Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Benzema, Hazard, his future following Real Madrid 6-0 Valladolid
Real Madrid took on Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu in a game that mattered very little to los blancos in the league.
With Barcelona 15 points clear in the table, Madrid had one eye on the Copa del Rey semi-finals second leg. Despite being 0-1 down, it’s their best shot at domestic success this season.
And today’s game would serve as incredible motivation for them, winning 6-0. Karim Benzema was on target thrice, with Rodrygo, Marco Asensio, and Lucas Vazquez also scoring.
Carlo Ancelotti led the charge for this win, though, experimenting with the formation. He deployed the 4-2-3-1, with Rodrygo as the #10 behind Benzema.
He also tweaked the tactics mid-way, and spoke about it later on.
“We started 4-4-2 with Rodrygo and Benzema, but the central defenders were good at pressing so I saw the possibility of opening Rodrygo on the wing and giving freedom to Asensio and since then everything became easier.”
“At first we struggled a bit and they had chances but once we went 1-0 up everything was easier. The transformations were amazing and Karim was at his best. Everything worked fine,” he added.
A few words for King Karim would not go amiss from Ancelotti, who hailed his hard work during the international break fortnight.
“Benzema’s match must be highlighted. This shows that he did a great job during the break.”
Eden Hazard came on late in the game and got on the scoreboard with an assist for Lucaz Vazquez late in the game. However, he was greeted with whistles when being substituted on.
“I heard that, yeah. Eden trained really well this break. He played very little, but he did well and gave an assist. By training well he can get opportunities,” Ancelotti said speaking about the crowd.
The coach’s future, though, remains in question despite the thrashing win. He was also asked about the same, to which he replied:
“My future? The team gives me the security I want, the love the club gives me, it’s peace of mind for me because we can fight until the end. I explained my future yesterday, I will never talk about my future again.”
“For the next two months, talking about my future every three days will tire you out too.”
“My contract ends in 2024 and the idea is to get there. If the club is happy with me later… I’ll be here until 2034.”
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
