"We need Trent now", "We might be in for a schooling" - Fans unhappy with Real Madrid star's inclusion in XI for Valencia clash

Madridistas online were left unhappy with the inclusion of left-back Ferland Mendy in Real Madrid's starting XI to face Valencia in LaLiga on Friday, January 3. The Frenchman has made 17 appearances for Los Blancos this season.

Carlo Ancelotti appears to have opted for a 4-4-2 formation with Thibaut Courtois guarding the goal at the Mestalla Stadium. Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni and Lucas Vasquez form the backline. Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, Fede Valverde, and Rodrygo start in the midfield. The attacking line-up includes Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe.

Fans reacted on X to Ancelotti's lineup with a major chunk of them being disappointed with the inclusion of Ferland Mendy. One Madridista joked that he would like Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold now and wrote:

"Mendy?? We need Trent Now."

"literally just swap mendy with camavinga and this is perfect," a fan wrote.

"Mendy in 2025," another user jibed.

"wtf is Mendy playing," another netizen questioned.

Fans continued to question Mendy's inclusion:

"It’s big 2025 and Mendy still sneaks into the starting lineup. We might be in for a schooling," a Madridista remarked.

"We'll concede 10 goals on the left because a Losti is playing there," a fan opined.

"Mendy back on the lineup on a day we need a win to go top of La liga," a netizen joked.

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"Every team can suffer a dip in form" - When Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti commented on league rivals Barcelona's recent poor form

Carlo Ancelotti - Source: Getty

In his pre-match press conference before Real Madrid's clash against Valencia, coach Carlo Ancelotti commented on league rivals Barcelona's recent dip in form. The Catalans have won only two games in LaLiga since November 2024.

"Nobody expected that. The level of competition in LaLiga means the number of points needed to win it is reduced. Atletico are in the fight as well and that adds to the uncertainty. I think LaLiga may be won with fewer than 90 points," Ancelotti said (via Sports Illustrated).

Ancelotti added that all three of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid have a fair chance of winning the league and said:

"Both Barcelona and Atletico are rivals in the battle for La Liga. Every team can suffer a dip in form, as was the case with us in November, and the reaction to that makes you more competitive again. The three teams all have the same chance of winning La Liga."

Barcelona began their run in LaLiga on a high and was at the top of the table in October. However, both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have now surpassed their position with each having a game in hand.

Atletico Madrid are at the top of the table with 41 points in 18 games. Real Madrid hold 40 points in 18 games. A win against Valencia tonight will bring them to the top of the LaLiga table.