Real Madrid News
Ancelotti feels Real Madrid ace’s training levels have changed drastically compared to last stint
Despite winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or last year, Karim Benzema has not had the best of seasons at Real Madrid so far.
Having scored 44 goals in 46 competitive matches last season, essentially leading Real Madrid to the UEFA Champions League and La Liga title, Benzema’s performances have dropped significantly this term.
According to The Athletic, Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff have witnessed a shift in Benzema’s training levels in the Italian’s current stint as Real Madrid manager, compared to the last one between 2013 and 2015.
It appears age and injuries have taken a heavy toll on the Frenchman’s performances, especially in the ongoing campaign, as the striker is without a goal in La Liga for almost a month. His last goal in the league came against Elche on February 15.
The Real Madrid captain has not scored in four of the last five league matches he has played.
Although Benzema’s tally of 18 goals in 27 competitive matches this season is not particularly bad, it is evident that the Frenchman has been struggling with fitness this term, especially after his injury just before the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
However, it must be noted that Benzema’s Real Madrid teammates believe there has been no drop in the forward’s performance levels. He has also attained similar levels of statistical numbers in the final third as last season, including touches in the opposition box and expected assists per game (xA).
The main challenge for Benzema is now to build strong momentum as we enter the final phase of his career. Real Madrid still have a chance of advancing to the final of Copa del Rey and defending their UEFA Champions League title.
Benzema’s performances, to that end, could go a long way in helping Los Blancos achieve those goals. Not to mention, the Frenchman is considered the backbone of the team by Ancelotti, despite his doubts over the veteran’s training levels.
A contract extension could be in the offing for Benzema as well, with his current deal at the Santiago Bernabeu expiring at the end of the season.
Real Madrid News
Ancelotti could renew contract with Real Madrid if he wins the Champions League – report
The continuity of Carlo Ancelotti hinges on several factors and journalist Mario Cortegana, while writing for The Athletic, has confirmed that if Real Madrid do not sack him at the end of the season, the Italian will continue to serve the team at least until his current contract, which runs until 2024.
Furthermore, the report also states that Ancelotti could even be handed a contract extension if he leads the team to the UEFA Champions League triumph once again.
It is more than evident that Ancelotti’s Real Madrid future is far from certain. Ever since the managerial role at the Brazilian national team opened up, the 63-year-old is being pursued by the South American team.
Cortegana writes that even though Ancelotti is quite happy at Real Madrid, there remains a possibility that he will, indeed, accept the Brazil role if he were to leave the Spanish capital city as he sees this job as an appealing end to his managerial career.
At Real Madrid, he knows that he will have to keep winning trophies and this season, the La Liga honour is more or less lost. But with the possibility of winning the UEFA Champions League still open, Cortegana has reported that if the Italian does, in fact, succeed at winning the European crown, he might end up renewing his deal with the team.
At the moment, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is trying to keep a respectful distance, but there is absolutely no denying the fact that they have made him their absolute priority.
“Ancelotti is not only the players’ favourite but it seems the fans’ too,” said CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues about Ancelotti.
“Everywhere I go in Brazil, in every stadium, he is the first name the supporters ask me about. They talk about him in a very affectionate way, in recognition of the exemplary work he has done in his career,” he added.
Ancelotti is aware that Brazil want him and Brazil know Ancelotti is ready to join, but everything hinges on what happens with Real Madrid this season.
If they end up winning the Champions League or even if Madrid decided to stick with him until his contract expires [2024], Brazil will be forced to look for alternatives. If not, one can expect the Italian to be the new head coach of the Seleçao.
