Real Madrid News
Ancelotti opens up on helping key Real Madrid star through injury ordeal – ‘Been through this in my career’
Speaking to the media in a recent interview, Real Madrid star Eder Militao made a shocking confession that he considered hanging up his boots after his second ACL tear last season.
“With my second injury (right knee), a lot of things went through my mind. I thought about retiring from football because it’s not easy, but with the help of my wife, my daughter, and my teammates, I’m here today to play well,” he said.
After all, it was indeed a heartbreaking moment for the defender to suffer a cruciate ligament rupture just weeks after recovering from the same setback in his other knee.
Given the challenges of recovering from an ACL rupture for a footballer and how physically and mentally taxing the entire process is, the player’s line of thought cannot really be faulted.
Ancelotti’s secret conversation
Speaking to the media earlier today, current Brazil NT manager Carlo Ancelotti was asked about Militao’s words, especially given that he was the Real Madrid manager at that time.
Ancelotti revealed that he did, in fact, have a conversation with the defender about the same to extend his support and urge him to dismiss those thoughts.
“I talked to him because I have been through this in my football career: knee injuries, and it is something that anyone who plays football well can experience,” revealed the former Real Madrid boss.
He then praised the Brazilian star for coming out of the injuries stronger than before and returning as a mainstay in the Real Madrid defence.
“He has recovered well and is showing his best version at Real Madrid. He is a very important player. There is a lot of competition for the central position. We are very calm about it.”
Finally, he was asked if his setup for the ongoing international break would have a Real Madrid ‘foundation’ given that Casemiro, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, and Eder Militao are in the mix.
“I think the team has a broad base, and not just these players. Of course, I know these players and others very well,” he said.
“I really like the team atmosphere, and I think it’s very positive, given the attitude and professionalism of the players,” Ancelotti concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid will be looking to pick up their fifth win of the 2026/27 La Liga season when they take on Elche CF at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero later tonight.
With 12 points from five games, Los Blancos are currently second in the league table, three points below leaders FC Barcelona.
As such, the Spanish capital club will be eager to get the win and close the gap to the top.
Guler starts, Bellingham rested
Ahead of kickoff, Real Madrid have announced the starting lineup that will take the field against Elche, with Jose Mourinho making some important changes.
For starters, Arda Guler is back in the lineup after appearing as a substitute in the win over Rayo Vallecano.
Interestingly, however, he starts in the attacking midfield role, with Mourinho opting to rest Jude Bellingham, who has started all of Real Madrid’s games so far.
That also means that Yan Diomande retains his place in the team, starting for a second time in a row on the right wing. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. continue in their respective positions in attack.
Another notable change sees Aurelien Tchouameni make his first start of the season after recovering from injury and making two appearances off the bench.
He replaces Bernardo Silva as Federico Valverde’s partner in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marc Cucurella come in as full-backs, while Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen slot in at centre-back in front of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 15, 2026
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