• Real Madrid in awful form
• Team balance big issue for Ancelotti
• Italian thinks he has found the 'solution'

WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Madrid have had a very poor start to the season by their sky-high standards. Los Blancos have struggled to find a proper rhythm and balance to their system following their incorporation of Kylian Mbappe into an already strong squad.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ancelotti's job at the Santiago Bernabeu could be under threat if results do not follow in the next few months. Club president Florentino Perez is said to understand that a string of failures may cause rifts in the dressing room that has already shown some cracks, especially with the number of egos clashing to take centre stage. However, the uber-successful Italian coach has revealed that he thinks he has found the 'solution' to make the team tick.

WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

Speaking to the media on Friday, Ancelotti said: "I think we found the solution. Now we have to show this on the pitch.

"Sacrifice, focus and collective effort. This is the key. It's a difficult moment for us… but I'm happy to be here at the best club in the world."

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

The defending La Liga champions will be in action next when they take on Osasuna at the Bernabeu on Saturday, October 9 as they look to chase down leaders Barcelona heading into the November international break.