Real Madrid Confidencial Ancelotti reveals who will play in defense to replace Rüdiger and Alaba: 'He's very...'
The Italian coach spoke to the media ahead of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
Amid all the recent refereeing controversy, Real Madrid will visit CD Leganés next Wednesday to play the quarterfinals of the Cup. The Madrid team, which lost three important points in LaLiga against RCD Espanyol, will try to regain momentum with a pass to the semifinals.
Meanwhile, CD Leganés, which also lost last weekend against Rayo Vallecano (0-1). Additionally, the blue and white team already faced Real Madrid at Butarque this season and lost by a landslide (0-3).
On the day before the match, Carlo Ancelotti appeared before the media to talk about the team's current situation. The Italian was questioned about the Cup match, Alaba's absence, or the refereeing controversy, among many other topics.
Who will replace David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger?
The Real Madrid coach spoke about the unexpected injury of David Alaba. The Austrian player will be out for two to three weeks and won't be able to play against CD Leganés in the Cup match.
"Unfortunately, we've lost two important players in recent days. Alaba was going to play tomorrow's match, he was feeling good, something happened that we didn't foresee, like Rüdiger's injury", commented Carlo Ancelotti.
"It's an emergency situation that we have to endure with the players we have. We have Jacobo's return, who can also contribute", explained the coach.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti ruled out putting Fede Valverde in the center of defense. "Valverde isn't going to play as a center-back, maybe as a full-back. Jacobo, Asencio, or Tchouaméni can play as center-backs", he stated.
In fact, the Italian reaffirmed Aurélien Tchouaméni's role as a central defender. "Defensively, he's very good in the air, he has tactical knowledge that comes from being a pivot. He may have had some problems, playing better or worse, but he's always delivered", he concluded.
About the recent refereeing and the role of the referees
In addition to the match against CD Leganés, Carlo Ancelotti was questioned about the role of referees in Spanish football.
"Something inexplicable has happened, speaking of the players' integrity. What we're asking for is an explanation because nothing has been done to protect the player's integrity. I refer to what I've said, I don't want to repeat myself", commented the Italian.
Finally, Carlo Ancelotti ruled out Jude Bellingham and confirmed Vinícius's presence. "Bellingham had a bruise from a knock, he won't be available for tomorrow. Vinícius has one more day of recovery, but he will be there tomorrow", he stated.
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