Real Madrid defender takes steps to turn his situation around; remains intent on staying
Real Madrid defender takes steps to turn his situation around; remains intent on staying Back in March, Raul Asencio disappeared from the Real Madrid squad for a few matches with no proper explanation being given for his absence. It later emerged that the 23-year-old academy graduate had been dropped by manager Alvaro Arbeloa due to a behind-the-scenes conflict – with the player first questioning the coach’s decisions and then pulling out of a game due to discomfort on the matchday morning. Asencio addressing the problem Asencio eventually returned to the squad after apologising to both Arbeloa and the entire dressing room.
Not stopping there, the Spanish defender has taken a decisive step forward in an effort to improve his situation at Real Madrid, reports MARCA . Indeed, Asencio acknowledged his mistakes and issued a double apology to the dressing room, actions that have helped him regain credibility within the team. After the international break, he addressed the dressing room with a public apology.
He also made a personal gesture towards Antonio Rudiger, who had to play a match he was meant to rest because of the Spaniard pulling out in the last minute. The apology carried particular weight given Rudiger’s role in supporting Asencio since his promotion to the first team. Making amends.
(Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) Asencio did not play a great deal since returning to the squad. He then ended up missing a couple of matches again due to an illness and only recovered in time for the game against Real Betis. Despite not being fully fit to play or travel, he requested to be with the team in Seville and Arbeloa agreed.
Although he did not feature, the gesture was appreciated by both the dressing room and coaching staff. His efforts did not stop there. After the draw against Real Betis, and despite the squad being given two days off, Asencio chose to continue training at Valdebebas over the weekend to speed up his recovery, a decision that was again positively received within the club.