Marc Cucurella’s arrival at Real Madrid has changed the picture at left-back, but Alvaro Carreras is not ready to step aside.
According to MARCA (h/t Madrid Xtra), Carreras remains determined to fight for his place despite the arrival of the Spanish international from Chelsea.
While Cucurella is expected to become Jose Mourinho’s preferred option once the La Liga season gets underway, the Real Madrid manager has reportedly promised Carreras a fair opportunity to compete for the role.
The battle for the Real Madrid left-back position is therefore far from over, even if Carreras now faces a much tougher challenge than he did just a few months ago.
Cucurella’s arrival changes Real Madrid hierarchy
Carreras returned to Real Madrid last summer and was initially viewed as the club’s leading option at left-back.
However, his performances last season did not allow him to establish himself as the undisputed first-choice player in the position.
That lack of complete control over the role was one of the factors behind Real Madrid’s decision to enter the market for another left-back.
Alvaro Carreras will not give up. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
As a result, the arrival of Cucurella has now created direct competition.
The former Chelsea defender arrives with major experience and, more importantly, Mourinho’s full backing.
The Portuguese coach played a personal role in bringing Cucurella to the Santiago Bernabeu, calling the player directly to explain how he would fit into his plans.
That detail offers a clear indication of how highly Mourinho rates the new signing.
Cucurella’s status as a recent World Cup winner will also make him difficult to displace.
Once Real Madrid begin their La Liga campaign, all signs currently point towards the 28-year-old being Mourinho’s preferred choice at left-back.
Still, the first indication of the competition came against Schalke, where Carreras started ahead of his new teammate.
Carreras is likely to be Mourinho’s second-choice left-back. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
The decision was largely understandable, though, with Cucurella having only recently returned to training and not yet fully integrated into the squad.
Mourinho promises Carreras a fair fight
Despite the growing competition, Carreras has received an important assurance from Mourinho.
The Real Madrid manager has promised the defender a fair battle with Cucurella for the starting position, giving Carreras every reason to believe that the hierarchy has not been permanently decided.
That is particularly significant for the Spanish defender, whose opportunities could easily have appeared limited following Cucurella’s arrival.
Carreras knows he now has to raise his level. He was unable to completely make the position his own last season, and Real Madrid’s decision to spend heavily on another left-back has increased the pressure.
But rather than looking for an exit or accepting a reduced role, the defender wants to remain and compete.