As Real Madrid’s season came to a disappointing end in the Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti and several players have come under fire. On Radio Marca, journalists shared their opinions… Javi Tintó even named five players who should leave the club this summer.
Real Madrid’s elimination from the Champions League on Wednesday night has left a bitter taste for fans and football observers in Spain. While hopes of another European title faded after a tough two-legged tie against Arsenal, attention has now turned to Carlo Ancelotti and certain key players, accused of no longer living up to the expectations of such a prestigious club. Discussions on Radio Marca were particularly heated.
The five players on the chopping block
Journalists and pundits shared their assessments without holding back. In addition to Samir Nasri, who mentioned a key issue between Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé, several journalists on Radio Marca took aim at Ancelotti’s tactical shortcomings. Among them, Javi Tintó was especially blunt, naming five players he believes should leave the club this summer. “There are five or six players who must leave Real Madrid. It’s time to bid farewell to Lucas Vázquez and Luka Modric with honours. The other players who need to go are Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Rodrygo and Güler.”
Like Tintó, other pundits such as Ricardo Sierra criticised the coach for the overall quality of the team’s football. “Against Arsenal, the desire was there, but not the technical solutions needed to turn things around.” Antonio Sanz, meanwhile, questioned whether Ancelotti himself is feeling worn out. “Why not turn the page and take on a new challenge, such as managing the Brazilian national team?” A question that reflects a growing sentiment among some Madrid fans, weary of a playing style seen as too predictable.
Why should the five key names mentioned by Tintó leave?
With a sharp focus on the team’s performances this season under Carlo Ancelotti, it has become almost essential to make sweeping changes and put sentimentality aside. Take Lucas Vázquez, for example — a long-time servant of the club, but clearly lacking the qualities required of a modern right-back. Ageing, it’s evident that he should now move on and seek a less demanding project than that of Los Blancos. Speaking of ageing players, Luka Modric, who will soon be 40, no longer has the legs either.
Despite his class and elegance on the ball, the Croatian captain must step aside to make room for younger talent. The squad’s rejuvenation must begin this summer. Another case is Ferland Mendy. Frequently criticised for his inconsistency, the left-back has failed to convince. Plagued by frequent injuries and inconsistent performances, the Frenchman is not a long-term solution. Like Mendy, David Alaba should also be shown the exit. Though versatile, the Austrian, coming off a long injury layoff, no longer has the physical capability. His recent performances are clear evidence of that.
Finally, one of the boldest decisions might be to let Rodrygo Goes go. Despite his promising potential, the young Brazilian seems to struggle to make a decisive leap, partly due to how he is being used. Inconsistent, the 24-year-old forward has recently shown limitations. Among Real Madrid’s current star attackers, he’s the underperformer who may need a fresh start elsewhere.
Real Madrid face a decisive summer
For the Madrid board, this summer will be pivotal. Between rejuvenating the squad and defining a new footballing philosophy, the club will have to make tough decisions — including parting ways with some club legends. The names mentioned by Javi Tintó will no doubt provoke mixed reactions among fans.
Nonetheless, it’s clear that Florentino Pérez must implement significant changes to bring the club back to the heights it aspires to reach. The future of Ancelotti and some key players is now more uncertain than ever.
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