The centre-back was criticised after his showing in a more advanced role on Tuesday, but his coach firmly believes he can master the position
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says he will continue to experiment with Sergio Ramos in a midfield role.
The defender was preferred to Lucas Silva, Sami Khedira and Asier Illarramendi in the middle of the park for Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
However, the 29-year-old appeared uncomfortable in an unfamiliar position and was criticised after the game, though he still retains the support of Ancelotti.
“I have not made a decision on whether Ramos will be a midfielder again,” Ancelotti said at a press conference.
“Ramos in midfield is not over yet, though. He can play in many positions and I believe in him 100 per cent.
“He had a difficult game in Turin, but that doesn’t mean he cannot play in midfield. I will field him there again if necessary.
“This has nothing to do with having a lack of faith in my other midfielders. I make a decision game by game.
“Playing Ramos in midfield is not a gamble. It was not a foolish move when we beat Atletico Madrid and Sevilla… I don’t think it’s reckless to play Sergio in midfield.”
Ancelotti then went on to defend Gareth Bale in the wake of his disappointing performance in the same game, in which he had fewer touches than goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
“Bale’s situation? We have not spoken with him individually because we do not care about those kinds of statistics. Bale did not have a good game, but neither did the rest of the team.
“There is no need to talk with Bale about this. He will play well again versus Valencia, as will Real Madrid in general. We are fighting to win La Liga and the Champions League.”
The Madrid boss also confirmed the return of Karim Benzema to the squad after an injury lay-off.
“Benzema is not 100 per cent yet, but he is available again. He is feeling good again. We will make a decision on Saturday whether he makes the bench or not.”