Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Camavinga, Champions League, Ferland Mendy and more
Real Madrid got back to winning ways last night after securing a 1-0 victory over Getafe at Santiago Bernabeu. Although the win was inconsequential in the context of the title race, the match provided an ideal staging ground for Carlo Ancelotti to hand some of his lesser-used troops an opportunity to prove themselves.
It must be noted that Real Madrid take on Manchester City on Wednesday, in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal.
Speaking to the media after the narrow win over Getafe, Ancelotti clarified why some of the star players such as Karim Benzema and Antonio Rudiger, among others did not play.
“Rüdiger? He didn’t play because I want him to be fresh vs City. He will start vs City,” he said (h/t RealMadrid.com). “Benzema, Alaba and Rodrygo were tired, that’s why they didn’t play tonight.”
“The good news is Mendy has returned to play after a serious injury,” Ancelotti said about the left-back’s return. He revealed his plans to make Mendy play 45 minutes and give Eden Hazard an hour, adding, “We had planned the 45 minutes of Ferland Mendy. Hazard? 60 minutes were enough for a player who had played very little.”
Despite the win, Real Madrid were dealt with a big blow when Eduardo Camavinga twisted his knee, leading to fears that he may miss out on the rest of the season. Ancelotti, though, said, the injury is not serious, and the player will recover within Wednesday.
“Camavinga has twisted his knee but it’s just a BLOW. He will recover for the game against City,” he said. “Camavinga’s knee is stable. 100%. There’s a bit of pain but it’s nothing. He is 20, he will recover fast.”
The Real Madrid coach further confirmed that the young midfielder “will rest tomorrow and return to training on Monday.” He even went to confirm that Real Madrid will have a fully fit squad for Wednesday’s affair against Manchester City.
“I think all the players will be ready for Wednesday. “The XI vs City won’t be the most important thing. The players on the bench will also be important like last season,” he said.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
