Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Benzema injury, Kroos, Militao after Celtic 0-3 Real Madrid
There were no problems for Real Madrid in securing three points from their opening UEFA Champions League clash of the season against Celtic.
The game in Glasgow ended in a 3-0 win for Los Blancos as Vinicius Jr, Luka Modric and Eden Hazard found their names on the scoresheet. The only blemish from the evening in Scotland would be the injury to star striker Karim Benzema, which saw him get withdrawn in the first half.
Celtic put up a valiant fight in the first half, but their energy and pressure reduced in the second period. Los Blancos on the other hand, played a perfect second half taking all the chances that came their way.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press after his men’s dominant win. Here are the snippets from his press conference.
On Karim Benzema’s injury scare: “We don’t think Benzema has a big problem. It’s muscular.”
On the French striker’s expected return: “We have to wait for the tests tomorrow. Then we will know what Benzema has.”
On the difficult first half: “We played much better in the second half. But we expected that first half, we knew they would play with such intensity.”
On the MOTM, Toni Kroos: “Kroos played a fantastic game.”
On the venue and atmosphere: “This is a difficult stadium, with fantastic atmosphere and supporters. It was nice to play here.”
On suffering two injury blows in one game: “Benzema and Militao? Does not seem serious, but we will see.”
On Eder Militao’s substitution: “Militao has an overload in his hamstring, and I preferred not to risk him. Also, we have Rudiger who is 100% reliable.”
Source: Real Madrid Twitter
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
Richard Asiedu
September 7, 2022 at 10:36 pm
Well done guys