Real Madrid Star Issues Heartfelt Apology After Disappointing Club World Cup Performance
Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio has admitted that his performances during the Club World Cup this summer were below the required standard.
Xabi Alonso's team faced a severe defensive crisis while competing in the United States. Key defenders Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Éder Militão all sustained injuries early in the tournament, forcing the new coach to rely primarily on Asencio and newly acquired Dean Huijsen as his main center-back choices.
Despite having a golden chance to make his mark under Alonso, Asencio experienced a disastrous competition. He gave away a penalty kick and was substituted during the first half of the 1–1 stalemate against Al Hilal, then received a direct red card merely seven minutes into the group match versus Pachuca.
After serving his suspension against RB Salzburg and being relegated to the bench for the Juventus encounter, Asencio appeared for only five minutes as a late replacement in the quarterfinal victory over Borussia Dortmund, before being given another start in the semifinal clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
During his time on the field, Asencio made a crucial mistake that resulted in PSG's opening goal, though he wasn't alone in struggling during the devastating 4–0 loss.
This represented a crushing conclusion to what had been Asencio's breakthrough campaign at Madrid, prompting him to issue a public apology on social media for his Club World Cup displays.
"Madridistas, a campaign where I achieved my ambition of joining the greatest club on earth is concluding, but it has finished in the manner I wanted least," Asencio posted on Instagram. "I believe I haven't measured up during a challenging Club World Cup, but now it's time to step away and refresh myself.
"Hoping you enjoy a wonderful break and now and forever, HALA MADRID! Looking forward to our return to the Bernabéu."
Asencio now confronts a challenge to secure his place in the starting eleven when the new campaign begins. Militão impressed during his short comeback from injury this summer and could be preferred to partner Huijsen, especially since Rüdiger still must serve one remaining game from his six-match ban handed down at the conclusion of last season.