'We have a problem..' - Carlos Ancelotti takes dig at decision-makers ahead of Champions League clash against Stuttgart

Real Madrid, as Spanish and European champions, have a packed schedule compared to other top European clubs. Aside from their domestic and continental commitments, they have already won the Uefa Super Cup and will participate in the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh in January. Additionally, they are set to compete in the expanded Fifa Club World Cup next summer. This comes after a busy summer where most of the Real Madrid squad took part in the European Championship or Copa America with their national teams.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti strongly criticized UEFA for jeopardizing players' safety by adding more games to the new Champions League format as the holders kick off their title defense against Stuttgart on Tuesday.

New Champions League Format

In contrast to the traditional eight groups of four where the top two teams advanced to the knockout stages, this season's tournament will commence with a 36-team league, resulting in an increase of group-stage matches from six to eight. The top eight clubs will then directly progress to the Round of 16, while teams ranking between ninth and 24th will participate in two-legged play-off ties, involving a total of 10 matches before reaching the knockouts.

Real Madrid's Gaffer Take on the Situation 

Ancelotti expressed his concerns about the overly demanding schedule for the professional players. He feels that if the decision makers are under the misconception that players stay fit if they play too much, then teams better be ready to be doomed. He further voiced his opinion to reduce the number of matches to have more attractive competitions. Ancelotti is facing concerns in Madrid's treatment room, with seven first-team players either absent or just returning to fitness. 

"If the governing bodies and decision-makers don't think that players get injured because they play too much, we have a problem. I would ask them to think about reducing the number of matches in order to have more attractive competitions." : Ancelotti stated.

The gaffer gave some updates about the injured lot of Madrid players. He revealed that the Ballond'Or nominee Bellingham is recovering well. Tchouameni and Militao were not part of the training sessions since they needed more time to recover. He informed that Militao will be available for the Champions League fixture against Stuttgart. The gaffer expressed his sadness for losing another important player, Diaz, to another injury in the previous La Liga match, and he stays confident about his team's chances of getting off to a winning start.

Gaffer's Take on Their Champions League Opposition 

Standing in the way of Ancelotti's desired winning start are Stuttgart, who return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2009/10 season. 

Ancelotti praised Stuttgart and their manager for their wonderful performance in the Bundesliga last season. Ancelotti hailed Stuttgart as a good team that play organised football and will compete against Real Madrid, and it will be an entertaining affair.

Kylian Mbappe at the centre stage of all things 

All eyes will be on Kylian Mbappe at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night for his first Champions League game as a Real Madrid player. The France captain made his long-touted move to the Spanish capital this summer from Paris Saint-Germain, and he has started the season decently with four goals in six matches, although two came from the penalty spot.

Mbappe was the marquee signing in an otherwise relatively quiet summer for Madrid, who also completed a deal for Brazilian prodigy Endrick.