Rio Ferdinand has raised concerns over Carlo Ancelotti’s “massive call” to bench Antonio Rudiger in favor of Eder Militao for Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester City on Wednesday. The decision came as a surprise to Ferdinand, who had been impressed by Rudiger’s performance against Erling Haaland in the previous week’s draw in Madrid.
Rudiger, deputising for regular first-choice centre-back Militao last Tuesday, put on a defensive masterclass to stop City talisman Erling Haaland as the reigning champions carved out a crucial 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu.
The German matched Haaland for speed and physicality throughout the contest and forced the free-scoring Norwegian into a rare quiet game on the big stage.
However, despite his fruitful display last week, Ancelotti opted to keep faith in first-team regular Militao upon his return, dropping Rudiger to Real Madrid’s bench.
When asked to explain Ancelotti’s thought process, Ferdinand admitted on BT Sport: ‘I actually don’t know. I finished watching that game (the first leg) thinking: “Have we finally seen a defender who can deal with Haaland?”
Rio Ferdinand has questioned why Antonio Rudiger (left) was dropped by Carlo Ancelotti for Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final second leg at Manchester City on Wednesday
The German international expertly dealt with City striker Erling Haaland in last week’s first leg
Eder Militao (left) was favoured by Ancelotti instead having impressed for Madrid all season
‘Sometimes you think to yourself, if he’s got his number, you have to go with your instincts. Ancelotti’s gone with someone he knows, who’s tried and tested, and obviously they won it last year with Militao.
‘He’s been integral to everything that’s been good about them in the last season or so. So he’s gone back to what he knows.
‘But I think it’s a massive call. And if it goes wrong, that’s something where the media in Spain will be honing in on.
‘How can you drop someone who’s done so well against their talisman?’
Fellow former England international Michael Owen, who joined Ferdinand pitchside, had a different view, suggesting that Militao deserves to regain his place after a successful season in Madrid.
‘You can argue Militao has been (Ancelotti’s) main man, has been his go to guy all season. All of a sudden because of one good performance, you’re going to leave him out?
‘If I was in his shoes, I’d be thinking: “I’ve only been out a game or so, I’ve done the business all season”. But whatever it is, it’s a huge call.’
Ex-City defender added: ‘From a Man City perspective, I’m glad Militao is playing. He’s got the same level of aggression as Rudiger but less emotional control.
‘I think he plays to his strengths. With Rudiger, he was focused on stopping Haaland but with Militao he’ll want to be Man of the Match and I think sometimes that can cause harm to other team-mates.’
