The Spanish defender, Raul Asencio, was absent for Real Madrid during their 30th matchday of the Liga against Valencia. According to a revelation from Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti only had the well-being of the team and the 22-year-old player in mind.
After Real Madrid’s defeat to Valencia (1-2) on Saturday evening in the 30th matchday of Liga, Raul Asencio’s absence sparked debate. Having become one of the key figures in the Madrid dressing room, the young talent spent the entire match on the bench. Since his debut with the first team in November, the Las Palmas-born player has become indispensable for the defence. From the bench, he watched yet another mixed performance from his team, especially his defensive partners. While many are pointing fingers at Carlo Ancelotti for his decision, Marca drops a major revelation.
Raul Asencio pushed Ancelotti to act
Discussing the latest news surrounding Real Madrid, who will face Arsenal in the Champions League, the Spanish newspaper reveals that several players are exhausted. In the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad last week, Raul Asencio was among the players who asked to be substituted before extra time. Physically drained, the 22-year-old no longer had the legs to play a few more minutes against the Basque side.
To protect his player, who has become indispensable for the defence and, more importantly, in preparation for the crucial match against Arsenal this Tuesday, Carlo Ancelotti opted to organise his defence with Aurélien Tchouaméni. Knowing that the French midfielder would be unavailable for the Arsenal match due to suspension (for accumulating yellow cards), the 65-year-old coach chose to rest Raul Asencio.
Unfortunately, things did not go well for the Madrid side. After playing 30 minutes against Sociedad, Rudiger delivered a mixed performance against Valencia. Without Asencio by his side, the German veteran, also not in great physical condition, struggled in aerial duels, such as in the lead-up to Moctar Diakhaby’s opening goal.
A difficult end to the season for Ancelotti
With a depleted squad and players who are far from fit, the Italian coach is navigating this tense and exhausting end to the season with players who are worn out. The fact that the young 22-year-old defender is already complaining of intense fatigue after just six months in the professional game highlights the toll players at the highest level have been enduring in recent years with the relentless match schedule. On Tuesday, it is hoped that Asencio, who is expected to start, can perform well. Real Madrid will need him to help contain Arsenal’s attackers.
Florentino Pérez will really have to spend money in the upcoming transfer window to sign several players to ensure they can manage next season. If the players completely collapse at the end of this season, Real Madrid will lose everything. Unfortunately, it is the coach who will face the consequences.
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