Ancelotti’s Bold Call: Fran García’s Unexpected Bench Role at Real Madrid

Real Madrid will eventually have to make decisions about the project led by Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian coach who, surprisingly, has sidelined Fran García in recent matches for the La Liga and European champions.

The setup of the left side of Real Madrid’s defense is under scrutiny. As we await developments regarding Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich, whose potential signing as a free agent would be a significant move, there are other situations to consider.

The future of Ferland Mendy remains uncertain, as he has consistently had the trust of Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian coach, however, has relegated Fran García (25 years old) to a largely peripheral role in the latest matches.

The situation with Fran García: As reported by Bernabéu Digital, the club led by Florentino Pérez is surprised by the lack of playing time for the left-back in recent games against Sevilla and Valencia. Eduardo Camavinga’s versatility seems to be working against Fran, even though the former Rayo Vallecano player has been performing well.

At this point, it seems unlikely that the player will seek a move during the winter transfer window. However, by the summer of 2025, the situation could shift, especially with Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, showing interest. We will have to see how Fran García’s situation unfolds at the merengue club.

Fran García’s Performance and Development

Fran García’s strengths are clear when looking at his previous performances. Renowned for his speed and crossing ability, García has been a dependable figure on the left side.

His defensive efforts have also been impressive, marked by a solid tackling success rate and good positional awareness. Despite his recent lack of playing time, his overall skills have not gone unnoticed.

Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical choices

Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical choices have had a notable effect on García’s playing time. The coach’s preference for Eduardo Camavinga in a more flexible position has unintentionally sidelined García.

To effectively integrate García into the squad, tactical changes may be necessary, such as altering the formation or finding the right pairing to enhance his impact.

The mental aspect is also vital—regular playing time is key to sustaining a player’s confidence and development. García will need to approach this tough phase with determination.

When comparing García to other left-backs in La Liga and across Europe, his abilities match those of several elite defenders. However, the competition is intense. The potential acquisition of Alphonso Davies could further complicate García’s situation.

If Davies joins, it would certainly bolster Real Madrid’s defensive lineup, but it could also restrict García’s chances even more. The club’s strategic moves in the transfer market will be crucial in determining García’s future with Real Madrid.