Carlo Ancelotti’s plan against Arsenal: start a player no one wants to see

The air in Madrid is thick with tension and anticipation as the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final between Real Madrid and Arsenal draws ever closer. Following a humbling 3-0 defeat in the first leg in London, the Spanish giants face an uphill battle of epic proportions as they prepare to welcome the Gunners to the Santiago Bernabéu. The weight of expectation rests heavily on the shoulders of manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is tasked with orchestrating a comeback that would etch his name further into the annals of footballing history.

However, as the final hours tick down before this crucial encounter, reports from within the Real Madrid camp suggest that Ancelotti is leaning towards a selection decision that has already sparked debate and unease among the club’s passionate fanbase. The Italian tactician appears poised to start a player in a key position, a choice that, according to sources, is far from being a popular one amongst the Madrid faithful.

The primary area of concern and speculation revolves around the left-back position. With the reliable and consistent Ferland Mendy still sidelined due to injury, Ancelotti finds himself with limited options to fill this crucial role in his defensive setup. Mendy’s absence is a significant blow for Real Madrid, as his defensive prowess and ability to contribute in the attacking third have made him an integral part of Ancelotti’s plans throughout the season.

Adding to Ancelotti’s selection woes, the versatile Eduardo Camavinga, who has often deputized admirably at left-back when Mendy has been unavailable, is suspended for this second-leg clash against Arsenal. Camavinga’s absence further narrows the options available to the Real Madrid manager, leaving him with a stark choice between two players for the left-back berth: the experienced Austrian international David Alaba and the young Spanish full-back Fran García.

While both players offer different qualities and attributes, it is the potential selection of David Alaba that has reportedly caused a stir and generated apprehension among Real Madrid supporters. Despite his undeniable pedigree and vast experience, Alaba’s recent performances for the club have come under scrutiny, with some critics suggesting that he has not been at his consistent best.

According to reports emanating from the Spanish capital, Carlo Ancelotti is indeed leaning towards starting David Alaba at left-back against Arsenal. This decision, if confirmed, would mean that Fran García, who has shown glimpses of promise and defensive solidity in his appearances this season, would likely have to settle for a place on the bench.

The rationale behind Ancelotti’s apparent preference for Alaba in this crucial encounter seems to stem from a desire to field players with significant experience and a perceived physical presence, particularly when dealing with the dynamic and youthful attacking threats posed by Arsenal, such as Bukayo Saka. Ancelotti may believe that Alaba’s experience in high-pressure Champions League matches and his aerial ability could be crucial in containing the Gunners’ offensive forays.

However, this potential selection comes with its own set of concerns. Alaba faced criticism for his performance in the first leg against Arsenal, where he struggled to contain the pace and trickery of Bukayo Saka. Some fans and pundits argue that Fran García’s greater natural inclination as a full-back and his recent displays of defensive resilience might make him a more suitable option to handle Arsenal’s dangerous winger.

Despite these concerns and the potential for fan dissatisfaction, Ancelotti seems prepared to place his trust in the experienced Austrian defender. This decision highlights the delicate balancing act that managers often face in high-stakes matches, weighing experience and tactical considerations against current form and potential fan sentiment.

The fact that Ancelotti is reportedly considering starting a player who might not be the popular choice underscores the limitations that the Real Madrid squad currently faces, particularly in the full-back positions. The absence of both Mendy and the suspended Camavinga has left the manager with a less-than-ideal selection dilemma for such a critical match.

The article also touches upon the broader context of Real Madrid’s squad depth, suggesting that the club’s transfer policy in recent seasons, spearheaded by president Florentino Pérez, has perhaps not provided the team with the necessary strength in depth to cope with injuries and suspensions, particularly in key areas of the pitch.

The implication is that if Real Madrid ultimately fails to overturn the 3-0 deficit and is eliminated from the Champions League, questions might be raised about the club’s transfer strategy and the adequacy of the current squad to compete at the highest level of European football. The reliance on experienced players, while often beneficial, can become problematic when those players are not consistently performing at their peak.

Ultimately, Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to potentially start David Alaba at left-back against Arsenal is a bold one that carries significant risk and reward. If Alaba can deliver a commanding performance and help Real Madrid keep a clean sheet while they attempt to mount their comeback, Ancelotti’s faith in him will be vindicated. However, if Alaba struggles, and Arsenal’s attack proves too potent, the manager’s selection will undoubtedly come under intense scrutiny.

The second leg between Real Madrid and Arsenal promises to be a captivating and emotionally charged affair. The home side will need to produce a performance of immense character and quality to have any chance of overturning the three-goal deficit. Ancelotti’s tactical masterplan, and the performance of the players he selects, particularly in the potentially problematic left-back position, will be crucial factors in determining the outcome of this high-stakes Champions League encounter. The footballing world will be watching with bated breath to see if Real Madrid can pull off another famous European comeback, or if Arsenal will hold firm to secure their place in the semi-finals.