Raul Asencio of Real Madrid
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
It is no secret that Raul Asencio is no longer the golden boy of the Real Madrid defence, having had a rapid fall from grace after his initial breakthrough.
Asencio has been subject to multiple off-field controversies while his on-field performances haven’t been particularly impressive either.
This had led to Real Madrid pressurising him to leave the club in the summer, as part of the team’s summer clearout. But the defender opted to remain at the club and fight for his place in the team.
Asencio rejected multiple offers
A recent report from MARCA has offered some key insights into Asencio’s transfer saga in the summer, adding that the defender had to turn down multiple top clubs in order to remain at Real Madrid.
Asencio had offers from both Chelsea and Liverpool over a potential move to the Premier League. But he did not entertain either of them and was hell belt on proving himself at Real Madrid.
Raúl Asencio of Real Madrid
Asencio is not rated highly at Real Madrid anymore. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The versatile defender also had a mouth-watering offer from an unnamed Turkish club, an offer that could have made any player reconsider.
But Asencio rejected that as well, despite the fact that Jose Mourinho had asked him to consider leaving the club as he was not part of the new coach’s plans.
Still hope left for Asencio?
Raul Asencio of Real Madrid
Can Asencio bounce back this season? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Mourinho is not someone who swallows his words and hence, it is no surprise that Asencio is yet to feature in a single minute of action so far this season.
That being said, there is hope yet for the versatile defender, perhaps even for Real Madrid’s next game against Villarreal.
That is because Ibrahima Konate will be a doubt after having to withdraw from the French national team camp after a knock while Dean Huijsen has been handed a one-match suspension.
This leaves Mourinho with Antonio Rudiger as the only proven centre-back option, which means Asencio could get a rare opportunity to prove himself.
This is far from guaranteed, though, as it is quite possible Konate could become fully fit for the Villarreal clash. But it will be interesting to see, nonetheless, if Asencio gets an opportunity when the season restarts.
Villarreal star reveals how his side plans to approach Real Madrid clash: ‘We want to win’
Alberto Moleiro of Villarreal
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Real Madrid will return from the international break with little room for another setback, and Villarreal midfielder Alberto Moleiro is fully aware of the pressure awaiting Jose Mourinho’s side.
The two teams will meet on October 10 as La Liga resumes, with Madrid already six points behind leaders Barcelona after suffering two defeats during the opening stages of the campaign.
Villarreal, meanwhile, head into the fixture with ambitions of their own.
Their upcoming schedule is unforgiving, with Real Madrid followed by Napoli and Liverpool, but Moleiro sees the demanding run as an opportunity rather than something to fear.
Speaking to AS, the midfielder made it clear that Villarreal have no intention of simply trying to survive their visit to Madrid.
Villarreal ready for a demanding run of fixtures
The scale of Villarreal’s schedule has not escaped Moleiro, as facing three high-profile opponents in quick succession would test any squad,
However, the midfielder believes these are precisely the matches that make football worthwhile.
Alberto Moleiro of Villarreal
Villarreal visit Santiago Bernabeu after the international break. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
“Yes, it’s a tough one, but a great one. As someone who loves football, I love being able to play in those matches.
“But anyway, let’s take it in our stride, enjoy it and give it our all.”
Real Madrid’s two defeats have already increased the importance of every league fixture.
So, dropping further points against Villarreal would make their early deficit even more difficult to overcome.
Moleiro knows that situation gives the hosts additional motivation, but he insists Villarreal have just as much reason to attack the game.
Moleiro knows Real Madrid need the points
Villarreal are not approaching the match just as an opportunity to exploit Madrid’s difficult start.
Moleiro acknowledged the pressure on the home side while making it clear that Villarreal’s own ambitions will shape their approach.
Alberto Moleiro of Villarreal
Alberto Moleiro is aware of Real Madrid’s situation. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“Yes, we know how important it is for them to win and how badly they need it, but then again, we need to win too and we want to win because we want to be up there.
“And if we want to be up there, we have to compete in these kinds of matches, win them and show that we want to be there. And I think we can do it, so let’s see what happens.”
Early setbacks have made Villarreal ‘stronger’
Villarreal’s confidence comes partly from how they have responded to difficult moments already this season, having lost three of the seven league matches.
Moleiro pointed to the draw against Levante and the earlier match in Malaga as examples of the team’s ability to recover when games have gone against them.
“Yes, ultimately I think this hardship is going to make us stronger. It’s not easy. The other day, when Levante drew with us, we were mentally strong enough to push on and come from behind.
“I think we’ve done that, just as we did in Malaga. And we’ve already shown we’re capable of doing it again.
“I think we’ve already faced all the difficulties that might come our way at the start of this league campaign, and I reckon everything’s going to work in our favour now because we’re learning a lot,” he concluded.