24 Hours Before City, Carlo Ancelotti Slams Jesus Vallejo: “I Prefer to Use…”

In a pre-match press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s crucial Champions League play-off against Manchester City, Carlo Ancelotti addressed several key topics concerning his squad. One of the most intriguing subjects was the situation of Jesús Vallejo, a player who has been practically non-existent in Madrid’s plans this season. Despite the club’s ongoing defensive crisis, the Spanish defender has remained an unused option, even as injuries pile up.

Tuesday’s showdown against Manchester City is one of the most pivotal games of the season for Los Blancos. After navigating a challenging group stage, Madrid now face a stern test against the reigning champions of Europe. With injuries to defensive stalwarts like Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Lucas Vázquez, the backline is stretched thin. However, instead of turning to Vallejo, Ancelotti has opted for other solutions, a decision that has raised many eyebrows.

Ancelotti’s Brutal Take on Vallejo

During the press conference, Ancelotti was asked about Vallejo’s role in the squad and why he has not been called upon despite the team’s defensive shortages. The Italian coach did not hold back, offering a blunt yet diplomatic response: “Vallejo is training well, but his contract ends this summer, and I prefer to give chances to the younger players.”

This statement, while seemingly polite, reveals a deeper issue: Vallejo has lost all trust within the club. The 28-year-old has become a forgotten man at Real Madrid, featuring in just one match this season—a ten-minute cameo against Alavés in La Liga. Even with multiple absences in defense, he has remained sidelined, watching as youth players leapfrog him in the pecking order.

A Career Stalled by Underperformance

Jesús Vallejo has been a Madrid player since 2015 but has never truly established himself as a reliable option. Over a decade at the club, he has managed only 32 appearances, a shocking statistic for someone who was once touted as a potential defensive leader.

One of Vallejo’s biggest criticisms has been his passive and timid style of play. Unlike the rugged and aggressive defenders who have thrived at Real Madrid, Vallejo has often been seen as too soft for the elite level. His lack of presence and physicality has prevented him from securing a regular spot in the squad.

The Alavés Nightmare: Vallejo’s Last Appearance

His only outing this season came in Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Alavés, a match that nearly turned disastrous due to his introduction. Despite Madrid leading 3-0 at the time, Vallejo’s entry completely destabilized the team, allowing Alavés to score twice in the space of five minutes. His lack of composure and positional awareness drew widespread criticism, leading to questions about whether he should ever be used again.

After that match, Ancelotti seemingly made up his mind: Vallejo would no longer feature for Madrid, no matter how dire the situation. The coach’s actions since then have confirmed this stance, as he has repeatedly preferred makeshift options over fielding the out-of-favor defender.

Why Vallejo’s Future is Non-Existent at Madrid

Unlike veterans such as Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez, who are also in the final months of their contracts but continue to play regularly, Vallejo has been completely frozen out. This highlights a crucial difference: Modrić and Vázquez still bring value to the team, whereas Vallejo does not.

Even in moments of extreme defensive crises, Ancelotti has preferred alternative solutions. Midfielders have been deployed in defense, and academy prospects have been promoted ahead of Vallejo. This trend suggests that Madrid sees no future for him at the club, and his departure at the end of the season is all but certain.

A Sad Ending for Vallejo’s Madrid Career

Vallejo’s Real Madrid journey has been marked by loan spells, injuries, and underwhelming performances. He has never managed to string together a consistent run of games, and his role has dwindled further with each passing season. The writing has been on the wall for years, and Ancelotti’s recent comments have simply confirmed the inevitable.

Even among Madrid fans, Vallejo has become a symbol of the club’s transfer missteps. Once regarded as a promising young defender when he was signed from Zaragoza, he never lived up to expectations. In a squad that demands excellence, he has been found wanting.

Vallejo’s Next Steps: A Fresh Start Awaits

With his Madrid exit looming, Vallejo must now seek a new challenge elsewhere. Whether he remains in La Liga or moves abroad, he will need to rebuild his career from scratch. At 28, he still has time to revive his fortunes, but it is clear that his chapter at Real Madrid is coming to an end.

As Madrid prepare for the battle against Manchester City, the focus will be on the players who can contribute, not those who have been cast aside. Vallejo’s time in the Spanish capital has been one of missed opportunities, and it is now just a matter of time before he departs the Bernabéu for good.