A gray-haired man at a press conference with a microphone in front of him and a background of sponsor logos, with an inset image of a player on the field next to a referee and other people.
Ancelotti and Jacobo Ramón | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Ancelotti's 'Dig' at Jacobo Ramón in Press Conference, Pointed Out: 'Asencio Doesn't...'

The homegrown player played 23 minutes, but he doesn't seem to convince the Italian coach, who hasn't named him as an option for El Clásico

by

Alex Moreno

Carlo Ancelotti has left a message that sounds like a warning. After Real Madrid's narrow victory against Celta, the Italian coach explained in a press conference why he withdrew Asencio in the 67th minute.

"Asencio couldn't go on, but with his exit, there are six absences in defense," stated Ancelotti. A phrase that has sparked interpretations, especially because Jacobo Ramón was the one who replaced him.

The Message Is Clear: There Is No Full Confidence in Jacobo Ramón

The Castilla center-back came on with the score at 3-0. But in just 23 minutes on the field, the team conceded two goals and ended up holding on at Santiago Bernabéu.

Jacobo completed 14 passes with 100% accuracy and won two ground duels. But defensively, he left gaps and made positioning errors, according to several analysts. His rating on SofaScore: 6.3. One of the lowest on the team.

An assistant referee holds a substitution board while a Real Madrid player waits to enter the field during a soccer match, with the scoreboard showing 3-0 in favor of Real Madrid.
Moment of Jacobo Ramón's Entry onto the Field | @MovistarFutbol

Ancelotti Only Mentions Asencio... and Omits Jacobo

In his analysis, the coach praised Asencio's performance and justified it: "He couldn't go on." But he made no mention of Jacobo Ramón, who played almost half an hour in a critical position.

That omission has been interpreted as a 'blow' to the youth player. Ancelotti has shown more confidence in Asencio than in the young Ramón, at least for now.

El Clásico Is Near... and Defensive Problems Are Growing

Real Madrid's defense is in shambles. Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Militao, and Mendy are injured. Asencio ended with discomfort. And Jacobo Ramón's performance is not convincing.

With El Clásico on the horizon, the coaching staff faces a dilemma: to bet on the youth academy or improvise with midfielders in the backline.

Two Real Madrid players pose in an indoor stadium, one with a green background and the other with a red background, with the crests of Real Madrid and Celta de Vigo at the top.
Jacobo Ramón Substitution for Asencio | X

On social media, some defend the youth player: "He can't be judged for 20 minutes with a sleepy team." Others, however, share the concern: "He doesn't seem ready for this level."

The truth is that the Bernabéu ended up suffering due to defensive errors. And Ancelotti knows it.

His phrase after the match not only protects Asencio. It also hints that Jacobo Ramón, for now, is far from being a reliable solution.

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