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Ronaldo 'can choose position' at Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo © Getty Images

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Carlo Ancelotti says he will not tell Cristiano Ronaldo what role to play amid debate in Spain over whether the Portuguese should lead the Real Madrid line or play on the left-hand side of a three-pronged attack.

Speaking after his side's 3-1 victory over MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy, coach Ancelotti said he would leave the decision up to his star player.

"Cristiano needs to find the position that he wants to play in and I won't change that," Ancelotti said. "It has to be Cristiano who chooses the position he plays in."

He said he was pleased with Real's performance against Galaxy, but added that he felt his side needed tougher matches before the new campaign began.

"In general terms we are okay," he explained. "I'm satisfied because we tried to play well, which is the most important thing.

"But we need to play against stronger opponents in order to be ready for the season."

Fabio Coentrao, who travelled to the United States with the Real Madrid squad, stayed in Los Angeles rather than flying to Phoenix for the Galaxy match due to muscular problems, according to the club's official website.

However, Spanish daily AS described that as "suspicious" and suggested Coentrao could be on his way to Tottenham.

Spurs are in the market for a left-back, and AS claimed the Portugal international could link up with his compatriot Andre Villas Boas at White Hart Lane as part of a deal to take Gareth Bale to Madrid.

Speaking about Bale earlier this week, Ancelotti said: "It is difficult to talk about Bale, because at the moment he is not a Real Madrid player. But I believe the club is in talks to find a solution and we will see what happens.

"I am not used to talking about players who are not in my team, and it would not be right to do so."

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