Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Barcelona, Benzema, Ceballos, Super Cup following Real Madrid 2-0 Juventus
Real Madrid continue to steamroll through the pre-season, registering yet another win. They beat Juventus 2-0 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio took home the exploits, and Carlo Ancelotti, for one, was delighted with the performance.
And why will he not be, he started his strongest XI against Juve, with the iconic trio of Luka Modric, Casemiro, and Toni Kroos in midfield. They dictated play and were largely the reason Madrid looked so comfortable in possession.
Ancelotti did not forget to shower praise on them following the game, saying, “I call Casemiro, Kroos, and Modric ‘the Bermuda Triangle’. The ball disappears there.”
“It was a good match, we played well. We finished the pre-season well, respected the pan, and those who played the first half are the players who are used to playing together,” he added.
Of course, no Madrid game in the last couple of seasons has gone by without some much-due appreciation for Karim Benzema.
“Benzema is the best. He’s doing everything right without a doubt,” Ancelotti said about the Frenchman.
There is a strong chance Ancelotti will use the same lineup he used today vs Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Super Cup on 10th August. When asked about the same, he replied:
“There are no secrets in football, sometimes I have my doubts because I have to evaluate other options. This squad is good, but it is not certain that these players will play the Super Cup. We have a week, we will assess.”
Barcelona have built a strong team this summer and ready to go head-to-head with Ancelotti following Madrid’s league-UCL double.
Speaking about Barcelona’s transfer window, Ancelotti said, “I don’t ignore anything in football. Barcelona have made a great team, but my focus is on my team. Barcelona must always be respected.”
Dani Ceballos’ decision to continue with Real Madrid is a bit surprising, especially considering Aurelien Tchouameni’s signing. However, the Madrid coach seems fond of the player, and praised him for his recent displays.
“Ceballos is doing a good job, we are happy to see him like this. He had a lot of problems last season.”
Source: Real Madrid
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
