Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Asensio, Kroos, Modric, Valverde, Rodrygo ahead of Espanyol clash
Real Madrid will look to maintain their 100 percent record in the 2022/23 La Liga intact when they lock horns with RCD Espanyol on Sunday night at the RCDE Stadium.
Los Blancos have won their first two league games against UD Almeria and Celta Vigo in La Liga and have registered three victories in three, in all competitions if we count the UEFA Super Cup triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt.
And the reigning champions of Spain and Europe will be hoping to carry forward the same form and extend the run when they travel to Catalonia to face Espanyol.
On the eve of the game, manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, where he discussed the futures of exit-linked players like Marco Asensio and Mariano Diaz while providing a fitness update on the squad.
“I don’t know anything new about Asensio, if there are good options for him and for the club, it can be evaluated,” Ancelotti said on the matter of Asensio, who is linked with Arsenal and Manchester United.
“If Marco leaves we are not going to sign anyone because we don’t need it,” he further added.
On the subject of Mariano Diaz, the Italian tactician said: “We count on Mariano, but he has the best striker in the world ahead of him.”
Dani Ceballos had also been linked with a summer departure, but Ancelotti confirmed that the midfielder will stay at the club, saying:
Dani Ceballos had also been linked with a summer departure, but Ancelotti confirmed that the midfielder will stay at the club, saying: “Ceballos is going to stay and we are happy about it, he is going to have more minutes because he deserves it.”
Along with Ceballos, Ancelotti also promised a bigger role for Rodrygo Goes, stating that the Brazilian will start more games than he did last season. “This year Rodrygo is going to have a more important role, he will play more games as a starter,” he said.
“We can replace him with Vinicius, we can try him with Karim as a striker or we can put him in Karim’s place,” Ancelotti added.
Providing a fitness update on the squad, Ancelotti confirmed that Toni Kroos has recovered from his flu and will be in contention, but ruled out three players from the game. “Kroos recovered well. Nacho and Odriozola are absent as is Vallejo, who had problems,” he confirmed.
Today marks the tenth year anniversary of Luka Modric’s transfer to Real Madrid and Ancelotti hailed the legendary midfielder, saying: “Modric has been a good signing for Madrid. His career has been very continuous and he has always played very well, with a very high level.
“He can still play for a long time because I see him fresh and highly motivated. I think he will continue for more seasons.”
The manager also spoke about the departure of midfield general Casemiro, who has joined Manchester United, as he said: “It is not just a technical problem, it is also the good relationship we had. When Casemiro left we felt sorry and sad. Today he is going to start his new stage and we wish him the best.”
Explaining his thought process to use Federico Valverde out on the wings regularly, Ancelotti said: “Valverde has shown that he can play on the wing, I don’t know if he has the quality to play there, but he has taken to the position very well and gives us a lot of energy there. He allows us to have more intense games.”
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
