Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Camavinga, Benzema, Modric, Alaba ahead of Real Madrid vs Valencia
Real Madrid smell trouble at the Santiago Bernabeu as the gear up to face Valencia at home. They dropped points against Real Sociedad on the weekend, enabling Barcelona to go five point clear at the top of La Liga.
Not to mention, Madrid’s schedule ahead looks a bit too difficult for anyone’s liking, with the Club World Cup, away trips to Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Betis, and even Real Sociedad on the cards.
Should Madrid come out of this unscathed, Carlo Ancelotti should and would be held in all his glory – yet again. The man, the myth, the legend spoke to the media as part of his pre-game press conference earlier today.
On the Real Sociedad game: “We played a very good game vs Sociedad. It was. complete performance. We are improving in every aspect.”
On Ferland Mendy’s injury: “Camavinga played as an LB because it was an emergency. Alaba and Nacho can play there. But Camavinga is also very good in that position.”
“Camavinga will play as a left-back tomorrow.”
On their defence: “Our defence is more solid now. We only conceded one goal – vs Atletico – across the last three games.”
On the title race: “Five points between us and Barcelona? We feel confident. We feel good and we know we can fight for all the titles.”
On winter signings: “We did not buy any players in January because we planned the squad in the summer. And it was a very good plan. We do not need anybody.”
On Benzema-Modric exit rumours: “Benzema and Modric to Saudi Arabia? I think two legends like them have to retire at Real Madrid. They have to stay.”
On Carvajal and Tchouameni: “They are back and 100% ready to play.”
“Tchouameni will start tomorrow.”
On Ceballos: “He has the same qualities of Luka Modric. He can replace him in the future.”
On Fran Garcia: “We thought it would have been good for him to stay at Rayo Vallecano and improve there.”
On players not getting minutes: “Mariano, Odriozola, Hazard, Vallejo don’t play? It’s simple. Other players are playing. I’m here to win games, not give the players minutes.”
On titles: “We will never sacrifice a competition to focus on another. We are close to win the Copa, we will play the most important tournament – UCL – and we will fight until the end for La Liga.”
On the hectic calendar: “The schedule is crazy. There is a limit, and they have crossed the line. We love playing many games, but the problem is the tiredness of the players.”
On Alaba: “He should be back for the Club World Cup.”
Source: Real Madrid TV
After a month into the new season, Aurelien Tchouameni is finally back in action for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season for the Merengues last night against Inter Milan after recovering from the muscular injury that delayed his campaign.
His return to fitness had raised questions over where he would fit into Mourinho’s plans.
Tchouameni has been a regular in Real Madrid’s midfield for several seasons under different managers, but the end of last season was far less straightforward.
His confrontation with Federico Valverde, combined with speculation over his future at the club, created uncertainty about his position. His lack of a proper pre-season also appeared to put him behind other midfield options.
Bernardo Silva had established himself as an important figure, while Eduardo Camavinga was also ahead of Tchouameni in terms of match fitness.
With Real Madrid looking for greater creativity in midfield, there were questions over whether the Frenchman would still be a first-choice player.
Key for Mourinho
According to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), however, Mourinho has no such doubts. Tchouameni remains a key player for the Portuguese coach and is expected to be a starter.
Mourinho sees the French international as a midfielder without a direct replacement in the squad.
For Jose, Tchouameni provides something that none of the other midfielders in the squad do – a more defensive and positional presence, combining his tactical discipline with considerable physical strength.
His ability to shield the defence and provide balance could be particularly important for a Real Madrid side that want to defend aggressively and attack quickly in transition.
For that reason, his absence at the start of the campaign has not changed the manager’s view of his importance.
Mourinho faces a midfield selection problem
The challenge for Mourinho now is finding a way to fit all the pieces together.
If Tchouameni is guaranteed a starting position and Valverde is considered untouchable as captain, the obvious consequence is that Bernardo could find himself starting from the bench.
The summer arrival had been given an important role in helping Real Madrid control and distribute possession from deeper positions.
However, with Tchouameni and Valverde both occupying midfield places, Mourinho cannot accommodate everyone in the same lineup.
How the Portuguese coach manages that competition will be interesting to see in the coming weeks.
