The Italian coach has full confidence in his team but has made a careful selection for the lineup, which may change based on the tactics used for different matches.
Real Madrid is gearing up for several crucial games following the current international break, particularly the Clasico in La Liga and a match against Dortmund in the Champions League. According to El Nacional, Andriy Lunin started in the last two matches and performed well overall.
Despite not saving a penalty in the Champions League match, he made several impressive saves, especially against Villarreal, demonstrating strong aerial skills and movement. The report also mentions that Thibaut Courtois has ramped up his training intensity and will be ready to play after the international break, leading Ancelotti to expect him to start against Barcelona on October 26.
The newspaper also reported that Ancelotti has informed the Ukrainian goalkeeper that he will not start in the Clasico and will return to the bench once Courtois recovers from his injury. Lunin will continue in his supportive role, which he performs well, and he hopes to get more playing time throughout the season, given its length and the various competitions.
This reflects Lunin’s current focus: preparing for the present, while his contract extension until June 30, 2030, indicates he is seen as a long-term asset for the club. He aspires to become the starter when Thibaut Courtois eventually leaves Real Madrid. Courtois’s contract runs until 2026, when he will be 34 years old.
It remains to be seen if Real Madrid will offer him a contract extension then or if they will choose to rely on Lunin and potentially another goalkeeper.
