Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has provided an explanation for his decision to leave Raúl Asencio out of his starting XI in the club’s latest fixture.
Real Madrid were of course back in action in La Liga over the weekend, when they welcomed Valencia to Spain’s capital.
En route to an eventual 2-1 defeat for Los Blancos, though, the aforementioned Raúl Asencio was forced to watch on from the bench.
A fan favourite and crucial figure in the defensive ranks at the Santiago Bernabéu, this decision did not go down at all well amongst those of a Real Madrid persuasion.
Speaking in his latest pre-match press conference ahead of facing Arsenal on Tuesday, the subject of Asencio’s recent absence was therefore put to manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Real’s headmaster, though, went on to assure:
“Raúl Asencio on the bench against Valencia? It’s because we wanted to rest him. He was tired.”
The 22-year-old is widely expected to return to starting duties at The Emirates later this evening.
Conor Laird – GSFN
