Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Benzema, Vinicius, Asensio, Tchouameni, World Cup ahead of Real Madrid vs Cadiz
After a run of just one win in their last four matches, Real Madrid will be aiming to turn things around when they take on Cadiz at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday night.
Los Blancos are coming into the game on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Rayo Vallecano. On top of that, with Barcelona winning against Osasuna last night, the reigning champions are now five points behind their arch-rivals in the La Liga standings.
While they will go into the World Cup break trailing the Catalans, Real Madrid will hope to reduce the gap to two points by picking up a victory versus Cadiz tomorrow.
On the eve of the game, manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media during which he addressed the situation surrounding Karim Benzema and talked about Vinicius Jr being targeted by opposition players.
On the season so far: “This first part of the season has been very good. We won the UEFA Super Cup and qualified as first in the Champions League. Of course, we could do better in La Liga.”
“We are gonna play the last game of the year tomorrow. It’s a weird season. We want to end this year well. It’s been an unbelievable year.”
On Karim Benzema’s absence: “Benzema has not been able to help the team in these games. He tried his best to recover, but he couldn’t. It’s nothing major.”
On Vinicius Jr being targeted: “People say Vinicius is the one who provokes the rivals but the reality is he is the player who receives the most fouls. We have to protect our players. Fair-play is the most important part of football.”
“Provoking is not fair play. One enters the field to play football, not to provoke with words or with one’s legs. Vinicius also has to improve in this aspect. But he’s still young.”
On the recent form: “We are angry after our last games. The two losses have annoyed us. We will show who we are tomorrow. Our intensity has decreased because we have played many games and this is noticeable against teams like Rayo that do not play in European competitions.”
On whether Benzema is missing matches to remain fit for World Cup: “I have nothing to say. The first who’s annoyed by this situation is Benzema because he’s going to Qatar with very few minutes in his legs.”
“Benzema will go to Qatar with discomfort in his legs. He has not recovered 100%, so he is not in the squad lately. Whether he goes to Qatar or not is up to him and it is his own decision.”
On rotations: “It’s an important aspect, but removing Rodrygo or Valverde when they’re scoring goals seems a bit strange to me. You have to look at the dynamics of the players. Even so, I think I’ve rotated a lot.”
On Marco Asensio: “He has been our best player in the last games. He has helped us a lot. He has a very strong personality. He shows that on the pitch.”
On whether he will not use players departing for World Cup tomorrow: “No, not at all. My players are professionals and will play. My players have never thought about the World Cup, and neither told me not to play them. They have always trained very hard.”
On the nature of Benzema’s injuries: “Benzema got a serious injury against Celtic but the others weren’t serious problems. His World Cup has never been in danger.”
On Aurelien Tchouameni: “The injury slowed him down a bit, like all youngsters he has to improve his positioning. With Kroos he is one player and without him, he is another. Kroos’s presence helps him in this regard.”
On the FIFA World Cup: “This World Cup will be very exciting. There are no clear favourites and the players will not be tired as they would be in summer tournaments.”
Source: Real Madrid official Twitter
Earlier today, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke openly about the rumours linking him to the vacant Brazil national team job.
The Italian tactician has emerged as the top target for the Selecao to succeed Tite, who was let go of after the FIFA World Cup 2022.
The president of the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, has made it clear that Ancelotti is the preferred candidate for the job.
Reacting to the same, Ancelotti, during his press conference today, said: “The reality is that the Brazilian national team wants me and I love it and I’m very excited about it, but then I have to respect the contract I have and I want to fulfil it.”
“I’m not surprised that there are these rumours. It doesn’t affect me, it doesn’t worry me. I’m just focused on fulfilling my duties with this club and with this team. I’m still here until Real Madrid allow me to stay.”
While the 63-year-old might be saying that he wishes to fulfil his contract at Real Madrid, which expires in 2024, he did not shy away from stating that he was happy about Brazil’s interest in him.
And now, Fabrizio Romano (h/t Madrid Zone) is reporting that the Selecao are ready to wait until June to go ahead with the appointment of Ancelotti.
While the Italian tactician remains in control at this point at Real Madrid, things could change drastically over the next couple of months.
The La Liga title looks already out of the Merengues’ hands while they are also trailing Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final. If they fail to go all the way in the UEFA Champions League as well, Florentino Perez could decide to make some changes, starting with Ancelotti.
Hence, Brazil are happy to wait patiently until June and see how the situation is at that point and whether Ancelotti is available. With no major matches coming up for the Selecao until September, they can afford to wait as well.
