Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Benzema, Courtois, Hazard, Vinicius, Ceballos ahead of Real Madrid vs Mallorca
Real Madrid look seemingly impossible to stop at the moment, having won all five of their games to start the season. Not only that, but they have scored 14 goals, conceding just four.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team have clearly picked up where they left off last season, winning the La Liga and the Champions League. They are coming off a 0-3 win in the opening round of the UCL against Celtic, but now have their eye on RCD Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ahead of this game, Ancelotti got the chance to clear the air about his players, speaking to the media as part of his pre-game press conference.
On Thibaut Courtois missing training: “He had a small problem in his knee and did not train that day. But he will play tomorrow.”
“Courtois trained today, he’s fine. His problem was minor.”
On Karim Benzema’s return: “We won’t force Benzema. He will surely not play against Leipzig. But we will see for the Madrid derby.”
“If he does not play against Atletico Madrid, he will definitely not join the French National Team for the international break.”
On changing the system without Benzema: “No, the system will not change.”
On Eden Hazard: “It’s obvious I will not ask Hazard to score goals like Karim, I want him to play well and connect well with the attack.”
On Mariano Diaz: “Mariano can help us in some games, he’s very strong.”
On Benzema’s substitute: “There is no substitute for Benzema. He is the best. But we can use other players with different styles.”
On Dani Ceballos: “He could, yes.”
On Vinicius Jr: “Vinicius scores goals with continuity. He has improved a lot because now it’s very difficult that he misses chances.”
On rotations: “We always analyse the players. But then I’ll decide who plays. If i see a player is tired, I will rest him.”
On Vinicius’ celebrations: “He’s a Brazilian, he dances very well. I don’t think it bothers anyone.”
On keeping possession in football: “It’s a fad. Football is changing, more verticality. Possession football is not as fashionable anymore.”
Source: Real Madrid Twitter
Jose Felix Diaz has reported via MARCA that Real Madrid want a major change in the Spanish refereeing system.
The reporter writes that the team from the Spanish capital has taken the issue as their top priority mostly because of what happened in the recent derby defeat against Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos are determined to relentlessly steer a significant overhaul of the refereeing structure, and they have no intention of resting in their pursuit.
Their discontent comes not only from recent events, particularly the contentious derby match but also from a deep-seated frustration with the state of refereeing itself.
Real Madrid not hiding their discontent
The journalist mentions that Real Madrid are unapologetic about their continuous criticism of the refereeing community, firmly believing that a transformation is of utmost importance.
Even prior to the emergence of the Negreira case, the Merengues had been vocal about their dissatisfaction with those responsible for overseeing the refereeing unit.
For what it is worth, the revelation of the former vice president of the CTA’s financial ties to Barcelona only solidified Real Madrid’s resolve to advocate for a complete overhaul in referee management.
Real Madrid are suspicious
Real Madrid firmly assert that any influence from Negreira’s historical decisions in certain key positions raises suspicions about the fairness of the competition.
For that, the management will do everything in its power to achieve a certain level of transparency within the organization that it believes is currently overshadowed by historical baggage.
As of today, Real Madrid continue to voice their concerns through their official channels.
Right now their ultimate goal is to eliminate the involvement of Clos Gomez in VAR decisions, marking the beginning of a long-standing battle they are fighting.
