Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has admitted to The Mirror that Antonio Rudiger may struggle to feature at centre-back for his new club.
The Italian admitted after the 1-0 defeat to Barcelona in pre-season that he is hesitant to move away from a pairing of David Alaba and Eder Militao, following the pairs brilliance on route to winning the Champions League.
The first taste of an El Clasico this season saw the former Chelsea man start at left-back, before being subbed off at half-time.
He was an essential part of Thomas Tuchel’s regular back three since he came to Chelsea, with him starring in the club’s sensational Champions League run last year.
However, Ancelotti has admitted it may not be that easy for the Germany international to break into his preferred position at the Bernabeu.
Rudiger could struggle at Madrid
He said: ‘I liked him [Rudiger] a lot. I am not crazy and he is very intelligent.
“He can play in that position, just as he can also change in the match with Alaba. They didn’t do so today, because it went well. [Alaba] as a left-back… only when necessary. I don’t want to change the pair from last year.”
The Blues are still scraping around the transfer market to sign Rudiger’s replacement, looking for a specialised left-centre-back to add to the addition of Kalidou Koulibaly.
Presnel Kimpembe has been reportedly targeted by the Blues, although they face the challenge of prying the Frenchman from the club where he has spent his entire career at.
Rudiger will be hopeful his future does not follow what happened when Eden Hazard traded Chelsea for Madrid, with injuries and competition for places seeing the Belgian become a shadow of the incredible player supporters got used to seeing at Stamford Bridge.