Ancelotti maintains faith in 29-year-old Real Madrid defender despite recent rut

Recent weeks have not been easy for Ferland Mendy as the French full-back has struggled to make an impact in his starts.

The defender left a sour taste in the mouth of fans after the defeat at Anfield where he was largely overrun on the flank and was even replaced in the second half after his horror show.

Subsequently, he started on the bench against Getafe and the development raised questions on whether the manager had seen enough from Mendy.

Ancelotti retains trust

As relayed by Rodra (h/t RM4Arab) in a recent update, Ancelotti knows that the defender is not in his best moment and continues to value him as a fundamental player in his plans.

Recent games suggest that the Frenchman has indeed fallen behind Fran Garcia on the manager’s pecking order, especially considering that he has not featured in a league game for Real Madrid after the defeat to Barcelona.

It thus appears that Fran Garcia has indeed won more trust from the coach, but Mendy’s return is only a matter of time and it remains to be seen when the coach gives the Frenchman his next start.

Speaking to the media ahead of Real Madrid’s game against Athletic Club earlier today, Ancelotti was faced with that precise question over Mendy and Garcia and he pushed away the situation claiming that it was just a tactical decision.

“These are purely technical decisions, with all the confidence I have in Mendy. Fran is doing very well, he’s been right and he’s taken advantage of the opportunity I’ve given him.”

So far this season, Mendy has made nine La Liga appearances for Real Madrid and is yet to contribute to a goal in any measure. Further, he averages just under six defensive actions per game.