Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says he will persist with Cristiano
Ronaldo as his first choice free kick taker despite his lengthy run without a
goal from set-pieces.
The 30-year-old has failed to score with any of his last 51 free-kicks,
with Gareth Bale proving more successful from dead balls, though Ancelotti
insists he will continue to take them.
"It's pretty clear. Cristiano takes the ones on the left of the goal and
Bale the ones on the other side," he said at Friday's pre-match press
conference.
The Italian came in for criticism after bringing off Isco for the more
defensively-minded Asier Illarramendi in the 1-1 draw with Villarreal
on Sunday but is adamant he has no regrets over the decision.
"I'd do it again. Illarramendi gave us more balance," he added ahead
of Saturday's La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.
"I've talked to the players about this. A minute can be vital for the
team to be able to win. It's not a personal thing. I've heard people at
other teams saying that the team is more important than anything.
It's the same for us. The players understand it."
Madrid have also come under scrutiny for failing to match their
prolific exploits towards the end of 2014 since the turn of the year and
Ancelotti admitted it was a problem he has noted in recent weeks.
"We've lost a little bit of efficiency up front, we're not playing as fast
from the back and it's harder to create chances when the team is so
compact."
Madrid remain two points clear of second-placed Barcelona at the
top of La Liga and seven ahead of reigning champions Atletico, who
sit a place further back in third. |
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