Internal battle at Real Madrid over key transfer comes to light following Super Cup thrashing against Barcelona: Reports

Following Real Madrid's loss 5-2 to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final, reports have claimed that Carlo Ancelotti wanted the club to sign defensive reinforcements last summer. Los Blancos endured an embarrassing defensive display in Saudi Arabia on Sunday (January 12).

It was their second match against Barcelona this season, following a 4-0 thrashing at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26 in LaLiga.

Ancelotti has used defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as a centre-back due to Madrid's injury crisis in defense. The France international played 64 minutes in the Supercopa final and struggled to keep Barca's attackers at bay. He was dribbled past three times and lost all four ground duels he contested.

With Eder Militao and David Alaba out injured, questions have been raised about why Real Madrid did not sign defensive reinforcements during the summer. The Athletic (via Football Espana) has now reported that manager Carlo Ancelotti requested for defenders last summer.

However, they failed to complete deals, notably losing Leny Yoro to Manchester United, while waiting to potentially sign Trent Alexander-Arnold for free this summer. In December, there were reportedly meetings between Ancelotti and the higher-ups in the club, including General Director Jose Angel Sanchez and Chief Scout Juni Calafat.

While they concluded that it was necessary to make moves in the ongoing transfer window, Real Madrid are particularly against signing players in January. Club president Florentino Perez has maintained his focus on the summer window alone.

The club hierarchy also believe that Ancelotti can work with some youngsters in defense in the meantime, with players like Raul Asencio impressing. The 21-year-old defender has played seven LaLiga games this season, alongside two UEFA Champions League games. He also came off the bench in the Supercopa de Espana final.

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Carlo Ancelotti singles out one player for impressing in Real Madrid's loss to Barcelona

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has questioned the defensive output of his players after their shocking 5-2 defeat to Barca. However, he set some praise aside for Kylian Mbappe, who played a part in both of their goals.

The former Paris Saint-Germain forward scored the first goal of the game in the fifth minute.

Despite Real Madrid trailing 5-1, Mbappe put pressure on Barcelona's defense and got tackled by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, getting the goalkeeper sent off. Rodrygo scored from the resulting free-kick in the 60th minute.

Ancelotti told the press (via Eurosport):

"I won't name anyone, I'm talking about the whole team. We didn't defend well, we weren't compact, and we have to defend better. I'd focus on Mbappe, who had a very good game."

"It was a great move to score the goal. But the rest we should forget about, and look forward."

Next, Real Madrid will face Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 on January 16. Barcelona also have an upcoming match against Real Betis at the Lluis Companys on January 15.