Okay so I’ve been studying Ancelotti’s team picks at Real Madrid like crazy, you know? Started last season when everyone kept guessing wrong before big matches. Dug into every interview, watched training clips, compared lineups for months.
First Thing I Did
Went through all La Liga lineups since Carlo came back. Wrote down who started each game in a big spreadsheet. Like physically scribbled names on paper first week – messy but helped me see patterns. Noticed right away he almost never changes the back four unless injuries hit.
The Core Player Thing
Realized Carlo works backwards. Pick your untouchables first, always. For him? Benzema was automatic before leaving. Now it’s Vinicius, Jude, Rudiger and Courtois when fit. Literally draws circle around them every time. Rest gets shuffled based on three things:
- Opponent’s weakness (fast wingers? Bring in Camavinga)
- How much running they did last game (old Modrić gets more breaks)
- Who bitched least in training (half joking)
Training Surprises
Remember that Clasico last April? My notes show Kroos missed two sessions that week with “stomach issues”. Guess who got benched? Media said tactical – nah, Carlo hates disrupted prep. Saw it happen three times with different players.
Also noticed how he tests youngsters. Brahim would start against weaker teams after scoring in practice. If the kid played selfish? Next game Joselu starts instead. Carlo rewards training behavior way more than people think.
Biggest Mistake People Make
Stop looking at formations! Everyone obsesses over 4-3-3 vs 4-4-2. Pointless. Carlo picks players first, then molds the shape around them. Against City he started Rodrygo as false nine – not because he loves the system, because Rodrygo burned Walker in training that week. Makes notes during small-sided games constantly.
What Actually Happens
Day before match at breakfast with assistants. They lay out three enemy formation projections. Carlo grabs the marker:
- Scribbles his 4 non-negotiables
- Fills gaps based on health reports
- Finally adds one “wildcard” (like Nacho at left back)
- Sleeps on it
Never decides same day. Lets choices marinate overnight. Changed starting keeper once after bad sleep – not even joking.
So yeah, stopped predicting lineups now. Just watch training videos and check who’s sliding tackles post-practice. That’s Carlo’s real selection sheet right there.