Real Madrid News
Ancelotti has been told Real Madrid will not sign any more strikers – report
Karim Benzema’s sudden departure left Real Madrid rattled. The Merengues were convinced that the Frenchman would continue for one more season before phasing out, but the move to Saudi Arabia came out of the blue.
Over the past few weeks, Los Blancos have thus been linked to strikers across the globe. From Chelsea’s Kai Havertz to Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane, the list is endless.
However, Joselu has been the only player to arrive from the long list of names so far. The club’s attention and interest took a sudden shift towards Kylian Mbappe after the chance to sign him reappeared, and all efforts continue to be directed on that front.
According to reports from AS, Real Madrid have now informed Carlo Ancelotti that there will be no more striker signings this summer. Joselu is all the manager will have to work with come next season.
The Italian gaffer’s initial plan was to bring in Harry Kane and Kai Havertz this summer to reinforce the forward department. However, neither is possible now considering that the club are going all out for Kylian Mbappe in 2024 if not this summer.
Perez’s latest stance on the situation raises several doubts over Real Madrid’s preparedness for the 2023/24 campaign. After all, all eyes will now be on Joselu to perform week in and week out and fill the shoes of Benzema with no backup.
Moreover, it also forces one to ponder where on the field Mbappe will fit into the Galactico setup. After all, he is not a natural centre-forward, and his niche on the left wing is occupied by Vincius Jr.
There have been talks of Ancelotti changing formation to a 4-3-1-2 with new signing Jude Bellingham slotting in as the No. 10 while Vinicius and Rodrygo line up as the attackers, with Joselu the backup.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid believe recent events vs Villarreal and Roma were necessary to unite dressing room
As is the case always, there is a lot of noise surrounding Real Madrid. The Merengues continue to wage war against FC Barcelona over the Negreira case while continuing to battle the refereeing system in La Liga.
Performances on the pitch have not met the level of expectations and there is constant scrutiny on the team and the club as a whole.
Not a coincidence
Now, according to Jose Felix Diaz of AS, Real Madrid do not view recent events as isolated incidents. At Valdebebas, the club’s leadership believes that what has happened since the start of La Liga points to something more than a series of coincidences.
In their view, the events suggest a deliberate pattern, with the four-match suspension handed to Vinícius Jr. on Wednesday representing the culmination of what they perceive as a series of provocations.
Relations between Real Madrid and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have been strained for some time, but club officials believe the latest developments go further than previous disagreements.
Their view is that what has happened “has not been accidental”, although this is a reflection of the club’s position rather than an established fact.
Vinicius suspension intensifies the dispute
Real Madrid see the four-match ban imposed on Vinicius as a provocation, both because of its length and, above all, because of the timing of its announcement. The decision was communicated less than two hours before kick-off against Roma.
The RFEF’s disciplinary decisions are usually published in the early afternoon. However, the complexity of the Vinicius case coupled with some other events delayed the publication of all the rulings, not just the one concerning the Brazilian’s red card.
Nevertheless, the timing has reinforced Real Madrid’s existing concerns about their relationship with the governing body.
Mourinho becomes the club’s public voice
The latest disagreement comes after tentative efforts to open a dialogue, which have so far failed to produce meaningful progress. Relations between the two sides appear more distant than ever.
One significant difference this time is that Jose Mourinho has become the principal spokesperson for Real Madrid’s position. The Portuguese coach is prepared to communicate the club’s views directly and without diplomatic restraint.
Mourinho represents the club’s thinking and shares its concerns. His personality and direct communication style align with the message Real Madrid want to convey.
Comeback in Rome could prove a turning point
Despite the growing tension off the pitch, Real Madrid believe their recent performances could have a positive impact within the squad.
The club consider the events of Saturday and the comeback against Roma on Wednesday to have been particularly important.
There is a strong belief at Valdebebas that the team needed moments of adversity and a comeback of that magnitude to achieve greater unity within the dressing room.
The Champions League battle in Rome is therefore viewed as more than just another result. Internally, the conviction is that the experience could help strengthen the team’s collective spirit and bring the players together at a crucial stage of the season.
