Fabio Capello talks Ancelotti’s exit, Mbappe, Vinicius, Bellingham – ‘His situation is unfair’ | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello has given an honest and revealing assessment of the current situation at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In a recent interview with COPE (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Capello weighed in on several hot-button issues at the club, from Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to the growing injury crisis, and the challenge of integrating high-profile stars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.

Capello didn’t hold back when discussing the effect of Mbappe’s arrival on the team’s dynamics. “With Mbappe’s arrival, Vinicius and Bellingham found themselves competing physically, technically, and positionally. They didn’t help each other,” said the Italian.

While he was quick to praise Mbappe as “a great player, fantastic,” he underlined that Real Madrid lacked balance.

“Mbappe is a great player, he’s fantastic, and there’s no debating that, but the team needs balance,” he noted.

The former coach was also candid about the injuries that have plagued Real Madrid’s campaign. “It’s been a difficult year because with Mbappe we had to change the system, and then came all the absences in defence,” he explained.

With five defenders sidelined, the team’s vulnerabilities were brutally exposed. “If you don’t have valuable players in defence, it’s very difficult to win,” Capello emphasised.

Ancelotti’s ‘unfair’ exit and legacy

Fabio Capello underlined Carlo Ancelotti’s legacy at Real Madrid. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Perhaps the most emotional part of Capello’s commentary came when he spoke about Ancelotti’s departure. Now confirmed as the next Brazil manager, Ancelotti will leave Madrid at the end of the season despite an incredible record at the club.

“Yes, I think his situation is unfair,” said Capello. “But I know Real Madrid. At this club, it’s not enough to participate; you have to win.” He drew parallels with his own exit from the club, reminding everyone that even after lifting a title, he was dismissed.

Capello did, however, praise Ancelotti’s accomplishments in glowing terms. “The numbers speak for themselves, people forget that.

“He had a strong team, and with that strong team, he won. He’s intelligent, he knows how to manage the locker room, he has charisma… that’s important. And Ancelotti has it,” he said.

Managing egos at the Bernabeu

Capello ended his assessment by touching on one of the toughest aspects of the job — handling a dressing room filled with stars. When asked whether a stricter approach is required, he replied,

“A coach must be intelligent. There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. It depends on the moment and the players.”

Reflecting on his own experience, he mentioned the challenges of managing Ronaldo Nazario. “It was very difficult when Ronaldo was there. After he left, things were sorted out.”