Although Real Madrid’s victory over Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium did not impact the already-secured La Liga title, the run of consecutive wins carries significant implications for the future of the Santiago Bernabéu dressing room—particularly with an impending change in the team’s leadership.
On May 26, Xabi Alonso will officially begin a new chapter as head coach, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti. The Spanish tactician has already started shaping his ambitious sporting project, identifying his technical priorities and requesting what he considers “essential” signings ahead of the Club World Cup—a competition of special importance to Real Madrid.
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Among those present during the match against Sevilla was Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos, serving as a club ambassador. He took the opportunity to deliver a personal message to one of the young players on the squad who plays in the same position he once did—a strong signal that a shift may be coming in the player’s future at the club.
According to the Spanish outlet Defensa Central, before boarding the flight back to Madrid, Roberto Carlos spoke with Fran García following the latter’s solid performance, telling him: “With Xabi Alonso, you’ll shine. You’ve improved a lot this season under Ancelotti.” These words reflect the club legend’s strong belief in the young full-back’s potential to take on a more prominent role under the new regime.
Since rejoining Real Madrid in the summer of 2023, Fran García has shown consistent, if modest, development. However, he has not enjoyed Carlo Ancelotti’s full trust in key matches. In Ferland Mendy’s absence, Eduardo Camavinga was often chosen to fill in at left-back. With Camavinga now sidelined, a window of opportunity has opened for García.
Roberto Carlos’s endorsement comes at a critical moment for García, especially amid speculation that the club plans to reinforce the left-back position—with former academy player Álvaro Carreras reportedly among the top candidates. This potential competition has only fueled García’s motivation, especially as he is believed to be a strong supporter of Xabi Alonso.
Multiple reports suggest that Alonso views Fran García as a key piece in his squad and is keen on taking him to the Club World Cup. That tournament is shaping up to be the symbolic start of the new era hinted at by Roberto Carlos following the Sevilla game—an era in which Fran García could emerge as a cornerstone at left-back for Los Blancos.
