Ancelotti's Response About Raúl Asencio, the Question Surprises: 'did I Say..?'

Real Madrid is just 24 hours away from one of the most important matches of the season. The team coached by Carlo Ancelotti faces a demanding match at the Reale Arena for the first leg of the Copa del Rey 24/25 semifinals. As expected, the speculations about the starting eleven that the Reggiolo manager will field are already here.

One of the players who stands out above the rest in these predictions is Raúl Asencio. The '35' from the Canary Islands joined the first team from La Fábrica due to the shortage of center-backs caused by the injuries of Militão, Rüdiger, and Alaba. Now that the German defender and the Austrian '4' have recovered, his role as a regular starter is more in question than ever.

It was Carlo Ancelotti himself who pointed out that there were no undisputed starters in the merengue squad, but the preference for the homegrown player is a proven reality in recent matches. His excellent performance since the Italian strategist called him up to the senior level of the white squad is his best introduction card and has captivated all Madridists.

The press conference before the match against Real Sociedad left a very striking moment regarding the Spanish defender. A journalist asked Carlo Ancelotti about the "technical weaknesses" that the merengue footballer might have... according to the club's own coach.

Clarifying His Own Words

"Did I say that?" Ancelotti asked as soon as he heard the journalist. After sighing for a few seconds, the merengue coach made it clear that "I was wrong, if I said it, I was wrong". Because Raúl Asencio "is young and has to adapt, we are working with him as we do with all the young players who come from the academy".

Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti recalls that "we haven't worked on the technical aspect with him, we've worked on the tactical aspect" due to his rapid inclusion in the initial tactical schemes. But he also acknowledges that "sometimes aggressiveness is not the most appropriate, especially in the area. You can get a penalty" as happened in the Copa del Rey round of 16 against Celta de Vigo.

Regardless, Carlo Ancelotti acknowledges that "we've worked on this" to regulate the intensity and aggressiveness that Raúl Asencio shows in every defensive action... which has earned him constant applause from Santiago Bernabéu stands. "He's doing very well", the transalpine coach recalls.

"Raúl has been a surprise for everyone, really. For me too", Carlo Ancelotti defends. The Reggiolo manager insists on counting on the '35' from the Canary Islands, recently a subject of discussion in the Valdebebas offices due to his hypothetical renewal and installation in the first team.