Real Madrid have hugely invested this summer into a side that are current Champions League holders. He hasn't just bought World Cup stars Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez and Keylor Navas to make up the numbers.
Here are the crucial decisions that Carlo Ancelotti must make that may upset his players and force them to leave the Bernabau before the transfer window closes.
Goalkeeping dilemma
To start at the beginning, Ancelotti has to decide the identity of his first choice goalkeeper following the arrival of Costa Rica’s World Cup star Keylor Navas and the apparently ongoing decline of the long-serving Iker Casillas. Last year Ancelotti decided to jobshare between Casillas and Diego Lopez, and the same conclusion this campaign would be no surprise.
Who plays alongside Ramos?
Sergio Ramos is firmly installed as one of the first names on Ancelotti’s teamsheet, having written himself further into club history with a stoppage time leveller in May’s Champions League final. Alongside him, long-time partner Pepe, who continues to look a player in decline, will have to hold off an increasingly strong challenge from Raphael Varane – as long as the rising French star can finally stay fit.
Professor Alonso
Xabi Alonso is one of Ancelotti’s favourite players, with the Italian coach dubbing the midfield general ‘The Professor’ for his knowledge of the game and ability to dictate the tempo. But Alonso turns 33 in November and his creaking body seems unlikely to last the rigours of a full season – so should Ancelotti keep picking him for the most important games, or reduce him to the status of a squad player?
The holy trinity
With the acquisition of James Rodriguez, Ancelotti boast an attacking midfield trio to be envied by any manager as the Colombian teams up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. All three are capable of playing in different positions, so the task facing the Madrid boss is how they should be aligned to get the most out of their talents. Rodriguez in the middle with Bale on the right and Ronaldo on the left is the most likely, but flexibility is guaranteed.
Stick with Benzema?
Ancelotti has showed great faith in Karim Benzema despite another inconsistent campaign from the Frenchman. His talent is not in question and he also possesses great movement, knowing when to drift out to the left wing to create space for Ronaldo. But he often disappears, especially in big games, and the possible arrival of Radamel Falcao would provide a new dimension to the team’s attack.
