Real Madrid News
Real Madrid left-back injured again after ’forcing’ himself several times
Marcelo’s decline over the past two years has been incredibly steep. The Brazilian headlined an era for the Madrid based side, and it seemed impossible to fathom how the void left by his departure could be filled.
However, Ferland Mendy has proven to be more than capable of taking over duties at left-back. The French international has been solid in defence whilst simultaneously opening new doors for his team in the final third.
The effect of Mendy’s absence was seen in El Clasico. On the night, Real Madrid suffered against Ousmane Dembele on the left flank, giving the Blaugranas the upper hand.
Though Mendy has been consistent on the field, his fitness has been worrying. The fullback has been having groin discomforts since January and has still not recovered completely.
According to Sergio Quirante, his discomfort relapsed during Madrid’s clash against Celta Vigo. Yet, Mendy pushed himself through it for the subsequent game against Chelsea. As a result, he was forced to miss the team’s trip to Getafe.
Despite not being completely fit, he once again played through the pain during the second leg against Chelsea earlier this week. Now, he is injured again and risks missing the upcoming clash against Sevilla.
Mendy had a poor outing on Tuesday against the London based side. Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek overwhelmed the 26-year-old before he was eventually replaced in the second half.
The Frenchman has started 18 La Liga games for Real Madrid this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist. He has created two big chances and averages one key pass per game.
Speaking to the media, Brazil Football Confederations (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues has claimed that the Selecao have not given up on their pursuit of Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, despite the Italian stating that he will not leave the club.
Brazil have been without a manager since the World Cup in Qatar last year, following which Tite stepped down. The CBF have made Ancelotti their top target and have been pursuing his signing for months but to no avail.
The 63-year-old Italian tactician has, on more than one occasion, made it clear that he will be at Real Madrid next season, with his contract expiring in 2024.
However, CBF president Rodrigues is adamant that Ancelotti’s statements are due to him being cautious as he is under contract at Real Madrid and that the Selecao are not prepared to give up on their quest to appoint him as of yet.
“We made a plan, that ‘Plan A’ is the one you know, Ancelotti, and as they say in the ‘ring’ (boxing), I haven’t thrown in the towel yet,” Rodrigues said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
“Because of contracts, people are cautious,” he added.
Ancelotti, for his part, has repeatedly stated that he does not intend to leave Real Madrid unless he is forced out of the club.
Despite missing out on the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League titles last season, the club continue to back the veteran Italian and are planning for next season with him in charge.
So, despite Rodrigues’ confidence and perseverance, it is extremely unlikely that Ancelotti will be leaving Real Madrid for Brazil this summer.
