The Post Mortem at the Santiago Bernabeu

As you are probably be aware, there will be no match report for Real Madrid's loss in the Champions League to Juventus largely due to my upset body clock. Instead, I will share my thoughts on what lies in wait for El Galacticos of Spanish football.

To start with, Juventus played a very smart game, even though they lacked confidence in the first half to go and attack (or so I believe!). I did get to witness the second half. It started with constant Madrid pressure and it looked only certain that they were going to add to their total. I thought Pirlo was particularly disappointing on the ball and was at fault for conceding possession often. He will definitely be punished by an inform Barca side if it continues into the final. Former Madrid academy player Alvaro Morata equalized much to the disdain of the Madristas. The goal seemed act as a pill to sap all of the energy and confidence from Real Madrid. Defenders Chiellini and Bonucci were immense and repelled any ball into the box from the Madrid wide-men. The result would have been a shock, but it was no less than what the Old Lady deserved.

Currently in the Spanish capital, a post-mortem will be under way. Pitch forks will be sharpened by Florentino Perez and the Madrid fans for Ancelotti and the players. I think Gareth Bale could be on his way out of the club in the summer with potential suitors coming from England and other fields. I think only Manchester United and Bayern Munich would be able to cough up for Bale due to financial fair play affecting Manchester City. Looking at Carlo Ancelotti, I will be amazed if he still has a job at the start of next season. As I stated in previous articles, not many managers get away with 1 trophyless season in the Spanish capital, so if he was to be given an extra term in the post, he will need to deliver the world to Perez. As it stands, rumours are gathering momentum that the Italian has signed a pre contract deal to take him to Manchester City in the summer.

I remember at the start of the 2015 when I wrote a piece about the dressing room in their greatest rivals, Barcelona, and how that it was fractured with too many egos and not enough control from manager Luis Enrique. In hindsight, I looked pretty stupid considering Barca are now challenging for the coveted treble. Ancelotti is facing a similar situation. Agent, Jonathan Barnett commented that Bale's team mates do not pass to him and that is why he is suffering. This was a very ill-advised statement made before a crucial, season defining match against the Italian giants and I am really not surprised that this has caused disharmonious feelings among the camp. Ancelotti hit back stating that Mr Barnett had not been at any training sessions so he does not having right to say anything. I don't think Ancelotti had any option but to refute the claims. The only thing I have to say about this is that there must be some unrest if the agent were to bring up accusations such as these.

It has been reported in the Spanish publication Marca that boss Carlo Ancelotti has been wanting to drop Bale for the past 2 months but has been unable to due to pressure from Perez. Marca are known to have links inside the 10 times Champions of Europe so if - and it's a big if - these rumours are true, it says a hell of a lot about the politics inside the great football club. How undermining would that be for the world's most expensive player? I also hasten to add that it is also rumoured by the same publication that he hasn't learnt the language, something which will reflect badly on him if it is true. I haven't even began to touch on the incidents preceeding El Clasico over a month ago. I don't think he is liked in the camp. It is evident that the supporters aren't big fans. I'll always remember when Bale was outside the box on the right facing a Juve player. He tried to knock the ball past the defender but a heavy touch saw the ball roll out for a goal kick and ignite a ripple of a sarcastic applause from individuals behind the goal.

I thought that the former AC Milan manager could survive a season with winning nothing as I said in my article on possible destinations for Jurgen Klopp, but now I'm not too sure. I don't see Klopp breaking his 'sabbatical' to leap into that calderon of uncertainty. Anyhow, there needs to be an evaluation of some of the players. On Wednesday, Kroos and Isco offered nothing defensively, something which a Illaramendi or a Khedira would. The league campaign does not challenge these deficiencies, with exception to matches against Atletico and Barcelona. Xabi Alonso has also been a big loss, as Toni Kroos hasn't pushed on as performances at Bayern Munich dictated.

As an attacking force, Real Madrid are right up there. The BBC attack of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano will frighten any defence in the world. This year they have scored total of 70 goals this season, while contributing to 33 goals. Even though Ronaldo has a large majority in this facet, It is quite an incredible tally for the side, more goals than any English side with exception to Manchester City. On the other hand, they can be defensively naive at times. Examples include the 4-0 hammering they took at the hands of their City rivals as well as the defeat at the Nou Camp. This is something that needs to be addressed on the training pitch or else in the summer transfer window.

There will be changes at the Bernanbeu in the summer. Jobs will be lost, but it makes interesting reading as to who will replace Ancelotti. Also, who would even want a job where the fans can turn on you in an instant? I get the impression that the job helps fund a decent retirement package for when managers conclude their career.