Following the 0-1 loss to Barcelona in a pre-season friendly, Ancelotti has hinted at playing Antonio Rudiger at left-back. The German played in that position against Barcelona, and Ancelotti claims to be satisfied with his display.
Everything is almost in place for the new season, but it is already evident that it will not be a walk in the park. Barcelona have endured a torrid couple of seasons that saw them drop in the order of affairs in the La Liga. Dogged by a massive financial problem, the Catalan giants have been very busy in the transfer market, ready to challenge Los Merengues this season.
While there is a frenzy of activities at the Nou Camp, it all seems calm at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish giants have managed their finances much better than Barcelona and are financially healthy. Despite the healthy state of their finances, Real Madrid have not gone buck wild in the transfer market, with Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni the only acquisitions this summer.
Antonio Rudiger arrived at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer, and expectations were that he would take up one of the central defensive slots occupied by David Alaba and Eder Militao. Recent indications hint that the German defender may not dislodge either of the two defenders from their position.
Rudiger may not play at centreback
If the friendly match between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Las Vegas is anything to go by, then Real Madrid have some work to do. However, it is not in the match outcome that the reigning European champions have issues. It is in the utilization of one of their new acquisitions that there is work to do.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is keen to maintain the centre-back partnership of David Alaba and Eder Militao. The Italian gaffer gave hints he could use Antonio Rudiger as a left-back. Rudiger started in the left-back position in the friendly tie against Barcelona on Saturday evening, bringing criticism to Ancelotti. The Italian gaffer defended his tactical decision.
The expectations were that Rudiger would take up one of the centre-back slots with David Alaba returning to his traditional left-back position. Ancelotti prefers the German in that position and gave him a run out in the pre-season El Clasico.
Ancelotti satisfied with the team status
Many Real Madrid fans would look at what is happening at Barcelona and feel the lack of activity at the Santiago Bernabeu is a sign of no progress. Los Blancos have made only two signings this summer but seem more preoccupied with making sales than buying players.
The arrival of Antonio Rudiger was to fortify the centre-back positions. The Germany international, who has worked his way into becoming one of the top defenders in the last couple of years, may have work to do to play in his traditional position.
Carlo Ancelotti seems satisfied with the work at Real Madrid. After their first pre-season outing, he wants to continue playing Rudiger at left-back. The four-time Champions League winning manager said he liked Rudiger at left-back. He claims the German can play in that position and change during the game with Alaba. Ancelotti claims he is not crazy and that Rudiger is an intelligent player who can make it work.
Real Madrid did not sign any left-back to replace the legendary Marcelo, who left the club this summer. There were rumours they could re-sign Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham earlier in the window. Ancelotti also claimed that Madrid would not sign any more players this summer.
