Carlo Ancelotti deserves immense credit for the job that he has done at Real Madrid this season. The manager has had to face difficult circumstances. The squad lacked depth from the very beginning and there have been a number of long-term and medium-term injuries to key players on top of that. It would have been understandable if the team struggled having faced these obstacles.
On the contrary, they seem to have thrived under the pressure. Real Madrid have lost only two games this season so far. They sit atop the La Liga table and are one of the favourites in the Champions League too.
One player who has had a prominent role this season is Nacho Fernandez. The Spaniard has never really been a starter for the club but with Eder Militao and David Alaba out injured, that role has been handed to the veteran. But it looks like he is not completely satisfied with how things have turned out for him.
As reported by The Athletic, Nacho's relationship with Ancelotti has still been a little strained. The Real Madrid captain has been frustrated by recent decisions to substitute him when things have not gone according to plan. He does not feel that he has the manager’s full confidence
Real Madrid player's relationship with Ancelotti is 'strained'
To be very honest, while Nacho has played more minutes this season, that is not because he has been great. In fact, the Spaniard has appeared quite shaky at times.
One could argue that Aurelien Tchouameni has done better at centre-back. And it is understandable why Ancelotti has chosen to substitute off Nacho at times.
It remains to be seen what the long-term future holds for Nacho. He has been a one-club man so far in his career but his current deal expires at the end of this season.