Real Madrid News
Ancelotti confirms Casemiro’s exit from Real Madrid, Manchester United move imminent
Real Madrid have started their 2022/23 season flawlessly, winning the UEFA Super Cup against Eintracht Frankfurt, and then registering a 1-2 win over Almeria in the La Liga opener.
They face a considerably tougher challenge now, though, as they take on Celta Vigo at the Municipal de Balaidos. Speaking ahead of the game as part of his press conference, Madric coach Carlo Ancelotti dropped a bombshell about Casemiro.
The defensive midfielder has been linked with a move to Manchester United, with the Red Devils having bid over €60 million for his services.
“I have spoken with Casemiro. He wants a new challenge. We understand the decision. Negotiations are ongoing, but he has decided to leave Real Madrid,” Ancelotti said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
“Yesterday, I realise that it [Casemiro to United] was a real thing. My plans won’t change.”
For the majority of the last decade, Casemiro was left without an actual replacement at defensive midfield. Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, and other players were called upon to serve as his deputy.
Fortunately, Madrid have sorted out a long-term replacement for the Brazilian this season in Aurilien Tchouameni. Ancelotti had huge praise for the young Frenchman ahead of Casemiro’s imminent exit.
“Casemiro will not play on Saturday. Replacement? We have signed Tchouameni, and he is one of the best on the market. Then we have Kroos and Camavinga also.”
Not too long back, Ancelotti had confirmed his ideas about also possibly using Tchouameni and Casemiro together, suggesting a double pivot.
“I think they can play together. Even though they’re both pivots, they have different characteristics. They’ll surely play some games together, perhaps with a double pivot.”
Tchouameni now has a clear shot at a starting spot in Madrid’s midfield, and he must prove himself worth the hype, and the €100 million fee.
After three successive wins to start the season, a 1-0 loss to Real Betis came as a reality check for Real Madrid, who are still some way off matching the quality and consistency of Barcelona.
In light of the defeat, the Real Madrid coaching staff is analysing the best way to get the most out of the current setup.
More expected from Valverde
According to Defensa Central, one of the key conclusions drawn from the Betis defeat is that Real Madrid need greater involvement from Federico Valverde with the ball.
The Uruguayan has been deployed as the pivot, largely due to the absence of the injured Aurelien Tchouameni, but he is yet to make the step up in quality the team requires from that role.
While his effort and commitment are never in doubt, Mourinho and his staff, led by Sami Khedira, feel Valverde spends too much time positioned behind the opposition’s midfield line.
As a result, he fails to offer passing lanes to his teammates when they are under pressure, forcing them into hurried, aimless clearances rather than playing out cleanly from the back.
That concern has already been communicated to Valverde, who is still adapting to a position he has never truly played, making the challenge all the more difficult for him.
A collective issue to fix
However, the problem is not Valverde’s alone, with the coaching staff identifying a wider issue in the team’s structure.
Khedira has reportedly noted a certain passivity from the attackers in the videos of the match, particularly Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, when it comes to offering themselves as the ball transitions from midfield into attacking areas.
That lack of movement compounds the difficulties for the deeper midfielders.
Mourinho, for his part, remains unfazed by the departure of Rodri to Barcelona, insisting his squad has the tools to cope.
“I’m not missing Rodri. We have solutions, we have quality,” the Portuguese said, before adding that he backs his ability to improve players.
With a Champions League opener against Inter Milan on the horizon, Mourinho and his staff will be keen to iron out these issues quickly.
