Real Madrid News
Ancelotti aware that his decisions against Barcelona, Chelsea will impact his future
Real Madrid play three high-intensity clashes over the next couple of weeks.All games are must-win encounters and finals in their own right.
The first of the three games will be played later tonight against Barcelona in the semifinal of the Copa del Rey. The victor will take on Osasuna as the clear favourite for the trophy and there is thus no shortage of significance for the Clasico semifinal.
Next week, Los Blancos play host to Chelsea in the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League before playing the reverse fixture a week later. Needless to say, there is a lot riding on the upcoming fixtures.
According to reports from Sergio Santos (h/t RM4Arab), Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is aware that the decisions he takes against Barcelona and Chelsea will be decisive for his future at the club.
More importantly, the future of many Real Madrid players too depends on the outcome of these games.
Los Blancos’ management could be looking at an overhaul in the summer in terms of both management and personnel. With multiple stars’ contracts running out in the summer, decisions over their continuity will be taken in the weeks to come and the concurrent results will play a role.
Ancelotti too, in theory, can hold onto his job if he wins a trophy this season. Whether he would want to continue amidst the links with other names, however, is a question for another day.
The Italian tactician must look to change up things when his side takes on Xavi’s Barcelona later today.
In seven clashes against the Spanish tactician as a manager (including a pre-season friendly), Ancelotti has won only twice and lost five times. There is an urgent need to turn around the tide, and it is safe to say that the Real Madrid manager will have the spotlight on him tonight.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €3.5 million-rated relegated Premier League striker to reinforce attack
Following a difficult season with troubles in La Liga and the Champions League preventing Real Madrid from retaining their crowns, Los Blancos move towards a transformative summer, full of innovations.
Real Madrid managed to clear plenty of unwanted figures at the club, with a huge relief on the wage bill. However, with an array of exits, the squad has contracted and thus replacements are being inquired.
Apart from the high-profile departure of Karim Benzema, fringe players have also bid their farewell.
Among those names is Mariano Diaz, who was Madrid’s backup striker prior to his withdrawal. Several names have been put on the table to fill his absence as the club largely aim to address their lack of depth.
According to Arancha Rodriguez (via RM4Arab), Leeds United striker Rodrigo Moreno is one of the names gaining consensus in the Madrid hierarchy. Moreover, Joselu has also been considered as a viable alternative.
The two favourites to replace Mariano have proven to be important figures for their clubs as both strikers maintain a starting role.
Playing for Espanyol, Joselu ended the La Liga campaign as the third top scorer, only behind Benzema and Lewandowski. Considering Espanyol’s relegation, such a feat looks even more impressive. The Spaniard secured 19 goals in all competitions.
On the other hand, Rodrigo Moreno recorded 16 goals last season across all competitions. Similar to Joselu’s case, the Spanish international also suffered relegation with Leeds, in spite of his good numbers.
With both players offering adequate output in struggling sides, Real Madrid’s interest is practical. Moreover, considering both Espanyol and Leeds were relegated, their asking price will undeniably lower, which enables the Merengues to sign one of the two targets at a more convenient rate.
It is claimed that Rodrigo has a release clause worth €3.5 million which Los Blancos would have to trigger to sign him from Leeds United.
It now remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti & co. go after the former Valencia man or move for Joselu instead.
