Jose Mourinho moves Antonio Rudiger to third-choice defender at Real Madrid

Manager Jose Mourinho has altered the defensive hierarchy at Real Madrid by shifting Antonio Rudiger to the bench. Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen now serve as the preferred starting centre-back pairing. This duo started in recent matches against Real Betis and Inter Milan. While Rudiger occupied a primary role earlier this season, he currently serves as a reserve option behind the new partnership. The club expects Eder Militao and Raul Asencio to return from long-term injuries, which may further shift the defensive rotation. Rudiger remains available for the squad, though he must now compete for a position in the starting XI as the season progresses across multiple competitions.

• 8:50 AMYahoo Sports — Mourinho changes Real Madrid defensive hierarchy as veteran star drops to third-choice