Davide Ancelotti’s unexpected request to his father: “He must play against Atlético”

The second legs of the Champions League Round of 16 take place this week. For the Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid clash, Davide Ancelotti, son and assistant to Carlo Ancelotti, is reportedly doing everything possible to ensure the inclusion of a key Madrid player in the starting XI.

Real Madrid will take on the Colchoneros this Wednesday in the Champions League. After securing the bare minimum (2-1) in the first leg last week, Carlo Ancelotti and his players will aim to finish the job with a crucial win or, at the very least, avoid defeat to qualify for the quarter-finals. Following UEFA’s major announcement regarding the referee for the match, the focus now shifts to Real Madrid’s starting lineup. And precisely on this matter, Davide Ancelotti, Carlo’s assistant, has reportedly made it clear that he wants Luka Modric to start the game on Wednesday.

Ancelotti’s son fully backing Luka Modric

According to Defensa Central, the Real Madrid manager’s son believes the team shines much more with the veteran Croatian on the pitch. “Luka Modric deserves to start; his connection with Tchouaméni was excellent,” Davide Ancelotti reportedly told his father Carlo after Sunday’s match between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. For now, it remains uncertain whether Ancelotti Jr’s advice will be considered by his father, despite the compelling case for Modric.

At 39, the Croatian midfielder remains incredibly effective. This season, Luka Modric is among the midfielders who have created the most chances in La Liga. Both offensively and defensively, the former Tottenham star continues to perform at a high level. After the hard-fought victory against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening, Carlo Ancelotti was asked about a possible starting role for Modric against Atlético Madrid next Wednesday.

Carlo Ancelotti keeps the suspense

Although he has rarely started the veteran in consecutive matches this season, especially in La Liga and the Champions League, the 65-year-old manager insists that nothing is ruled out. “Modrić will recover, he finished the match well. He was a bit tired, like everyone else, because it was a demanding game. I think everyone will recover well,” the Madrid boss stated. With Jude Bellingham back and Brahim Diaz in great form, a big decision awaits regarding the midfield trio that will start against the Colchoneros.

Notably, in the first leg, Carlo Ancelotti opted for Brahim Diaz, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga in midfield. The first two made a strong impact in the game, while the latter disappointed once again. Moreover, for Wednesday’s showdown, Camavinga is almost certain not to start. Now, Davide Ancelotti and his father must decide whether Brahim Diaz or Modric will complete the midfield trio alongside Bellingham and Tchouaméni.