Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Benzema, Camavinga, Militao, Ronaldo, Xavi ahead of Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Real Madrid play one of their most important matches of the 2022/23 campaign on Sunday as they take on bitter rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Riyadh.
Los Blancos have been well below their best since the restart of the season after the World Cup. And it was again visible during the semi-final encounter against Valencia, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side relying on penalty shootouts to progress to the final.
With a challenge against the La Liga leaders now awaiting, the Merengues cannot afford a slip-up, especially with questions already being raised over the team’s recent run of form and results.
On the eve of the blockbuster El Clasico final, manager Ancelotti attended his customary press conference and shared his thoughts going into the match on Sunday.
On the importance of winning the Spanish Super Cup: “All titles are important to have confidence and have a good atmosphere in the locker room.”
On Barcelona’s need to win the trophy: “We have the same need to win as they do. We fight every day to get to this moment and the team is motivated as always. They are comfortable and used to this kind of pressure and we are very confident.”
On the possibility of winning the sextet: “This thought is not in our head. Our thought is to fight in all competitions and that’s it. I think that’s what we have to do and not think about something that is really very complicated and very difficult.”
On whether Real Madrid have a ‘full belly’ with trophies: “It’s not true. We are talking about players who have not won last year. They have started winning in 2013 and they will never have a full belly because they have a mental quality that is very high. Also because we are in a very demanding club and it doesn’t allow you to have a full belly.”
On the state of the pitch: “I liked the state of the pitch the other day. We got into an issue that has led to a lot of messes and I don’t want to say what I wanted to say. It’s better grass than at home, that’s for sure.”
On the El Clasico final: “You have to do a lot of things right to beat FC Barcelona. It’s not just thinking that intensity is the key. The key is to play a complete game in all aspects.”
On Karim Benzema: “Benzema is back. This gives us a lot of confidence for the next games. He is too important for us. The team has coped well with his absence and he’s going to help us a lot now.”
On the injuries: “When we have injuries it worries us a bit, but besides the two who have stayed in Madrid, only Lucas Vázquez will not be able to play. The rest should be fine.”
On Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga: “Camavinga has recovered well and Militao trained without problems. It’s hard to recover from extra time but we’ll be fine for the game.”
On new signings: “We don’t need any more players in this market.”
On Cristiano Ronaldo: “Yesterday we saw Cristiano and he is happy, motivated and likes this new adventure and the decision he has made.”
On the areas to improve: “There are things we have to improve in defence. The block against Valencia was good but we had a positional problem. Hopefully, it won’t happen again.”
On Xavi’s comments that he would be ‘killed’ if he doesn’t win titles: “Winning is the burden of coaches. Xavi knows it well.”
Source: Real Madrid Twitter
Real Madrid News
U-turn? Benzema hints at Real Madrid stay during ceremony: “Reality is not the internet”
There has been a lot of talk around Karim Benzema’s situation over the course of the last week or so, with reports claiming that the Frenchman was on his way out of the Santiago Bernabeu.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it was reported that Benzema was joining Al Ittihad as part of an incredible deal worth nearly €200 million. The striker was also offered 100% of his image rights and advertising deals by the Saudi government.
Over the last day or so, it has been reported that the move is all but official at the moment, as Benzema has accepted the offer, and will soon inform Real Madrid about it.
Benzema was awarded the MARCA Leyenda awards for contribution to sports today, and speaking during it, he dropped a rather cryptic message about his future – one that says quite the opposite to what has been in the news recently.
“Speak to the fans? Speak about what? Why should I speak of the future if I’m in Madrid?”, Benzema said.
“It’s the internet speaking, and reality is not the internet,” he added.
This certainly falls away from the departure line for Benzema, who was reportedly already contemplating his life away from Madrid.
At first, though, he was hesitant about speaking about his future, saying, “Staying or leaving Real Madrid? At the moment, I’m here…we have a game on Saturday.”
He repeatedly talked about the fans, calling them the best in world football. He also said, “I know how much Real Madrid fans love me. I feel that when I’m on the pitch, I give my best for them, always.”
“I always say that we play with 11 on the pitch but also with a crucial factor, Real Madrid fans,” Benzema concluded.
