Fabio Coentrao played in the five losses of Real Madrid

Fabio Coentrao and Jose Mourinho

Mourinho authorized the disbursement of 30 million euros for Fabio Coentrao because he is "multifunctional," said the Portuguese coach in his own statements when the transfer was finalized last summer. Furthermore, his commitment to the Portuguese international player has been much stronger than expected when Real Madrid played 'top' games. Especially surprising because Marcelo, his competitor on the side, has reached a great maturity and is the favorite of Real Madrid fans. Thus, Coentrao has been privileged to play as a starter 11 of the crucial meetings this season, but also carries the cross of having been starter in the five defeats of the white team, playing the 90 minutes of each match, as Casillas, Ramos and Xabi Alonso .

Coentrao has enjoyed the highest confidence of Mourinho, to the point that began the season as a midfielder, was then left side, he alternated the two ends and even played a key game against Barca at the Bernabeu as right back. Against Barcelona he played in the starting lineup in the five matches the team has played this season, while Marcelo was only started twice. Mou relies more on the tactical rigor of his compatriot. That's why he gave Coentrao the 61.2% of minutes in Europe (606 of 990) and Marcelo only disputed 34.5% (342).

Marcelo is most important for the Spanish League and Champions League when the games demanded more attack. Hence, the Brazilian played as starter two major matches against Barcelona (at the Camp Nou in Spanish League and the first leg of the Spanish Supercup at the Bernabeu) and three Champions League matches; against CSKA (after the 1-1 first leg) against Lyon (after 0-2 in France) and against Dynamo away (0-1). In addition, Marcelo also played on the left side in the five stumblings harvested; the defeat against Levante, the draw in Santander and the last three against Malaga, Villarreal and Valencia. On Saturday, a new classic. Will be surprising that Marcelo has a chance to start on the eleven because of the insistence of Mourinho with Coentrao. And if Mourinho does it, we will have to wonder if is the ambition to put finish to the League or to give a rest to Coentrao thinking about the Champions League match.