Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Benzema, Militao, Vinicius, Modric, Valverde after Al-Ahly 1-4 Real Madrid
Real Madrid reached the finals of the FIFA Club World Cup by steamrolling past Al-Ahly by a mammoth scoreline of 4-1 on Wednesday night.
The Egyptian side fought valiantly to make it pull a goal back after Real Madrid went two up thanks to goals from Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde. Luka Modric’s missed penalty did not help the nerves.
But two injury-time goals from Rodrygo Goes and Castilla prodigy Sergio Arribas sealed the deal for Los Blancos.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media after his team’s win and discussed several topics including the performance, and the upcoming final against Al Hilal, and provided injury updates. Here are the snippets from his interaction.
On the semifinal performance: “We controlled the match well for an hour, but then we thought it was done and it opened up. We then finished well. The team’s improving and we did well today because it was a match where we had everything to lose and nothing to win.”
On reaching the final: “We controlled the game pretty well. It’s a great feeling to reach the final.”
On the nervy final 30 minutes: “When it was 2-0 it looked like we‘d won the game and that’s not the way football is. We slowed down and thought we’d won. We have to play well and remain focused until the final whistle. It was like that for 10 or 15 minutes until Modrić’s penalty.”
On playing the final against Al-Hilal: “We’re up against a team that won the semi-final by playing well and deserved to be in the final. We have to respect this team. They’ve got good players and play well collectively. They’ll be excited to play in the final and so will we.”
On his plan for the final: “We have to prepare well for the match, provide clear instructions to the players and devise a good game plan. We have players who can handle this type of pressure extremely well.”
On Flamengo’s elimination: “Football’s changing because there’re a lot of teams all over the world that can compete, fight and win too. I was surprised that Flamengo were eliminated, but they’re in pre-season and their fitness level isn’t at its peak and the rest of the teams, who are in the middle of the season, are at their peak.”
On the support in the stands: “The atmosphere was great for Real Madrid and I want to thank the fans. It was a nice and fair game against a side that played well and gave it everything.”
On the status of injured players: “They’re not fully recovered. Karim is quite well but Militão is a bit more doubtful. They will train in the run-up to the game and then we will make decisions. Carvajal, who had a fever today, is back, and Asensio, who has a slight strain from the Mallorca game.”
On Vinicius’ performance: “He likes to play football wherever he is. His game was very complete. He scored a fantastic goal and was always dangerous. He is the same Vini Jr. that you always see.”
On Federico Valverde: “I’m happy because he played a good game. He has produced the goods, shown his quality, and scored. Little by little he’s coming back.”
On Luka Modric’s missed penalty: “Sometimes you miss them. Luka has always done very well. We have to choose the best one to take it and I’m pretty sure who the best penalty takers are: Karim, Modrić and Asensio. It’s very complicated to practice penalties because the environmental factor can’t be replicated in a training session.”
On the youth system: “It’s very important for us. The youth system is a very important element and nobody here overlooks it. In the first team, there are players of a very high level, who have won the Champions League, and it is not so easy to give minutes to youth team players.
“That said, there are very good players in the youth team and the coaches are doing a good job with them. They will soon be with the first team.”
Source: Real Madrid official website
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
