Real Madrid prepares for a change of era. With Carlo Ancelotti about to close its four -seasons cycle at the head of the club, all eyes are put in Xabi Alonso, the chosen one to lead a new stage in the White House. The Spanish coach, who left a mark on the Bayer Leverkusen by conquering the Bundesliga last season, arrives with clear ideas and a mission: to build a solid, competitive team and capable of dominating in all competitions. However, his first great decision has unleashed a storm: Alonso has demanded the exit of one of the left side of the team, and the name of the sacrificed is already on the table.

A left side on the tightrope
The left side post has been a hot topic in Real Madrid during the last seasons. With Fran García and Ferland Mendy as main options, the performance of both has been the subject of debate between fans and analysts. Fran García, a product of the Madrid quarry, stands out for its speed, agility and ability to join the attack. On the other hand, Ferland Mendy, known for his defensive strength, has been a key piece in the Ancelotti scheme, although his physical fragility has raised doubts. Now, Xabi Alonso has taken a firm posture: one of the two must leave to give way to a new name that fits his tactical vision.
According to sources close to the club, cited byMark, Alonso has already communicated to the directive his preference. The 43 -year -old coach is not convinced that Mendy and Garcia can guarantee the necessary stability on the left flank for the next season. With a style of play that prioritizes possession, the creation of spaces and a solid defense, Alonso looks for a side that combines youth, resistance and versatility. And, in this scenario, he has made a blunt decision: Ferland Mendy is the one indicated to leave the club.
Why Ferland Mendy?
Alonso’s choice is not accidental. Although Mendy has proven to be a reliable defender in recent years, his injury history has been a ballast. At 29, the former Olympique player of Lyon has suffered multiple physical problems that have separated him from key matches. This season, its performance has been below expectations, and a recent operation for a rupture of the proximal tendon of the previous straight muscle of the right quadriceps will keep it out of the playing grounds for the next two months. Para Alonso, estas señales son claras: Mendy no encaja en su proyecto a largo plazo.
On the contrary, Fran García, 25, has convinced the coach with his dynamism and commitment. His profile is better adapted to the vertiginous and offensive football that Alonso wants to implement in Real Madrid. Garcia also provides fresh energy and a special connection with the fans, being a player raised in the factory. Alonso sees in him an undisputed holder, provided that the position is reinforced with another weight name in the next transfer market.
The future of Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso
Alonso’s decision not only reflects his determined character, but also his strategic vision. Before officially assuming the bench after the 2025 Club World Cup, the coach has already indicated two priority areas to reinforce: the center of the field and the left side. In the midfield, a creative player is looking for the pace of the game, while in the defense he wants a side that raises the competitive level of the team.
Mendy’s departure, however, will not be simple. With its still in force and its recent injury, Real Madrid must work hard to find a destination for French. Premier League clubs and Ligue 1 could be interested, but their physical condition could complicate negotiations. Meanwhile, Madrid fans already speculate on who could be the new left side of the team. Names such as Alphonso Davies, from Bayern Munich, or Miguel Gutiérrez, former player, have begun to sound strongly.
A new era on the horizon
The arrival of Xabi Alonso marks the beginning of a renewal stage at Real Madrid. After a disappointing season, with stumbling blocks in the Champions League, the Copa del Rey and a probable loss of the League title, the club trusts Alonso’s ability to return the team to the top. His decision to do without Ferland Mendy is just the first step of an ambitious plan that promises to transform the white team into an unstoppable machine.
While the days pass and the transition is approaching, one thing is clear: Xabi Alonso is not afraid to make difficult decisions. With Fran García as a future bet and a new side on the horizon, Real Madrid prepares for a revolution under the command of one of the most promising technicians of world football. Is this the beginning of a new Madrid dynasty? Only time will say it.
Don Boris is a journalist passionate about Real Madrid, dedicated to telling the stories that make the Madrid fans vibrate.