Real Madrid’s Champions League dominance continues, and it seems they’ve made the extraordinary a routine. This was evident in their recent nail-biting semi-final against Bayern Munich.
The Power of Adaptation
Facing elimination with just 10 minutes remaining, Carlo Ancelotti, Real’s manager, needed a spark. His son, Davide, the assistant manager, recognized a key weakness.
Bayern was focused on containing the explosive Vinicius Jr., leaving a gap for a different kind of threat. Davide, seeing this, urged his father to bring on Joselu, a tall striker with a knack for goals.
Despite Joselu being a loan player from a lower division, Davide’s intuition proved correct. After entering the game, Joselu capitalized on a mistake by Bayern’s goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, to equalize. He then followed it up with a quick second goal, sending Real to another final.
Flexibility Over Philosophy
This isn’t the first time Davide’s insights have proven invaluable. Real’s success, according to him, lies in their tactical flexibility. They don’t rely on one rigid style of play, but rather adapt to the situation. Their formation can shift from 4-3-3 to something entirely different as the game progresses.
Carlo himself echoes this sentiment. He emphasizes building tactics around his players’ strengths, not forcing a specific style. “A clever coach adapts the game to his players,” he stated.
Davide: The Secret Weapon
Davide’s role as assistant manager goes beyond simply supporting his father. He acts as a tactical challenger, constantly pushing Carlo to consider new approaches. This adaptability is crucial in the ever-evolving world of football, where older coaches might struggle to keep pace. Javi Martinez, a player familiar with both Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, highlights this point. He sees Davide as the one who “completes” Carlo by keeping him updated on the latest trends.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s success is a testament to Carlo Ancelotti’s ability to adapt and his unique partnership with his son, Davide. While Ancelotti provides the experience, Davide injects fresh perspectives, making them a formidable duo in the ever-competitive Champions League.
