Ancelotti Experiments with Defensive Setup Ahead of Manchester City Clash
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is making tactical adjustments ahead of their crucial Champions League showdown against Manchester City, with reports emerging that he has tested an unexpected defensive setup in training. According to COPE, Ancelotti has experimented with Ferland Mendy as a right-back and Fran GarcĂa as a left-back, a surprising move that could be aimed at countering City’s attacking threats.
🔄 Tactical Experiment: Mendy at Right-Back?
Ferland Mendy, a natural left-back, has been a regular starter for Madrid but has rarely played on the right side of defense. However, Ancelotti’s decision to try him in that position suggests a specific tactical approach, possibly to contain City’s left-sided attacking threats—especially the likes of Jack Grealish or Phil Foden.
Meanwhile, Fran GarcĂa, who is more of an attacking full-back, is set to retain his usual position on the left. This setup could provide Madrid with defensive solidity on the right while allowing GarcĂa to push forward on the left flank.
The tactical tweak comes as Madrid prepares for one of their toughest tests of the season. With City’s offensive firepower, including Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva, Ancelotti is clearly exploring different defensive solutions to keep them at bay.
🛡️ Valverde Back in Midfield
Alongside the defensive reshuffle, Federico Valverde is expected to be deployed in his natural midfield role rather than on the right wing, where he has occasionally been used. Valverde’s presence in midfield would add dynamism, work rate, and defensive coverage—qualities that could be crucial in breaking up City’s attacks and providing support in transition.
His inclusion in midfield would mean Madrid could line up with a strong central trio featuring Valverde, Toni Kroos, and Jude Bellingham, with Eduardo Camavinga or Aurélien Tchouaméni also being options depending on Ancelotti’s tactical preferences.
⚖️ Potential Reasons for the Change
1. Defensive Stability – Mendy is a more defensively solid option than Dani Carvajal, who has struggled against pacey wingers in the past. Playing Mendy at right-back could be aimed at shutting down City’s left-sided attack.
2. Balancing Attack and Defense – With Fran GarcĂa offering width on the left, Ancelotti might be looking to have a more conservative presence on the right.
3. Dealing with City’s Midfield Control – Valverde’s return to midfield ensures Madrid has the legs and energy to compete against Rodri, De Bruyne, and Silva, all of whom are capable of dictating play.
🔜 Will This Experiment Work Against City?
While it remains to be seen whether Ancelotti will stick with this setup for the actual match, his willingness to adapt his tactics shows how seriously Madrid is taking this challenge. City’s attack is one of the most lethal in Europe, and Ancelotti is clearly considering all defensive options to neutralize their threats.
As the matchday approaches, all eyes will be on Ancelotti’s final selection—will he stick with this unexpected full-back pairing, or will he revert to a more traditional setup? Madrid fans will be eager to see how this tactical experiment plays out on the pitch.
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