Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti has defended his tactical decision to field Sergio Ramos as a central midfielder in his side’s 2-1 defeat to rivals Barcelona.
The capital club went down to an early Neymar goal and Alexis Sanchez settled the tie with a brilliant individual effort that ended Real Madrid’s chances despite a late consolation goal from Jese Rodriguez.
“Ramos in midfield? I do not think I was wrong there,” the Italian told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope.
“It is true that Sergio Ramos has not played in this position before. Before deciding I spoke to him. He was happy, excited to play in this position.
“I do not think the game was so bad. It is not true that putting Ramos in midfield was defensive. The defensive midfielder was the same as when Asier Illarramendi was playing there.” the former AC Milan coach proclaimed.
Real’s vice-captain could face an uphill task of being ready to face Sevilla as he’s suffered with muscular discomfort during the week.
“If the week in training was the same as I saw last week, then yes, I would put Ramos in midfield again, if the Clasico was played tomorrow,” he concluded.
Real Madrid are now six points adrift of league leaders Barcelona following the defeat.
Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156
