Carlo Ancelotti discusses Real Madrid's 'defensive disaster' against Barcelona

"I must clarify one thing, this is a press conference, not a debate," Ancelotti stated, cutting through the flurry of questions aimed at uncovering the tactical solutions his team might be contemplating.

The Italian manager was keen to emphasise that the lack of commitment seen in the match was a collective issue, not an individual one. "The lack of commitment is collective, not individual. It was a poor performance defensively across all lines. There's nothing more to add," he said.

When pressed about the transfer market, which closes in less than three weeks, Ancelotti remained tight-lipped, noting, "It's an internal matter to discuss with those above."

On the subject of whether the attackers were lacking in defensive commitment, Ancelotti was clear, "The lack of commitment is collective, not individual. It was a bad game defensively in all lines. I have nothing more to add."

Despite the setback, Ancelotti is looking forward, focusing on the next league game at home in 2025. "It's an important opportunity to move on from our last poor performance, which hurt us deeply but we're not down. We want to react against a team that plays well, and this match comes at a good time for a strong response after the other day's poor game."

Regarding the squad's depth, Ancelotti defended his players, "The team has youth, energy, quality, and commitment, though not always visible. I trust this squad, which six months ago won the Champions League and a month ago, the Club World Cup. We are competing in all competitions, and in the last game, we paid dearly for all the good we've done. It was one game and we will fight and battle until the end, as always. I have total confidence in my players, especially those not at their best."

When questioned about specific solutions post-match analysis, Ancelotti reiterated, "The lack of commitment is collective, not individual. The match review showed a poor defensive plan across all lines. Nothing more to add."

Addressing the team's attitude or footballing issues, Ancelotti was direct, "I must clarify one thing, this is a press conference, not a debate. We've already done that with our players and coaching staff. Doing it here isn't appropriate."

On managing the situation internally, he remained optimistic, "The good thing about football is that after a bad game, a defeat like this, there's an opportunity to do well tomorrow, which gives you a chance to focus on what you need to do rather than what you did wrong."

Regarding Kylian Mbappe's integration, Ancelotti commented, "He needed time to adapt to the team and get back to his best physical form. Now he's in a very good moment, and the team must capitalize on this."

Finally, on the importance of collective commitment, Ancelotti concluded, "The word commitment is used often because it's a crucial aspect of the game. When added to quality, it leads to success. Having it collectively is what we've missed, but the key is for everyone to show individual commitment together, as a group."

When asked about the impact of criticism, Ancelotti showed his seasoned perspective, "I don't follow the wave of criticism, where one day you're the best in the world and the next, the most foolish. I have the necessary balance, given by experience, to know who I am and not to be swayed by the wave, because if you do, one day you're the best and the next, the most foolish. I don't think I'm the best, but I also don't think I'm the most foolish."

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