Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Bellingham, Kepa, Lunin, Nico Paz, Modric, Kroos ahead of Union Berlin vs Real Madrid
After a dreary 1-1 draw to Real Betis, Real Madrid will be looking to fix up and regain their rhythm against Union Berlin on Tuesday in what will be the club’s final Champions League group stage match.
Speaking at the pre-match conference, Carlo Ancelotti answered the media’s queries.
When asked to comment on the subject of rotations, the Italian said, “I’m not thinking too much about this.”
“The players who are tired will rest, if they’re not, they will play,” he added.
Having already confirmed their spot in the Champions League Round of 16, the Merengues will be looking to emulate their past glories and attempt to go all the way in this esteemed competition.
“We have the quality to fight and win the Champions League,” Ancelotti remarked.
The competition between Andriy Lunin and Kepa Arrizabalaga has been garnering a fair deal of attention, with Lunin’s recent performances earning him plaudits.
When asked who would be entrusted with the duty to guard the sticks against Union Berlin, Ancelotti answered, “Kepa will play.”
“It is unfair to leave anyone on the bench. Kepa will start tomorrow. Lunin? I can’t start everyone.” he added.
The 64-year-old was also asked if Nico Paz could earn a start after he most recently scored a long-range wonder strike against Napoli in the Champions League.
Ancelotti did not rule out the possibility, claiming, “Yes, he could.”
Ancelotti further expressed his wish to see Real Madrid legends retire at the club they were once revered at.
“Real Madrid legends should retire here,” he said.
“Kroos, Modric, Nacho – they are legends. They have earned the right to decide their own future.” he acknowledged.
Brahim Diaz was also brought up, with his recent form impressing onlookers. Against Real Betis, a terrific pass for Jude Bellingham allowed the Englishman to open the scoring.
Showcasing delight with his performances, Ancelotti mentioned: “I am very happy with him. His time in Milan was very useful for him. His defensive contribution is good, he is amazing for the tactical side and he is stronger physically.”
Ancelotti recently likened Real Madrid rising star Jude Bellingham to legendary Kaka. When asked to elaborate on the comparison, the Italian said:
“Kaka got into the box a lot with the ball. He didn’t have as much quality to get there without the ball, like Bellingham. We play without a fixed nine and in the box there is more space to finish.
“With Kaka the system was different, but in general Kaka was very good on the ball and Bellingham’s movement off the ball is very effective.”
The Real Madrid boss also discussed last night’s La Liga game between Barcelona and Girona, saying: “It was a very entertaining game. The two played face to face, without tactics, Girona were better, they had more success.
“And I have to stop there, I can’t criticise or make speeches about other teams. I liked the match. I was surprised by Girona’s ability to be at this level with so much personality and so much character.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid opted to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract this past summer to keep him at the club for one more season.
The 33-year-old veteran defender, though, has not been performing at his best, with physical problems taking their toll and age starting to catch up with him.
As such, the expectation is that Los Blancos will not extend his contract again when his current one expires on 30 June 2027.
Tottenham eye Antonio Rudiger
And, according to reports relayed by AS, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a free-transfer swoop to sign Rudiger in the summer of next year.
The north London club are understood to be keen on reinforcing their backline next year and see the German defender as an option, given his experience in the Premier League and the fact that he would be available for free in the summer.
So far this season, Rudiger has played only five games for Real Madrid, amounting to a total of 396 minutes.
The 33-year-old has even chipped in with two goals, including the all-important winner in the 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Time to move on?
Despite Rudiger being a hugely respected figure in the Real Madrid locker room, he is currently the third-choice centre-back for Jose Mourinho.
After all, summer signing Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have been preferred by the manager so far in the new season.
Moreover, with Eder Militao set to return imminently after a lengthy injury layoff, Rudiger’s game-time could be impacted further.
Given the situation and factoring in Real Madrid’s plans to sign another centre-back next summer, it is pretty much evident that Rudiger does not feature in the club’s plans for beyond this season.
As such, a separation of ways seems pretty likely when his contract expires, and Tottenham are now positioning themselves as early suitors to sign Rudiger as a free agent in 2027.
