Real Madrid: Carlo Ancelotti might be trusting the wrong man

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti seems prepared to give second chances to a number of out-of-favor players who have not been effective for Los Merengues in a few years. And the man who may benefit the most is the man taking over the captain spot for Sergio Ramos, now of PSG.

Marcelo was not bad in the 2019-2020 season, even playing a big role in Real Madrid’s title-decisive Clasico triumph. But he was downright atrocious in 2020-2021, perhaps distinguishing himself as Real’s biggest liability, even over Mariano Diaz at striker.

When Marcelo started at left back, Real Madrid were demonstrably worse off, with the Brazilian veteran making mistake after mistake defensively. Even his offensive contributions lacked his trademark punch. Outside of one standout display against Getafe in something of a creative midfield role, Marcelo did not have a big game offensively, which made his defensive weaknesses even more difficult to accept.

Ancelotti appears ready to give Marcelo one more chance, as the left back cannot be sold due to his wages and the lack of interest after such a poor season. There is hope he can be revived under Antonio Pintus, and Ancelotti is reportedly full of hope.

Real Madrid should not prefer Marcelo to Miguel Gutierrez

According to a report from MadridistaReal, the returning Real Madrid manager has “absolute confidence” in the club legend and would actually like to give him a bigger role next season.

This news may frustrate Real Madrid fans. Beyond Marcelo’s poor season, Miguel Gutierrez has emerged as a very capable player at left back and should be their next starter. Ferland Mendy has his weaknesses offensively and on the ball,  but you cannot find a better defensive fullback in the world. And right now, that means a lot to Real.

A switch to center back is possible for Mendy, but, even so, a bigger role for Marcelo stands in the way of Miguel’s progress, and Miguel looks like the future for Real Madrid.

After watching the difference in their play at the end of the 2020-2021 season, who can really argue that Marcelo should be getting preferential minutes over Miguel? Captain or not, past accomplishments or not, Real is a club about results and not nostalgia. So why would Don Carlo lean into Marcelo?

Hope is good. But I believe that while Ancelotti is optimistic, he will not hand Marcelo anything. This situation remains fluid for Miguel, so long as he is not loaned. That said, it does seem like, with all these reports regarding Marcelo, the team is either trying to up his transfer value, or, more likely, support their captain and give him a shot to regain his form first.

The performances on the pitch will tell us if this will work out for Los Blancos or not.