After reports emerged that the manager of Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti had a “strained” relationship with captain Nacho FernandezThe Italian is set to test the strength of his bond again.
Ancelotti has always been publicly positive about the veteran defender, but recently it was reported that the 34-year-old does not feel as if he has the full confidence of his boss. After feeling that he had been dealt a heavy hand last year, Nacho elected to extend his contract again, and although he has played more due to injuries this season, he still does not feel the faith of Ancelotti .
That seemed evident at Mestalla over the weekend, when the French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni was used at the back instead of Nacho to face Roman Yaremchuk and Hugo Duro in a 2-2 draw. MD say Ancelotti is counting down the days until Eder Militao returns to action after his torn cruciate ligament – the Brazilian is expected to return in mid-April, but he did part of the group session with the rest of the team on Monday. Ahead of their clash with RB Leipzig on Wednesday, however, Ancelotti is moving closer to starting Tchouameni again, due to Nacho's lackluster performances alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Blancos have for the most part defended better with Tchouameni in the side ahead of Nacho, although on Saturday night it was individual mistakes that led to both of Valencia's goals. Nacho has certainly been exploited at times this season, something that was evident against Atletico Madrid during their recent 1-1 draw.
