Ancelotti Explains Madrid’s Change: “It Wasn’t Just Kroos for Mbappé”

Carlo Ancelotti, now manager of Brazil, discussed Real Madrid's evolution in a recent interview, rejecting the simplistic notion that the team's change is merely about replacing Toni Kroos with Kylian Mbappé. He emphasized that football teams transform due to subtle shifts within the squad, which alter the overall team chemistry.

Ancelotti pointed to several simultaneous events that marked a significant transition: the departures of Kroos and Nacho Fernández, an injury to Dani Carvajal, and reduced playing time for Luka Modrić. He described this as the end of a generation that had established a strong, successful dressing-room culture, stating that a new generation must now step up to provide character, personality, and leadership.

While defending Mbappé's individual contribution—noting his "fantastic work" in scoring around 50 goals—Ancelotti stressed that success in football often hinges on small details and that rebuilding team cohesion after such changes is a process that requires time.

Although now focused on leading Brazil to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ancelotti admitted he still closely follows Real Madrid, maintains contact with several players, and even congratulated club president Florentino Pérez after a recent victory against Manchester City.