Carlo Ancelotti backs defender after stellar City showing
Real Madrid’s Exciting Victory Secures Champions League Last 16 Spot
Real Madrid had a thrilling 3-1 victory over Manchester City, securing their place in the last 16 of the Champions League. Kylian Mbappe shined with a hat-trick at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Aurelien Tchouameni impressed in midfield. However, one standout performance that may have gone unnoticed was Ferland Mendy’s resurgence at left-back.
Ferland Mendy’s Redemption Story
This season has been challenging for Mendy, with inconsistent performances leading to limited playing time. The 29-year-old struggled to find his form and was often left out of the squad by head coach Carlo Ancelotti, with Fran Garcia filling in but also facing difficulties.
Mendy’s Stellar Performance Against Manchester City
Despite his previous struggles, Mendy delivered a standout performance against Manchester City, neutralizing key threats like Savinho and Phil Foden. This performance has earned him Ancelotti’s trust, with the coach now having “no doubts” about Mendy’s role as the starting left-back in important matches.
Securing His Place in the Team
With transfer speculation surrounding the left-back position at Real Madrid, Mendy’s strong showing has solidified his position in the squad. The club’s pursuit of Alphonso Davies was halted after the player signed a new contract with Bayern Munich, giving Mendy the opportunity to establish himself as the first-choice left-back for the foreseeable future.