Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure at Real Madrid this season has been nothing short of commendable, considering the challenging circumstances he has had to navigate. From the outset, the squad faced depth issues, exacerbated by a string of injuries to key players, both short and long-term. Despite these setbacks, Ancelotti has steered the team admirably, exceeding expectations.
Real Madrid’s resilience under pressure is evident in their impressive record, having suffered only two losses thus far in the campaign. Topping the La Liga table and being considered contenders in the Champions League speaks volumes about Ancelotti’s managerial prowess.
Amidst the team’s success, Nacho Fernandez has emerged as a pivotal figure, stepping into a starting role due to injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba. However, reports from The Athletic suggest that Nacho’s relationship with Ancelotti remains strained. The veteran defender is reportedly discontented with recent decisions to substitute him during matches, feeling a lack of full confidence from the manager.
In all honesty, Nacho’s increased playing time this season hasn’t necessarily correlated with standout performances. Quite the contrary, the Spaniard has shown signs of vulnerability on the field, leading to questions about his effectiveness.
Comparatively, Aurelien Tchouameni’s performances at centre-back have arguably been more reliable, prompting understandable decisions from Ancelotti to substitute Nacho on occasion.
Looking ahead, Nacho’s future at Real Madrid remains uncertain. Despite being a loyal servant to the club throughout his career, his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, leaving his long-term prospects up in the air.