Real Madrid Manager Carlo Ancelotti picking his way through Florentino Perez minefield with selections

It goes without saying that if you want to manage Real Madrid (well), you need to be able to handle President Florentino Perez. And in that, Carlo Ancelotti is an expert.

The head honcho at the Santiago Bernabeu has always taken an active interest in the day-to-day of Los Blancos, and comes into the dressing room after every match, to congratulate or otherwise. Ancelotti speaks with him after every match too, as Perez discusses selections and tactics with the Italian.

Perez has his preferences, and as well as navigating a squad that has several fairly obvious flaws, Ancelotti must ensure his choices do not draw him too far onto the wrong side of his boss. ‘Sometimes Perez tells Ancelotti directly what he desires, at others, his message arrives through intermediaries’.

Relevo have revealed some of those preferences, and with them, explained Ancelotti’s recent selections. Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes has been disappointing so far, with just one goal this season on the first matchday. His goal drought has lasted over 750 minutes, and with Vinicius Junior now fit again, it leaves Ancelotti with a selection dilemma. Joselu Mato has been in good form, scoring four so this season from just five starts.

That is part of the reason that Rodrygo found himself on the bench against Girona, but Perez believes that the tandem of Rodrygo and Vinicius are the best options for Los Blancos, hence why for the big occasions, for example against Atletico Madrid and Napoli, Rodrygo will be included.

Ancelotti is a fan of Joselu, whose presence in the air allows Real Madrid out of pressure with ease, while his positioning in the box drags the attention of defenders away from others. However Perez is keen to ensure that with the world’s eyes on