Real Madrid Will Not Rest Ronaldo

Source: thewillnigeria.com

Carlo Ancelotti says he has no intention of resting forward Cristiano Ronaldo despite a demanding run of four games in 12 days for Real Madrid.

Ronaldo has featured in seven games already this season, including the Uefa Super Cup win over Sevilla and both legs of the Spanish Super Cup.

Real start a busy run of games at home to Elche in La Liga on Tuesday.

“Cristiano doesn't need a rest, we need him because he's at his best,” said Real boss Ancelotti.

Ronaldo, 29, has scored six times in his last four outings, including a hat-trick in last Saturday's 8-2 win at Deportivo La Coruna.

Real visit Villarreal on Saturday before travelling to Bulgaria to face Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League on 1 October.

Ancelotti's team then entertain Athletic Bilbao on 5 October before the next international break.

Despite that emphatic win over Deportivo last weekend, Ancelotti is calling for an improvement from his side after an indifferent start to their league campaign.

Real are seventh in the table with two wins and two defeats from four games.

“The result against Deportivo was very good but it could be misleading because we still have to improve certain aspects of our game,” added the Italian.

“We have to improve in defence but I think we are in better shape than this time last year.”

Ancelotti could be without first-choice centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Pepe for the Elche game.

Portugal international Pepe is receiving treatment for a hamstring injury while Spain World Cup winner Ramos has a foot problem.

Elche are 13th in the table with four points from as many games.

BBC SPORT