Real Madrid News
Real Madrid new boy will be the first-choice starter for Ancelotti next season – report
As reported by AS (h/t Madrid Xtra), new signing Fran Garcia will be Real Madrid’s first-choice left-back next season.
The 23-year-old, who first joined Real Madrid back in 2013, was brought back by Los Blancos in June, making him the club’s first signing of the summer.
The young full-back was initially expected to be the understudy but considering Ferland Mendy’s substandard return, he is now set to become Carlo Ancelotti’s first choice.
Garcia’s installation as the first choice comes on the back of his excellent season at Rayo Vallecano in 2022/23. On top of that, Mendy is staring at an uncertain future following his subpar campaign last time out.
While Real Madrid wish to put him up for sale, Ancelotti is against the idea. The Italian had to rely a lot on Eduardo Camavinga’s versatility and while the Frenchman did put in a consistent performance, he does not want to continue in the position and even the club does not wish to keep him there.
As far as Mendy is concerned, he is willing to stay as well and wants to fight for a place in the first team. If that is achieved, he will want to extend his stay considering that his ongoing deal expires in 2025.
In any given condition, Ancelotti would want to have options at his disposal and Garcia’s acquisition is simply the icing on the cake.
At the moment, a lot will depend on how the young full-back will perform during the pre-season tour. It will set the tone for how things go for him once the campaign begins.
Garcia’s arrival means Mendy will have something to fight for. Last season, he knew he is the unassailable option, but now, if Garcia can replicate his Rayo Vallecano form, Mendy’s permanent place will be in trouble.
Real Madrid’s game against Las Palmas this midweek was an important one for the club.
The Spanish giants secured a 2-0 victory over the Canaries. But more importantly, the game witnessed the return of Vinicius Junior, who was coming back from an injury.
However, it was not the most pleasing return from the Brazilian, who had an altercation with head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Dispute ends without a handshake
A video has surfaced recently which shows that Vinicius Junior and Ancelotti even ended the game without even shaking hands.
The altercation started when Ancelotti was seen talking to Vinicius, asking him to play more freely.
🚨🚨🚨🎥 مترجم |
— شبكة RM4Arab (@RM4Arab) September 28, 2023
خلاف بين فينيسيوس و انشيلوتي ينتهي دون مصافحة بين الطرفين بعد نهاية مباراة لاس بالماس.
pic.twitter.com/BRoi4SFcaC
Vinicius, though, was not happy with the Italian’s tactics. He pointed out his disagreement with Ancelotti and highlighted the team’s lack of structure.
Ancelotti continued to yell at the Brazilian, asking him to play a certain way. The matters turned worse when Vini continued to turn his back on the Real Madrid coach.
After the final whistle, the Brazilian international did glance past Ancelotti without even shaking his hand.
Ancelotti under pressure
This is a worrying sign for Real Madrid and an indicator that the team is not entirely happy with Ancelotti, who has faced criticism despite a relatively good start to the season.
Although the Real Madrid board has continued to back the former AC Milan and PSG coach, the Italian is certainly running on thin ice.
The upcoming games against Girona, Napoli and Osasuna could be crucial as Real Madrid look to maintain their winning momentum, especially following a derby defeat to Atleti.
In the meantime, Ancelotti must definitely have a word with Vinicius and calm the Brazilian, knowing the attacker could play a key role in revving up the team’s offensive unit in the coming weeks.
