Ancelotti planning three strategic trials against Leganes to prepare for Liverpool clash | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is treating the upcoming match against Leganes as a crucial opportunity to prepare for the team’s upcoming challenge against Liverpool in the Champions League, reports AS.

With several key players sidelined due to injury, Ancelotti sees the Leganes game as a vital test to assess the readiness of his squad, especially as they head into such a high-stakes fixture.

Three key areas to assess

One of the key points Ancelotti will focus on during the match is the performance of Federico Valverde, who will be tested in a right-back position. This is an experiment for the manager, who is exploring the possibility of using Valverde in this new role given the injury crisis.

Additionally, Raul Asensio, a young talent from the club’s youth ranks, will undergo a general test to see if he is ready to step up and become a starting player. Ancelotti is eager to find out if the young player can handle the pressure of a first-team role.

Raul Asencio will start against Leganes. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Another important element will be how Brahim Diaz fits into the attacking trio, alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinícius Jr. The manager is keen to see how the three players combine in attack and whether they can offer a solution to his tactical setup.

Important match for Ancelotti

Ancelotti is clear about his intentions for the match. While he will not hold back in terms of testing his players, he also understands that this game is a valuable opportunity to make key decisions ahead of the more demanding Liverpool encounter.

The Leganes match will give him insights into the performances of key players, particularly in how they adapt to new positions or roles.

For Real Madrid, the coming weeks are crucial, and with players’ returns still uncertain, this match serves as a critical “beta test” to ensure the team is in the best shape possible for their upcoming challenges.