Herculez Gomez Blasts Carlo Ancelotti After Real Madrid’s Defeat: “Ref Helped, But His Weakness Lost the Match”

ESPN Deportes – In a fiery interview earlier this week, former U.S. international and football analyst Herculez Gomez delivered a searing critique of Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti following the club’s crushing defeat to Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League. Gomez didn’t mince words, accusing Ancelotti of being “stubborn, weak, and ultimately responsible” for Madrid’s exit—despite what he called “favorable officiating.”

“Even with the referee leaning in their favor, Real Madrid couldn’t get the job done,” Gomez said. “That says everything you need to know about where the problem lies—at the top. And that problem is Ancelotti.”

The comments came after Real Madrid suffered a disappointing elimination at the hands of a determined Arsenal squad, who outplayed Los Blancos across both legs of the tie. The result has sent shockwaves through the footballing world and has raised questions about Real Madrid’s direction under Ancelotti, one of the sport’s most decorated managers.

Gomez Calls Out Tactical Inflexibility

During his interview, Gomez specifically pointed to what he viewed as Ancelotti’s “unwillingness to adapt” in the face of adversity.

“It’s 2025, and Carlo Ancelotti is still managing like it’s 2014,” Gomez quipped. “This isn’t about nostalgia, it’s about results. His tactics were predictable, outdated, and got exposed by a younger, hungrier Arsenal side.”

Analysts across Europe have noted how Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, exploited Madrid’s lack of pace and creativity in the midfield, while their high pressing and quick transitions rendered Madrid’s possession-heavy style ineffective. Gomez believes Ancelotti’s insistence on sticking to a rigid game plan—without adjusting to the pace and intensity Arsenal brought to the match—was a fatal flaw.

“When you’re being outplayed and outrun, and you don’t change anything—not the formation, not the personnel—what else can we call that but managerial arrogance?” Gomez added.

“Even the Ref Couldn’t Save Them”

Perhaps the most controversial element of Gomez’s critique was his suggestion that Real Madrid benefited from officiating decisions that still weren’t enough to save them.

“Let’s not pretend here—there were calls that went their way. But even with the ref trying to keep them in it, Ancelotti’s choices made sure they were going out,” Gomez said bluntly.

While he didn’t cite specific incidents, fans and pundits alike have debated several moments in the match, including a possible offside call that went unreviewed and a questionable yellow card against Arsenal’s Declan Rice. Gomez’s claim has added fuel to those discussions and drawn both agreement and criticism online.

Madrid’s Supporters Divided

Unsurprisingly, Gomez’s comments have split opinion among Madridistas and football fans alike. Some supporters believe his criticism was overdue, pointing to the club’s recent lack of consistency in big matches, especially in European knockout rounds. Others argue that blaming Ancelotti—a coach with four Champions League titles to his name—is unfair, especially given the team’s aging roster and injury concerns.

Ancelotti himself has not responded directly to Gomez’s remarks, but sources close to the team say the Italian coach is “aware of the media noise” and remains focused on regrouping for La Liga and domestic cup competitions.

What’s Next for Real Madrid?

With their Champions League dreams dashed, Real Madrid faces a period of intense introspection. The pressure is now on club president Florentino Pérez and the board to decide whether Ancelotti remains the right figure to lead the club forward.

Gomez, for his part, is clear in his stance:

“Real Madrid needs a reboot. They need a modern, fearless leader who’s not afraid to evolve. Carlo has had his time. But right now, he’s holding them back.”

As speculation grows around potential successors—including names like Xabi Alonso and even Zinedine Zidane—Gomez’s comments may serve as an early push toward change. Whether or not Ancelotti survives this storm remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the gloves are off in Madrid, and the critics are no longer whispering—they’re shouting.