goals and assists. Marco Asensio adds punch, though his status for renewal remains uncertain. The search extends to potential additions like Victor Osimhen or Roberto Firmino, with discussions about a return for Dusan Vlahović. The broader goal is to secure a forward who can anchor the attack as Madrid eyes a longer horizon, with Endrick slated for arrival as a future centerpiece.
As the club weighs its options, there is a renewed focus on building a true attacking identity around a modern nine, reinforcing the frontline and ensuring Madrid maintains its edge in Europe. The conversations and scouting moves reflect a long-term plan aimed at complementing the existing stars and providing a credible path to sustained success in La Liga and beyond.