Yes, the role of the coach is very important, not only in the tactics and ability of the entire squad to carry out the game using their tactics, but also in how the coach controls the players to remain under his control. Yes, because there are some players who sometimes like what they do. Even worse, in some other clubs, there are many players who don't respect their coaches and sometimes even get into fights with them.
Coaches must be respected, not feared, because if they are respected the players will see that more, compared to being feared because the players might have bad thoughts about the coach. And I think Ancelotti is a highly respected coach.
Yes, of course, the players are no longer small children who need to be scared. But they are adults who will immediately respond when they see how the coach works for them, how he treats them, and devises strategies for them. And how the coach is on the field when the players compete. It will have a big influence not only on their skills but also their soft skills and mentality too. And the players are certainly aware that if they don't play optimally, their position at the club might also be threatened, because there are still other players waiting on the bench.
I agree that thinking midfield is a "problem" for Real Madrid feels like a joke. Their midfield worths like 300+ million euros, if thats a weak midfield I would like to see what would be a good one. I think they are still great. Of course Kroos was a great player, doesn't mean that losing Kroos is nothing, of course we are going to see them be very difficult to handle it all.
Tony Kross is truly irreplaceable, he is a legend. but now the era is different. Real Madrid's midfield also didn't immediately drop badly without Kross. No. They still have other players who are also shining and strong too. They have a very strong midfield, even their substitutes on the bench are no less strong. So, the current situation, Real Madrid, especially with Mbappe in front, and Bellingham finally in his original position as attacking midfielder, then there are still Vini RR, Rodrygo, and others in each line who are actually strong, so it should be, Real Madrid will very successful and becomes the strongest in La Liga.