Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Benzema, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Militao, Griezmann ahead of the Madrid derby
Real Madrid will be aiming to extend their 100% run in the new season when they lock horns with local rivals Atletico Madrid at the Civitas Metropolitano on Sunday night.
Currently seated at the top of the La Liga standings, the Merengues could lose their spot to Barcelona, who face Elche later today. And the reigning champions will need a win against their neighbours in order to go into the international break as the league leaders.
On the eve of the game, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti attended his customary pre-match press conference during which he discussed various topics ranging from Karim Benzema’s injury to the controversy surrounding Vinicius Jr’s celebrations.
“Benzema won’t be there tomorrow but he has started working alone,” Ancelotti confirmed. However, he did not give away who would start in place of the Frenchman, as he said: “I have an idea but I won’t say it.”
On Real Madrid’s form and momentum heading into the derby, Ancelotti said: “We arrived well, on a good run, against a strong rival, it is a special match and that is how we prepare for it.”
On the racist abuse against Vinicius Jr, he added: “He’s fine as usual, he wants to play and win this match. He and the club have issued a statement so now let’s talk about football, and it should be noted that in Spain I don’t see racism.”
On the derby: “It will be a competitive match. They don’t expect anything new and it will be a very competitive duel, a good football match because there are very good players on both teams. The match is open, but there is nothing definitive. rivalry is normal.”
On Antoine Griezmann’s peculiar situation at Atletico: “It sounds a bit strange but I don’t like getting into these discussions, every coach has to make decisions, Simeone and Atletico have been and are doing well in Spain and Europe.”
On Eder Militao’s availability: “He is ready to play and trained well. He can play from the start or play a few minutes of the game, I have to think about it.”
On Diego Simeone: “He has a great relationship with his players, he is able to build that bond and that’s an important part of being a coach.”
On Vinicius and the support he has received: “It’s something we don’t touch on in the locker room, these are topics that are not normally discussed in the locker room, we usually talk about football.”
“Racism is one thing, what happens on the field is another, there is a lot of talk about provocations, but racism is a much more important issue than what happens on the field. But we will not address the issue of racism, as Vinicius spoke well in his statement.”
On if he has any advice to Vinicius: “No, I’m not his father, I’m not his brother. I’m his manager.”
On the atmosphere at the Metropolitano: “I’m not worried, we’re going to play a football match, in the rival’s field and the pressure from the stands supporting their team is normal. Period. There’s nothing to say. We played against a rival strong and nothing else.”
On Rodrygo: “He has had more minutes and he is making the most of it. You have to be patient, keep improving, he’s taking advantage of his opportunity and learning from the players who have more experience. That helps him have more confidence.”
On Asensio’s call-up to Spain national team: “This is football, he is very happy to have been called up to the national team, he has the ability to go to the national team.”
On why Real Madrid perform better in the second half: “We use the strategy of the tiredness (laughs). The rivals think we are tired and we take advantage of it.”
Source: Real Madrid Twitter
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
