Revolution in the starting eleven

Iker Casillas will not be the only change made by Carlo Ancelotti on Wednesday in the Champions League. Against FC Copenhagen, the Real Madrid manager is contemplating shuffling his cards in every department.

Luka Modric, who did not get to start against Atlético de Madrid, will be one of the two central midfielders alongside Illarramendi, while Khedira will be rested.

On the right wing Gareth Bale might appear. He did take part in the derby and is recovering fitness following the injury which stopped him from starting against Getafe. Di María could be the one to lose out.

Morata, meanwhile, will replace the out-of-form Benzema up front.

The Bernabéu names and shames

Three Real Madrid players are falling out of favour with fans (Arbeloa, Khedira and Coentrao), whilst another has already fallen. That is Karim Benzema, with whom the fans have finally lost their patience. With five seasons under his belt, the Frenchman has yet to fulfil his talent, while his attitude leaves a lot to be desired.

Arbeloa, Khedira and Coentrao’s situation is not as serious, although the Bernabéu faithful has taken aim at them too. Nobody is reproaching their commitment, just their inaccuracy on the ball.

The presence of these players is generating so much bad blood at the Bernabéu that the club’s directors have recommended to Ancelotti that he should protect them in an attempt to cool things down. "We have to defuse the tension," is the message coming out of some offices at the club.

Spending lots of money is not synonymous with having a good team

García Remon believes that Real Madrid has a lot of uncertainy.On Radio MARCA, ex Real Madrid manager Mariano García Remón has been analysing Ancelotti's first 100 days in charge of the team. "The assessment cannot be positive. Not because of the results, but for the impression that is being given. You aren't seeing a compact side, with clear ideas, The picture during these 100 days has not been a good one. Real Madrid seems to show doubts and concerns".


García Remón believes that above all, Real Madrid ought to improve in midfield. "Spending a lot of money is not synonymous with having a good team. And that is going to be a millstone round Ancelotti's neck. The first thing that needs to be defined is the midfield. What marks out your style, whether you are going to play short passing or go on the counter attack, is the midfield, and so that is where you must start to build the team.

García Remón sees the return of Xabi Alonso as soon as possible as the key factor in Real Madrid recovering form. "Real Madrid has signed Illarramendi but the team is really missing Xabi Alonso. He is the one player we all want to see back right away".

He also said that last season's squad was greatly superior to this season's. "Mourinho ruined a fine squad, always looking for quarrels and disputes where there was no need. It was a long time since I'd seen a squad as good as last season's. All positions were well covered and yet this season there have been impulse signings, not ones that were needed".