Real Madrid News
David Alaba talks Benzema, Guardiola, Lewandowski to Barcelona
In an interview with Bild (h/t Diario AS), David Alaba opened up about teammates past and present, a move for one of them to their biggest rivals Barcelona, and his former coach Pep Guardiola who he is set to face in new colours.
The Austrian also spoke about the highs and lows of his successful career so far. Real Madrid are set to face Manchester City in the semifinals of the Champions League to vie for a spot in the final in Paris.
The match will see Alaba play against his former Bayern Munich coach Guardiola. On the prospect of facing the Spaniard, he said:
“We haven’t been in contact lately, but it will be good to see him again. We had a great time together at Bayern. But this time the objective is to annoy and beat him.”
Continuing the theme of Bayern Munich, the defender was asked about Robert Lewandowski, his ex-teammate who has been heavily linked with a move to bitter rivals Barcelona in recent weeks.
“It’s his decision and I’m sure he’ll do the right thing. What I can say for sure is that there probably isn’t any defender who would like to play against him,” said the 29-year-old.
Alaba then touched upon the 8-2 win against Barcelona as a Bayern player, which remains one of his fondest career memories alongside the numerous trophies, but also highlighted the semis and final of the 2012 Champions League as his lowest points.
His being booked in the semifinals meant he could not feature in the thrilling final against Chelsea. Alaba then heaped praise on current Madrid teammate Karim Benzema.
The Frenchman has been a talismanic presence for Los Blancos, and has been enjoying the form of his life as Madrid inch closer to the La Liga title.
“Benzema was always a world class striker, but he hit a different level this season. We are all so happy to have him in the team,” Alaba said. He also hoped that Benzema continues to play at this level for a bit more time.
Real Madrid are looking towards a heavy splurge in the coming summer transfer window. After all, they do not even have another option given the sheer number of player departures already finalized.
Los Blancos have lost the services of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Eden Hazard over the past week. While three of the four players predominantly featured on the bench, their presence in the squad gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side much-needed depth and a cushion of sorts.
The forward unit is, thus, the most prioritized department ahead of the transfer window. However, pieces are beginning to fall apart on other fronts and could potentially put the club in a difficult situation.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing Lucas Vazquez and hope to sign him in the coming month. Contacts between the two parties have begun and the transfer fee discussed appears to be around the €6 million to €8 million ballpark given that he has just one year left on his contract.
The player, for his part, is willing to sign for the Italian giants given his relative lack of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. At 31 years of age, he understandably does not want to play a second-fiddle role.
Vasquez played part in 23 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga games last season, starting only on 12 occasions. Even in his few appearances, he averaged a mere 50 minutes per game.
The veteran completed the season with four goals and an assist to his name. Further, he averaged five defensive actions and a key pass in every game and feels hard done by his limited role.
Vazquez’s departure would place the club in a tricky situation as it would leave Real Madrid with only Dani Carvajal as a natural right-back option. Nacho Fernandez could, in theory, serve as the backup but a new signing for the position cannot be ruled out.
Aaron Tagoe
April 21, 2022 at 1:45 pm
Lewan should came to Barcelona to teamnup with Adama gavi and the other plays to help football grow better and also help Barcelona