After Real Madrid’s unexpected 3-1 defeat to AC Milan, football legend Thierry Henry delivered a compelling breakdown of the issues plaguing Los Blancos. Carlo Ancelotti’s side, which recently allowed nine goals over three games, seems to be losing its defensive structure and on-field chemistry, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering if this season’s title hopes are slipping away.
Ancelotti, following the Bernabeu loss, expressed his worries:
We have to be more solid, more compact… we’ve conceded a lot of goals.
While he pointed to poor finishing as a factor, Ancelotti’s main concern was Real’s vulnerability to opponents creating scoring chances too easily.
Henry, however, sees a deeper issue in Real Madrid’s tactics—particularly in the way players like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are (or aren’t) moving. Henry noted that Bellingham, operating as a playmaker, is consistently making runs and attempting to drive the team forward, while Mbappe remains more static.
It’s always Bellingham trying to make the run, trying to make the team play ,Your nine isn’t going, and your 10-ish is going.
Henry stated.
Henry explained that Real’s lack of attacking synergy is creating frustration on the pitch. With Bellingham pushing forward and working tirelessly, Mbappe’s tendency to stay deeper is putting an additional burden on Bellingham to stretch the field and balance the attack. This, according to Henry, disrupts the team’s flow, making it difficult for Real to create sustained pressure.
Henry also shared some tough-love advice for Mbappe, urging him to embrace a more dynamic role up front.
He’s going to have to learn to play as a nine and embrace the desire of running in behind
Henry explained. The former striker noted that Mbappe doesn’t need to become a hold-up player like Didier Drogba, but he should provide movement that draws defenders and opens space for teammates.
In addition, Henry pointed out that Real’s lineup changes are affecting team balance. Last season, Rodrygo was key in supporting Real’s defensive structure when they lost the ball. But with Rodrygo now on the bench, Real is missing that defensive versatility, which is leaving gaps opponents can exploit.
Thierry Henry brilliantly breaks down a major issue Real Madrid have faced recently, how Kylian Mbappe needs to improve and why Carlo Ancelotti is the man who can fix things. pic.twitter.com/2sQAHYDttK
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 6, 2024
Ultimately, Henry believes Ancelotti faces a challenging road ahead to fine-tune this star-studded lineup. As Real Madrid contends with these structural challenges, Henry emphasized the importance of each player embracing roles that support the overall team dynamic, especially if Los Blancos are to make a serious comeback this season.
