“Zidane Urges Ancelotti Not to Start Carvajal Against Arsenal After Valencia Struggles”
Ahead of Real Madrid’s crucial Champions League clash with Arsenal, club legend Zinedine Zidane has spoken out with a strong message for Carlo Ancelotti — advising him to reconsider his lineup after a disappointing showing against Valencia.
During a recent press conference, Zidane didn’t hold back when discussing the team’s form. His main concern? Dani Carvajal’s performance.
“If Ancelotti starts him against Arsenal, we could be in serious trouble,” Zidane stated. “His display versus Valencia said it all — poor positioning, weak defensive tracking, and ineffective in one-on-one situations. Arsenal will exploit that.”
Zidane, a three-time Champions League-winning coach with Madrid, is known for rarely calling out players individually, making this criticism even more notable. With Arsenal’s rapid wingers like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, Zidane emphasized that any defensive lapse could be costly.
“Now’s not the time for nostalgia or sentiment. Arsenal is young, fast, and confident. We need defenders who are sharp and disciplined. Starting Carvajal could be a big mistake.”
Despite Carvajal’s long history with the club and experience in major competitions, his struggles against Valencia — from losing crucial duels to creating defensive gaps — left a lot to be desired.
Zidane suggested Ancelotti look at more defensively solid options, such as Lucas Vázquez or Nacho, or even altering the formation to tighten things at the back.
“Winning the Champions League isn’t about past glory — it’s about current form and smart decisions. Ancelotti needs to be bold,” Zidane concluded.
With the quarter-final’s first leg looming, Ancelotti faces a tough decision: rely on Carvajal’s experience or heed Zidane’s warning and opt for change.
Among fans, opinions are divided. While some value Carvajal’s seasoned presence, others share Zidane’s concerns that sticking with him could hand Arsenal a crucial edge.
Either way, all eyes will be on Ancelotti’s lineup when the match kicks off at the Bernabéu.
