Real Madrid News
Ancelotti planning three strategic trials against Leganes to prepare for Liverpool clash
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is treating the upcoming match against Leganes as a crucial opportunity to prepare for the team’s upcoming challenge against Liverpool in the Champions League, reports AS.
With several key players sidelined due to injury, Ancelotti sees the Leganes game as a vital test to assess the readiness of his squad, especially as they head into such a high-stakes fixture.
Three key areas to assess
One of the key points Ancelotti will focus on during the match is the performance of Federico Valverde, who will be tested in a right-back position. This is an experiment for the manager, who is exploring the possibility of using Valverde in this new role given the injury crisis.
Additionally, Raul Asensio, a young talent from the club’s youth ranks, will undergo a general test to see if he is ready to step up and become a starting player. Ancelotti is eager to find out if the young player can handle the pressure of a first-team role.
Another important element will be how Brahim Diaz fits into the attacking trio, alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinícius Jr. The manager is keen to see how the three players combine in attack and whether they can offer a solution to his tactical setup.
Important match for Ancelotti
Ancelotti is clear about his intentions for the match. While he will not hold back in terms of testing his players, he also understands that this game is a valuable opportunity to make key decisions ahead of the more demanding Liverpool encounter.
The Leganes match will give him insights into the performances of key players, particularly in how they adapt to new positions or roles.
For Real Madrid, the coming weeks are crucial, and with players’ returns still uncertain, this match serves as a critical “beta test” to ensure the team is in the best shape possible for their upcoming challenges.
Real Madrid News
Arsenal in contact with Real Madrid forward’s camp over potential transfer – report
Doubts about Rodrygo Goes’ long-term future at Real Madrid having been growing for some time.
The Brazilian’s situation had become uncomfortable over the past couple of seasons as he experienced a sudden decline in form. And, just when it seemed like he was about to turn things around, an ACL injury ruled him out in March earlier this year.
With Rodrygo now facing an extended spell on the sidelines, his recovery will be crucial. He is expected to return in December or January, and the club will monitor how he responds physically before determining what role he will play under Jose Mourinho.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Rodrygo
Now, according to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Arsenal are in contact with Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential future move.
The report states that the Gunners had already attempted to sign the Brazilian before his injury, and their interest has now resurfaced ahead of a possible move in the summer of 2027.
The Premier League champions had also explored the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid this past summer, before he signed a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, their attention seems to have switched Vinicius’ fellow Brazilian forward who is closing in on his return from the ACL rupture.
Real Madrid want to keep Rodrygo until the summer
As already reported, Rodrygo will not leave Real Madrid in January. The intention is for the winger to regain full fitness and become available to Mourinho for the second half of the season.
Real Madrid are not considering selling the former Santos wonderkid during the January transfer window.
Instead, the club intend to reassess his situation next summer, once he has had the opportunity to recover and demonstrate his form on the pitch.
The plan is to have the Brazilian fit and available for the second half of the campaign before making a final decision at the end of the season.
Rodrygo’s performances after returning from injury, together with Mourinho’s assessment of his role in the squad, will help determine what happens next.
Depending on those factors, Real Madrid could consider allowing him to leave or decide that he still has an important future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains a possibility to watch, but Real Madrid are focused on Rodrygo’s recovery rather than negotiating a January departure.
