Zinedine Zidane departed from Madrid a few months ago. After signing a contract, Carlo changed many things and here are few options we see as important.
French coach was once a student of Carlo
Zinedine Zidane learnt under Carlo Ancelotti as a coach and the Italian was a clear inspiration for him, but while they have their similarities, Ancelotti is showing in the start to this season that his Real Madrid have some differences too. It’s clear that Ancelotti has evolved and is no longer as similar to Zidane as he once was.
Vinicius Junior changed a lot
Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior was often a starter under Zidane but he never fully convinced the Frenchman. Now, under the new coach, Vini Jr looks like a different player. While the 21-year-old was still on holiday during the summer, Ancelotti called him to let him know he was a bit part of his plans, regardless of whether Kylian Mbappe came or not. Vinicius is repaying that faith and looks a more confident and complete player, perhaps liberated by the clear backing given to him by the coach, whereas under Zidane he played with a guillotine constantly hanging over him. Different players respond to different motivational techniques and it seems Carlitto knows how to get the best out of Vinicius who is starting to look like a real star.
Defensive line is not a good at all
In Zidane’s final season, even though he came away empty handed, results were nevertheless remarkable. From February to May the team lost just one game – at Stamford Bridge – and became a solid unit who, despite many defensive injuries, proved difficult to break down. While both Ancelotti and Zidane favour an attack-minded approach, the Italian still needs to make his team a little tighter at the back. Under Zidane, the offensive threat wasn’t as impressive, but Real Madrid also conceded fewer chances. Ancelotti has sacrificed a bit of control in favour of a more dynamic approach.