72 hours after the Superclasico, Carlo Ancelotti cools down Raúl Asensio

A sense of unease has settled over the Santiago Bernabéu following Real Madrid’s humiliating defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona. While the 5-2 loss undoubtedly stung, the aftermath has seen tensions rise within the club, particularly surrounding the future of young defender Raúl Asensio.

Asensio, a promising talent who has shown glimpses of his potential, has been touted by many as a potential solution to Real Madrid’s defensive woes. With injuries and inconsistent performances plaguing the right-back position, Asensio’s versatility and defensive capabilities have made him a potential candidate to fill the void.

However, in a recent press conference held ahead of the Copa del Rey Round of 16 match against Celta Vigo, manager Carlo Ancelotti seemingly poured cold water on these expectations. When questioned about the team’s defensive struggles and the potential for Asensio to play a more prominent role, the Italian tactician offered a surprising response.

“Raúl Asensio is a center-back, but he’s not used to playing as a full-back,” Ancelotti stated. “It takes time to adapt him to the right-back role. He has shown promise, but he’s only been with us for two months.”

Ancelotti’s comments, while seemingly innocuous, have sent shockwaves through the Real Madrid fanbase. Many fans and pundits believe that Asensio has demonstrated the potential to contribute significantly to the team, and his limited playing time has been a source of frustration.

Furthermore, Ancelotti’s unwavering support for Aurélien Tchouaméni, who has been deployed as a makeshift center-back despite his struggles in the position, has further fueled the discontent among fans. “I remain convinced that Tchouaméni has done well as a center-back,” Ancelotti declared. “The data speaks for itself, even though it’s not his ideal position.”

This staunch defense of Tchouaméni, despite evidence suggesting otherwise, has raised eyebrows among observers. Many believe that Ancelotti is prioritizing his own tactical preferences over the potential contributions of younger players like Asensio.

Ancelotti’s response to further questioning on the matter was equally dismissive. “This is a press conference, not a debate,” he asserted. “Debates take place between the coaching staff and my players. Having a debate here doesn’t seem to be the right setting.”

This curt response further fueled the growing tension between the manager and a section of the fanbase. Many felt that Ancelotti was unwilling to engage in constructive criticism and was instead choosing to shut down any discussion regarding his tactical decisions.

The situation surrounding Asensio reflects a growing disconnect between the manager and a segment of the fanbase. While Ancelotti enjoys the backing of club president Florentino Pérez, his recent decisions and comments have raised concerns among many supporters.

Asensio, despite his limited playing time, has shown glimpses of his potential. His versatility and defensive capabilities make him a valuable asset to the squad, and his exclusion from the starting lineup has raised questions about the team’s tactical approach.

With David Alaba expected to return from injury soon, the competition for places in the defense is likely to intensify. However, Ancelotti’s recent comments suggest that Asensio may not be a priority in the manager’s plans, despite his potential and the team’s defensive struggles.

This situation has created a sense of uncertainty surrounding Asensio’s future at Real Madrid. While he remains a talented young player with the potential to become a key figure for the club, his limited playing time and the manager’s apparent reluctance to utilize him have raised concerns about his long-term prospects at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Asensio. If he continues to be overlooked by Ancelotti, speculation about a potential loan move or even a permanent departure from the club is likely to intensify.

This situation highlights the complexities and challenges facing young players at top clubs like Real Madrid. While the pressure to succeed is immense, opportunities for consistent playing time can be limited, especially for players who don’t fit perfectly into the manager’s immediate plans.

The coming months will be crucial for Asensio to demonstrate his talent and prove his worth to the manager. Only then can he hope to secure a more prominent role in the team and fulfill his immense potential at Real Madrid.

The situation surrounding Asensio serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between ambition, expectation, and opportunity at the highest level of professional football.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Asensio to demonstrate his talent and prove his worth to the manager. Only then can he hope to secure a more prominent role in the team and fulfill his immense potential at Real Madrid.

The situation surrounding Asensio reflects the complexities and challenges facing young players at top clubs like Real Madrid. While the pressure to succeed is immense, opportunities for consistent playing time can be limited, especially for players who don’t fit perfectly into the manager’s immediate plans.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Asensio to demonstrate his talent and prove his worth to the manager. Only then can he hope to secure a more prominent role in the team and fulfill his immense potential at Real Madrid.

The situation surrounding Asensio reflects the complexities and challenges facing young players at top clubs like Real Madrid. While the pressure to succeed is immense, opportunities for consistent playing time can be limited, especially for players who don’t fit perfectly into the manager’s immediate plans.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Asensio to demonstrate his talent and prove his worth to the manager. Only then can he hope to secure a more prominent role in the team and fulfill his immense potential at Real Madrid.

The situation surrounding Asensio reflects the complexities and challenges facing young players at top clubs like Real Madrid. While the pressure to succeed is immense, opportunities for consistent playing time can be limited, especially for players who don’t fit perfectly into the manager’s immediate plans.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Asensio to demonstrate his talent and prove his worth to the manager. Only then can he hope to secure a more prominent role in the team and fulfill his immense potential at Real Madrid.

The situation surrounding Asensio reflects the complexities and challenges facing young players at top clubs like Real Madrid. While the pressure to succeed is immense, opportunities for consistent playing time can be limited, especially for players who don’t fit perfectly into the manager’s immediate plans.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Asensio to demonstrate his talent and prove his worth to the manager. Only then can he hope to secure a more prominent role in the team and fulfill his immense potential at Real Madrid.

The situation surrounding Asensio reflects the complexities and challenges facing young players at top clubs like Real Madrid. While the pressure to succeed is immense, opportunities for consistent playing time can be limited, especially for players who don’t fit perfectly into the manager’s immediate plans.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Asensio to demonstrate his talent and prove his worth to the manager. Only then can he hope to secure a more prominent role in the team and fulfill his immense potential at Real Madrid.

The situation surrounding Asensio reflects the complexities and challenges facing young players at top clubs like Real Madrid. While the pressure to succeed is immense, opportunities for consistent playing time can be limited, especially for players who don’t fit perfectly into the manager’s immediate plans.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Asensio to demonstrate his talent and prove his worth to the manager. Only then can he hope to secure a more prominent role in the team and fulfill his immense potential at Real Madrid.

The situation surrounding Asensio reflects the complexities and challenges facing young players at top clubs like Real Madrid. While the pressure to succeed is immense, opportunities for consistent playing time can be limited, especially for players who don’t fit perfectly into the manager’s immediate plans.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Asensio to demonstrate his talent and prove his worth to the manager. Only then can he hope to secure a more prominent role in the team and fulfill his immense potential at Real Madrid.

The situation surrounding Asensio reflects the complexities and challenges facing young players at top clubs like Real Madrid. While the pressure to succeed is immense, opportunities for consistent playing time can be limited, especially for players who don’t fit perfectly into the manager’s immediate plans.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Asensio to demonstrate his talent and prove his worth to the manager. Only then can he hope to secure a more prominent role in the team and fulfill his immense potential at Real Madrid.

The situation surrounding Asensio reflects the complexities and challenges facing young players at top clubs like Real Madrid. While the pressure to succeed is immense, opportunities for consistent playing time can be limited, especially for players who don’t fit perfectly into the manager’s immediate plans.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Asensio to demonstrate his talent and prove his worth to the manager. Only then can he hope to secure a more prominent role in the team and fulfill his immense potential at Real Madrid.

The situation surrounding Asensio reflects the complexities and challenges facing young players at top clubs like Real Madrid. While the pressure to succeed is immense, opportunities for consistent playing time can be limited, especially for players who don’t fit perfectly into the manager’s immediate plans.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Asensio to demonstrate his talent and prove his worth to the manager. Only then can he hope to secure a more prominent role in the team and fulfill his immense potential at Real Madrid.

The situation surrounding Asensio reflects the complexities and challenges facing young players at top clubs like Real Madrid. While the pressure to succeed is immense, opportunities for consistent playing time can be limited, especially for players who don