Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Bellingham, Joselu, Courtois, Guler, Casemiro after Real Madrid 2-0 Man United
Real Madrid coasted to a 2-0 win over Manchester United at the NRG Stadium on Wednesday night courtesy of goals from Jude Bellingham and Joselu. The game was evenly balanced for the most part with the English side recording more shots on target. However, the Spanish team’s defence was on point.
Carlo Ancelotti faced the press after his team’s win on the night and spoke about a plethora of topics from Casemiro to Jude Bellingham. Here are the takeaways from his press conference.
The manager began his interaction with a quick summary of the team’s performance on the night, insisting that the display in the first half was better than the second. He also went on to laud his side for their showing and quality against one of Europe’s top teams.
“We have played a good game, especially in the first half. We have played well and defended well. The second part has been more controlled, but with a good attitude and commitment,” he said.
“We have a team of great physical and technical quality. The squad is very good and has improved with the additions. We are complete.”
Despite having won it all, Real Madrid always stay grounded. The manager highlighted the same in his interview and added that it was not difficult to manage the squad.
“We have a team without egos and it’s very simple to manage the locker room. The team is fine, with a good atmosphere and motivated. We want to work well to start the season on a good note.”
One of the highlights of the game was Bellingham’s opener in just the sixth minute of the game. A tightly engaged competition ensued, but Joselu’s goal in the dying minutes sealed the win. Speaking about the goal on the night, the manager said:
“The one from Bellingham shows his quality, arriving from the second line at the right time. Joselu’s goal is not seen many times. We know what he can contribute, which is this. He is a great area finisher and stands out very well at the back post. Today he has had three or four opportunities to score.”
The coach then gave his thoughts about the newly implemented 4-4-2 system that he experimented on the night. He emphasised the changes it brought to the forward department and how it suited certain players.
“The new system is going well. Vini Jr. likes to play a little more on the inside and sometimes he has to play on the outside because he is also very strong,” he said.
“His position and that of Rodrygo create a lot of danger because they are very fast and we can play more directly like this. The system also facilitates the quality of Bellingham.”
Thibaut Courtois did not participate on the night once again owing to fitness concerns, and the Italian tactician assured fans that the star goalkeeper would soon return to action.
“He has a little discomfort and it doesn’t make sense to risk. He’s going to play the next game, like Arda Güler, who is going to play soon.”
Los Blancos started the game against Manchester United with Fran Garcia as the left-back. The Spaniard is said to be the manager’s first choice for the position heading into the new season and was praised for his performance.
“He’s doing very well. He pushes a lot and arrives many times to cross. We are very happy.”
Finally, the Real Madrid coach spoke about a club legend playing for the opposition, Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder featured for over 60 minutes for Erik ten Hag’s side, and Ancelotti maintained that he would forever remain a Real Madrid player.
“We love him very much and for us, he is a Real Madrid legend and he is still a Real Madrid player.”
Source: Real Madrid website
Real Madrid News
La Liga icon comes out in Mbappe’s defence amid bicycle controversy: ‘People are making a huge deal’
Kylian Mbappe’s vacations seem to be one of the favourite topics of the Spanish media, for they easily blow up into controversy with little to no basis time and time again.
It is indeed true that the player is often sighted on vacation at unconventional times. Most recently, he was spotted in Paris with his partner after being relieved from national team duty.
It is said that the player’s vacation was approved by the club and Jose Mourinho, and he is back in Madrid now for his recovery.
On social media, however, he posted a clip of himself on a bicycle which has faced much backlash from the Real Madrid and France faithful.
Former player comes out in Mbappe’s defence
Former Spain and Real Madrid player Santi Canizares spoke to the media in a recent interview via Defensa Central where he came out to back Mbappe amid the bicycle controversy.
“Let’s rule one thing out: maybe Mbappe only rode his bike for 100 meters. It’s just mind-boggling, this whole bike thing,” he began.
“He’s riding a mountain bike, but he might just be going from the hotel to the pool,” he added.
The former player also lashed out at fans for making a massive deal over a small moment in the player’s personal life.
“It seems to me that people are making a huge deal out of this bike thing – really, completely.”
He then pointed out examples of how biking is extremely common and why such a big fuss should not be made of it, saying,
“We, on the Spanish national team, had a day—during a training camp in the Netherlands—when we rode our bikes to the training field, which was a kilometre away.”
“The Spanish national team players also rode bikes around New York two days before the final,” he added.
As matters stand, the Frenchman is expected to bale back in action for Real Madrid in their first game after the international break. His performances after his return from injury, needless to say, will be crucial to win back the fans’ favour.
