'They're an EMBARRASSMENT' 😳 - Craig Burley GOES OFF on Real Madrid after loss to AC Milan | ESPN FC

Summary

Real Madrid’s 3-1 defeat to AC Milan highlighted serious issues within the team, with particular focus on Kylian Mbappé’s underwhelming performance. Criticism centered around his lack of movement, poor positioning, and failure to integrate into the team’s tactical setup. While other players like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham were also subpar, the team’s overall lack of chemistry and discipline were glaring. Manager Carlo Ancelotti faces increasing pressure as his system struggles to bring out the best in the squad. The performance raises questions about Mbappé’s role and whether he’s disrupting Real Madrid’s team dynamics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Real Madrid suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Milan, highlighting persistent issues with team performance.
• 😀 Kylian Mbappé's performance is under scrutiny as he fails to show essential striker movement and participation in key moments of the game.
• 😀 Mbappé's lack of urgency and positioning on the pitch caused frustration, particularly when opportunities to attack the 18-yard box were missed.
• 😀 The team's overall lack of cohesion is evident, with key players like Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Rodrigo all underperforming compared to last season.
• 😀 Milan, despite not being a top-tier team, took full advantage of Real Madrid’s defensive and tactical weaknesses to secure the victory.
• 😀 Real Madrid’s defense and midfield were disorganized, with gaps in coverage and poor communication across the team.
• 😀 Coach Carlo Ancelotti has yet to find a solution to the team’s persistent issues, and the team has shown no improvement despite a long preparation period.
• 😀 Mbappé’s performance, especially his failure to adapt to the team and his inability to produce in critical moments, is seen as a major contributing factor to Real Madrid's struggles.
• 😀 The pressure on Ancelotti is mounting, as it’s clear that he has to make tactical adjustments or risk being held responsible for the team's underachievement.
• 😀 Milan's tactical approach, which included smart use of wing play and counterattacks, exposed Real Madrid's weaknesses, particularly in their fullback and midfield areas.

Q & A

What is the central critique of Kylian Mbappé's performance in the match against Milan?

The central critique is that Mbappé's movement as a striker was poor and lacked the necessary urgency. He failed to make the right runs into the box, often choosing to drop deeper into playmaking positions instead of attacking the goal. His positioning and unwillingness to move ahead of the ball were seen as lazy and problematic.

Why is Real Madrid's performance being described as an 'embarrassment'?

Real Madrid's performance is described as an embarrassment because of their poor results, particularly the losses to Barcelona and Milan. Despite having a squad full of top-class players, they were outplayed, lacked discipline, and made bad decisions. Their performances were seen as lacking effort and organization, particularly when facing lower-tier teams like Milan, who are currently seventh in Serie A.

What role did Jude Bellingham play in Real Madrid's struggles during the match?

Jude Bellingham is mentioned as having a poor performance in the match, where he was unable to provide the necessary leadership or impact. He had moments where he made well-timed runs but was let down by his teammates, particularly Mbappé, who did not provide the required support or movement.

How does the script compare Kylian Mbappé's performances with his time at PSG and Real Madrid?

The script highlights a contrast between Mbappé's performances in France and his struggles at Real Madrid. While he was previously seen as a star player at PSG, where he could operate with more freedom, his transition to Real Madrid has been more difficult, with questions raised about his maturity and his ability to integrate into the team dynamics at a club like Real Madrid, which demands more discipline and team play.

What are the primary tactical issues facing Real Madrid, as discussed in the transcript?

The primary tactical issues discussed are a lack of cohesion, poor positioning, and disorganization. The front players, including Mbappé, fail to understand each other's movements, while the defense and midfield were absent or ineffective in tracking opposition players. Additionally, the team's decision-making and lack of discipline contributed to the loss.

How is Real Madrid's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, being assessed in the script?

Carlo Ancelotti is assessed as a coach who typically relies on his players' individual quality to rotate and find the right shape. However, the script suggests that he may need to take a more direct role in managing the team, dictating play and structure, as the players are not performing at the required level, and the tactical issues are persisting.

What is the significance of the Ballon d'Or controversy mentioned in the transcript?

The Ballon d'Or controversy is used to illustrate the negative atmosphere surrounding Real Madrid. There was public frustration within the club regarding the lack of recognition for certain players, particularly when it was expected that Mbappé would win or at least be a contender. The controversy is seen as a distraction, contributing to a lack of focus on the team’s performances.

What is the overall assessment of Real Madrid's current squad?

The overall assessment of Real Madrid’s current squad is that, despite having individual talent, there is a lack of chemistry and organization. Key players like Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Bellingham are underperforming, and there is a noticeable absence of the team unity and magic that had helped cover up their deficiencies last season.

How did Milan's performance challenge Real Madrid’s reputation in this match?

Milan’s performance challenged Real Madrid’s reputation by thoroughly deserving their 3-1 victory. Despite being in seventh place in Serie A and underperforming in the league, Milan managed to outplay Real Madrid with intelligent tactics, clinical counterattacks, and solid individual performances. This loss emphasized the weaknesses in Real Madrid’s game, particularly in how they handled defensive transitions and attacking play.

What is the script's perspective on the future of Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid?

The script suggests that Kylian Mbappé's future at Real Madrid is under scrutiny. While he is undoubtedly a talented player, his current performances raise questions about his fit at the club, especially given his lack of team play and inconsistency. The pressure on him is increasing, and if he doesn’t improve, it could result in significant criticism, both from the media and the club’s supporters.