Carlo Ancelotti has explained his decision to play Luka Modric in a more advanced role during Real Madrid’s El Clásico defeat.
Los Blancos were humbled at home in Sunday’s Clásico, losing 4-0 against fierce rivals Barcelona.
There is no doubting Real Madrid’s dominance in La Liga this season, with Ancelotti’s men still nine points clear at the top.
But a much-improved Barcelona made easy work of them on Sunday to continue their fine run.
And it was an unrecognisable performance from Real Madrid, who looked way off the mark from moment one.
Team selection didn’t help, with Ancelotti trying to bridge the gap left by the injured Karim Benzema by putting Modric in a number nine position.
But the experiment failed spectacularly, and he admitted as much during his post-match press conference.
“We searched for more control of the ball, to press higher, but after the goal, the 1-0, we haven’t gone to plan and they have damaged us,” the Italian explained.
“The plan has not been good. Barca have played better and have deserved to win, but the defeat does not sink us.
“One has to look forward and have balance, to think that we have a nine-point advantage.”
Real Madrid now go into the international break with the worst possible feeling, having lost the Clásico, but they do still have that nine-point gap, and they remain very much on course to win the league title.
