Ancelotti finalizes crucial left-back choices for Real Madrid ahead of clashes with Osasuna and Manchester City.

A recent report from AS has provided insight into Real Madrid’s left-back situation.

 

Despite Fran Garcia showcasing his best form since rejoining the club, he remains the backup option. While he is expected to start against Osasuna, the more high-stakes Champions League clash against Manchester City is already reserved for Ferland Mendy.

 

Mendy remains Ancelotti’s go-to left-back for crucial matches, a decision that hasn’t changed regardless of Garcia’s progress. While the debate over the left-back role continues, it isn’t a concern for the manager, who has full confidence in Mendy’s defensive reliability in key games.

 

That doesn’t diminish Garcia’s contributions, as he has significantly improved. One notable stat highlights his growth—despite the season still being in its early stages, he has already played almost as many minutes as he did in the entire previous campaign.

 

For the upcoming match against Manchester City, Mendy is set to start. Although concerns about his form and fitness persist, Ancelotti values his defensive stability, which is crucial for high-pressure encounters. With Vinicius Junior occupying the left wing, overlapping runs from the full-back are not a necessity. Instead, the coach prioritizes a player who can maintain defensive structure—Mendy fits that role perfectly.

 

This remains Garcia’s biggest hurdle. Despite his strong performances, he has yet to convince Ancelotti that he should be the first-choice left-back. For now, Mendy maintains his established role, while Garcia must stay patient as he continues to make h⁸is case.