Real Madrid: 5 Changes Carlo Ancelotti Will Make Immediately at Real Madrid

Newly appointed manager Carlo Ancelotti has been handed the reins once held by Jose Mourinho. It is not expected that the Italian will make any big alterations to the system in place, but there are a few changes that fans should suggest.

Ancelotti is a very different manager than his predecessor. On top of that, the new manager also holds the history of the club in high regard, calling Real Madrid “the most prestigious club in the world” at his unveiling, according to Stefan Coerts of Goal.com.

Madridistas are looking for someone who can deliver the elusive La Decima, and for that to happen, Ancelotti will have to make adjustments.

No one quite knows just what the Italian will do in the coming season, but this article will serve to provide you with the five immediate changes that you can expect to happen with Ancelotti now at the helm.

Return Iker Casillas to the Starting Lineup

Arguably the most shocking and talked about thing that happened in La Liga last season was witnessing Jose Mourinho give the starting keeper role to Diego Lopez. Expect Ancelotti to immediately handle this situation first.

It is no secret that the drama that occurred last season affected the Real Madrid captain, and that has to be addressed very soon.

In a recent interview reported by Mark Doyle of Goal.com, Ancelotti took the time to address the situation of the keepers at Real Madrid.

Ancelotti stated that, “Casillas is a great player that has won everything. But the rules of football are what they are: if he deserves it, he will play.”

It is hard to disagree with the words of Ancelotti on this matter. Lopez did have a phenomenal season last year and will give Casillas some competition, but Madridistas should fully expect their captain to be given his role back from day one.

Renaming Casillas the starting keeper will not just happen because he is one of the greatest to ever play the game. It will also occur because of what Casillas means to Real Madrid.

Utilize the Youth of Real Madrid

Possibly the biggest change that Carlo Ancelotti will make is the one that Madridistas have been hoping for. After three years under Mourinho’s nonexistent youth policy, the Italian will utilize the rising stars of Real Madrid’s academy.

Mourinho came under heavy scrutiny last season for not giving chances to the young stars of Real Madrid, but Ancelotti is set to make sure that never happens again.

Spanish paper Marca has reported that the Italian is looking to rejuvenate the club with Spanish youth emphasizing the rising stars of the Cantera.

From the purchase of Isco to the buying back of Daniel Carvajal, Ancelotti is making well on his promise. The report also claims that the manager is ready to give a much larger role to Alvaro Morata, while possibly promoting Jese and Casemiro.

In fact, Nacho and Carvajal will have the opportunities to fight for a place in the regular lineup under Ancelotti, meaning the club could once again field a heavy lineup of academy graduates in some matches.

Real Madrid fans have been very upset to see the likes of Barcelona thrive under academy stars while their own young talents watch from the stands. Rest assured that problem is over.

Put Alvaro Arbeloa on a Short Leash

There is clearly one player at Real Madrid who has the most to lose next season. That man is Alvaro Arbeloa, and Ancelotti will be watching him very closely.

Over the past few seasons, Arbeloa has been the first-choice right-back for Los Blancos, but it is no secret that the Spaniard is the weak link in the Madrid defense.

Often the 30-year-old gets caught out of position and lets attackers behind him. Arbeloa also struggles with making silly fouls and giving opponents chances in very dangerous areas.

This was clearly seen in Spain’s 3-0 loss to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final.

It can be argued that Arbeloa was partly responsible for Brazil’s first two goals. On top of that, the defender also gave the ball away seven times and committed three horrendous tackles after allowing himself to be beaten.

Ancelotti will not have great patience for the Real Madrid man, especially with the exciting return of Daniel Carvajal.

Carvajal spent last season at German club Bayer Leverkusen where he had thrived as arguably one of the best right-backs of the season.

Real Madrid quickly brought Carvajal back in a deal worth €6.5m, according to Goal, and not many expect the 21-year-old to ride the bench.

Expect Carlo Ancelotti to give Carvajal his chances as he may even become the starting right-back very early on in the season.

Alter the Role of Luka Modric

Another change by Ancelotti himself is that of the role of Croatian midfielder Luka Modric. After featuring heavily in Mourinho’s double pivot last season, the Italian manager sees his true calling elsewhere on the pitch.

When Real Madrid brought in Modric last season, not many knew just what impact he would have on the club. With Ozil the clear starter in the front of the midfield, it seemed as though Modric would be groomed to replace Xabi Alonso.

The Croatian international featured as a holding midfielder in nearly 30 matches last season according to WhoScored. And it became clear very early on that he was not capable of thriving in that role.

Modric put in his best performances when allowed to play further forward joining the attack, and that may be where Ancelotti prefers him.

After his unveiling as the new manager, Ancelotti spoke to the press in an interview brought forward by The Guardian.

Ancelotti stated that he does not see Modic playing as a deep-lying midfielder as Andrea Pirlo does. Rather, the Italian made mention that the Croatian needs more space and freedom to play his best.

Whether allowing Modric to play further up the pitch or possibly altering the formation, it is clear that he will no longer feature in front of the defense. 

Change the Image of the Club Left by Mourinho

“I'm a coach so I want to have a good relationship with my players.”

This statement straight from the lips of Ancelotti is what his arrival is all about. Under Jose Mourinho there were locker room issues and strife, and the Spanish media took no time to call out everyone involved.

In the same presentation reported by The Telegraph, Ancelotti made it clear that he did not want to be compared to Mourinho. He stated, “He has certain characteristics; I have mine.”

What is easily to see is that both managers are on different ends of the spectrum. Mourinho brought hostility and media attention, while Ancelotti is more laid back and quiet.

Over the past three seasons Real Madrid has seen a big change in the image of the club. The team received tons of bad publicity and some have even argued that Real Madrid lost some of its prestige.

These very problems are why Ancelotti was referred to as a “Peacemaker” at his official presentation. Though he was quick to push aside the claim, it is clear for the world to see.

Many changes were needed at Real Madrid, but none were as vital as bringing the club back to its values. And that is exactly what Carlo Ancelotti will seek to do.

What changes do you think Ancelotti will make? Will he fix the problems created by Mourinho, or will Real Madrid suffer more? Leave your thoughts and comments below.

Tre’ Atkinson. Follow me on Twitter for more discussions on Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid and La Liga.

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