Ancelotti Drops Fran García Ahead of Champions League Derby Against Atlético
Following Real Madrid’s disappointing 2-1 loss to Real Betis, manager Carlo Ancelotti has made a key change to his lineup for the upcoming UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against Atlético Madrid. 25-year-old left-back Fran García has been dropped from the starting XI, with Ancelotti citing his performance in the Betis defeat as the reason.
Ancelotti’s Frustration and the Need for Improvement
Ancelotti did not hold back in his post-match analysis, criticizing the team’s lack of commitment and control during the game. He stressed that such a performance would not be enough against Atlético, stating, “Playing like this, we won’t win against Atlético.”
This marks a significant setback for Fran García, who had recently been gaining more minutes and was viewed as a genuine competitor to Ferland Mendy for the starting left-back position. However, the Betis defeat appears to have shifted Ancelotti’s perspective, with García now under greater scrutiny.
Impact on Real Madrid’s Season
The loss to Betis was a major blow to Real Madrid’s LaLiga title hopes, leaving them tied on 54 points with Barcelona, though Los Blancos have played one game fewer. Ancelotti acknowledged the setback, calling it a “hard blow” but emphasized the need to bounce back immediately ahead of the crucial European fixture.
Message of High Standards
By dropping García, Ancelotti has sent a clear message about the standards expected at Real Madrid. With Atlético Madrid posing a tough challenge, the team will need to show resilience and improvement to avoid another setback. The Champions League clash now presents an opportunity for Real Madrid to respond and prove their credentials on the big stage.
