Real Madrid is experiencing a time of change. After several seasons under Carlo Ancelotti, the club decided to go for fresh air. Xabi Alonso arrived on the bench with a clear idea: renewal and total control over the team.
Alonso's playing style and strategy have caused excitement, but also problems. Adjusting the starting eleven, managing expectations, and dealing with injuries has become a daily challenge. The squad has talent, but competition is fierce and no one has a guaranteed spot.
A delicate situation
Among the players who've faced difficulties, there are cases that stand out. Xabi Alonso is looking for consistency, and that means those who aren't at one hundred percent may be relegated. The pressure to perform is high; on the left flank, for example, the battle for the position is especially tough.
The coach knows he must balance talent, physical condition, and commitment. Any mistake or prolonged injury leads to tough decisions for the club. It's not just about performance on the field, but about long-term reliability.
The worrying unknown
One of Real Madrid's major recent problems has a name: Ferland Mendy. The French full-back has suffered several injuries that have repeatedly kept him off the field. His latest injury, during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, has once again raised doubts about his future at the club.
Mendy already had a complicated history. Between muscle injuries and prolonged absences, his continuity has never been certain. This has created an indirect conflict with Xabi Alonso, who needs a reliable left-back to consolidate his team.
Season after season
Last season was a nightmare for Mendy; four muscle injuries prevented him from playing regularly. He only played 31 matches and totaled 2,245 min. (2.245 minutos), not enough to establish himself. Meanwhile, Álvaro Carreras and Fran García took the opportunity to carve out a place in the starting eleven.
The Frenchman's record at Real Madrid includes 87 matches missed and 1 year, 225 days (590 días) out since 2019. These are worrying numbers that make the club consider all options, including the possibility of a sale if the situation doesn't improve.
The challenge of returning
Despite everything, Mendy isn't giving up. In his seventh season at Chamartín, the full-back wants to regain his form, consistency, and confidence. His goal is to fight for the position, avoid new injuries, and prove he still has the level to compete at Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso.
The key will be his consistency and his ability to keep healthy. For the club, patience has a limit, and time is running out for Mendy. The question is whether he'll be able to overcome his injury history and earn Alonso's trust before the club makes drastic decisions.