Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Bellingham, Kepa, Lunin, Valverde, Rudiger, Kroos, Endrick ahead of Real Madrid vs Granada
Real Madrid will be eager to stretch their lead atop the La Liga standings when they lock horns with Granada at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening.
Los Blancos reclaimed top spot in the league table following their 3-0 win over Cadiz last weekend, which was coupled with rivals Girona and Barcelona dropping points.
Real Madrid backed it up with a 4-2 win over Napoli in the UEFA Champions League and will be eager to continue that momentum when they host Granada this weekend.
Ahead of the game, manager Carlo Ancelotti attended the press conference, where he discussed the injury and fitness issues plaguing the squad, among other things.
On Bellingham and Kepa
Heading up to tomorrow’s game, Jude Bellingham’s availability was cast into doubts after he did not complete today’s training session with the rest of the team.
But, Ancelotti confirmed that the midfield sensation is okay and ready to play against Granada, as he said:
“Bellingham is fit to play tomorrow. He will be fine and he will play the game. It’s just that he’s had some discomfort in his ankle.”
Praising the young midfielder, he added: “Bellingham is very respected in the team not only for the goals he scores but for the work he does.”
On his form, Ancelotti said: “We have never asked Bellingham to score goals. He has to continue like that and there will come a time when he won’t score goals.”
The Italian tactician also confirmed that Kepa Arrizabalaga has also recovered and will be available for the game, but insisted Andriy Lunin will keep his place in the starting XI.
“Kepa is available. He trained today and for the first time, he has been medically cleared. We will continue with Lunin, so Kepa will have a week to prepare for the match against Betis,” Ancelotti stated.
On the injuries that have rocked Real Madrid this season, he added: “The injury problem is a general problem because the calendar is very tight at this time of year. We have to hold on and it can be an opportunity for the players who have had less prominence so far.”
“The objective this weekend is to continue to show quality and efficiency in the game. The key to this run of form has been the team’s collective effort,” he said, looking forward to the game against Granada.
On the squad and winter transfer plans
Discussing the team’s current form and the level of depth in the squad, Ancelotti said: “Who knows if there will be a slump in January or February? In football anything can happen and we can’t plan for that. We know it will come and the important thing is to be prepared.”
When asked if Real Madrid will try to sign a striker as a result of the injuries, he replied: “A striker in the winter transfer window? The approach the club has taken is fantastic and the results are proving it.”
Building up to the game, there has been some talk of whether Ancelotti might give some respite to players like Federico Valverde and Antonio Rudiger, who have been playing without a break.
Regarding Valverde and his role, Ancelotti said: “It’s difficult to say where Valverde contributes the most because he contributes wherever he is placed.
“As a winger, as an inside player, as a pivot. He is very complete. He contributes a lot in many areas. He puts in a lot of energy and he’s a key player for us.”
Praising Rudiger’s contributions this term, he added: “The truth is that Rüdiger has shown a very good attitude. We’ll see him tomorrow. He’s a perfect centre-back for us.”
There was more praise in store for Bellingham and how he has adapted to the team so well, as Ancelotti said:
“Bellingham’s adaptation to the dressing room has been very good. Entering the dressing room is quite easy because the ego level of this squad is very low and for the new players it’s much easier.”
“I didn’t see Di Stéfano play. I’ve seen Cruyff and Zidane play and I think I was as surprised with Bellingham as I was when I first saw Kaka. He has a lot of Kaka in him.”
Ancelotti also had some words of praise for Castilla youngster Nico Paz, who scored his first senior goal for Real Madrid against Napoli.
“I think Nico Paz is doing very well. He had his role and I’ve already said that the youth players who are with us are ready to play. I have to give priority to the first team but it’s good that they are with us at the moment,” he stated.
On his and Kroos’ future
Real Madrid have some players with expiring contracts at the end of the season, one of whom is Toni Kroos. On whether the German will continue at the club, Ancelotti said:
“Kroos’ decision on whether to stay or not is his decision. He is very much loved here and he knows it. He keeps playing as usual, he feels very good with all his team-mates.”
Ancelotti himself sees his contract expiring at the club, but insisted he feels like he is still in the ‘honeymoon period’ as he remarked:
“For me, it’s a positive moment. On a personal level, I feel a lot of affection from everyone but I have to be careful because the difficult or delicate moment will come and we have to be prepared.
“Yes, I’m still on honeymoon with Real Madrid. We are in a very good moment and I feel a lot of affection around me.”
Ancelotti also referred to Real Madrid’s future signing Endrick who continues to impress at Palmeiras, saying: “We are watching what Endrick is doing. He is progressing very quickly and we are delighted that he can be with us next season.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
