Butragueno backs Ancelotti over Isco

Former Real Madrid player Emilio Butragueno has backed Carlo Ancelotti after he was jeered during the 1-1 draw with Villarreal on Sunday.

The Italian incurred the ire of the Madrid faithful with his decision to substitute the popular Isco with Asier Illarramendi 12 minutes from time but Butragueno [pictured, right], now the club’s director of institutional relations, believes Ancelotti’s judgement should be respected.

“These kind of tactical decisions are the Coach’s domain and he would have felt it was for the best,” he told AS.

“We deserved to win the game but were up against a very strong team, who were well disciplined in defence.

“We had our chances in the second half but were unable to get a second goal. It didn’t go as planned although there were opportunities, a one-on-one by Cristiano Ronaldo, Jese had a chance…we’ve let two points slip.”

However, Butragueno feels the La Liga title is still in Madrid’s hands.

“Next Saturday away at Athletic Bilbao will be a tricky test for us and the Clasico at the Camp Nou is still some way off,” he added.

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