Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Camavinga, Vinicius, Ceballos, Barcelona after Real Madrid 0-0 Real Sociedad
Real Madrid were made to settle for just one point against Real Sociedad on Sunday night as their difficult run of games continued. Once again, the men in white looked far from their fluent best but it would be harsh on them to state that they did not create chances.
Los Blancos endured a difficult night when chances were aplenty but the finishing touch just lacked finesse. Nevertheless, it was never going to be an easy tie against the third-placed team in the league.
Credit where it is due, Alex Remiro had one of his career-best performances against Carlo Ancelotti’s side as he pulled off seven saves including three from inside the box. The harsh result sees Real Madrid move five points behind leaders Barcelona.
Ancelotti spoke to the press after his team’s draw at the Santiago Bernabeu and addressed topics including their performance and the title race. Here are the snippets from his media interaction.
On his team’s performance: “It was one of our best performances this season. It was difficult to make substitutions because everyone was playing so well and I made them in order to bring fresh legs on. We played well from start to finish.”
On their high press: “The way we press from the start, didn’t allow Real Sociedad to play the way they wanted to play. We pressed high and with intensity. We played well with the ball and we worked hard without it.”
On failing to score: “We created a lot of chances to get the goal, but luck wasn’t on our side. That can happen.”
On the title race: “If we get a win on Thursday, we will have picked up more points than we did last year. Barcelona are doing very well, but it’s a long season. It’s been a tough January, but the team has improved a lot in all areas: in attack, defence, the physical side.”
On the upcoming games: “The team is improving and we’ve got some injured players coming back this week. We’re confident about the coming months.”
On Eduardo Camavinga playing at left-back: “I thought he played well. He’s an option that we can use. He has the quality, energy… He links up well with Vini on the wing, creating chances. I’m impressed by his energy, which can also see him play as a full-back. The left-back playing with Vini Jr. has to move inside more than outside and that suits him well.”
On Vinicius’ form: “He put in a good performance and if he’d have scored it would have been amazing. He’s in good shape. He might make mistakes sometimes but he never stops trying.”
On Dani Ceballos: “He’s playing really well and he showed a very high-level today, just as he has in recent games. He’s contributing a lot, particularly in this period where we’re missing some guys and he was ready to step up.”
On Nacho Fernandez: “He had a spell where he didn’t get much playing time and now he’s doing a great job. He always delivers and he’s doing his bit as a right-back. The team worked together defensively and we pressed higher up than usual. That was a positive.”
On Real Sociedad being title contenders: “They compete in every game, but I think it’s a bit early to talk about them fighting to win La Liga.”
On the January transfer window: “It’s closed in every respect, both in terms of exits and players coming in.”
Source: Real Madrid official website
Before he was hired by Bayern Munich as the direct replacement for Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel was closely linked with a move to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
The German tactician had kept a close eye on the development at Santiago Bernabeu, especially with coach Carlo Ancelotti facing immense pressure following the club’s poor performances in domestic competitions.
A recent report from Jorge Picon has offered more details on the Tuchel saga, suggesting that the coach was even learning Spanish during his time at Ibiza, anticipating a potential move to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
There were even contacts made between Tuchel’s entourage and Real Madrid. Although the talks were positive, the two sides were not able to reach an agreement.
Real Madrid did not guarantee him the job. They had informed Tuchel that Ancelotti may continue at the Bernabeu in the event the club win the UEFA Champions League this season.
This bit of uncertainty played a critical role in convincing Tuchel to join Bayern Munich instead. The former Chelsea boss was hired as a direct replacement for Nagelsmann, who was sacked after a poor season in the Bundesliga by the club’s high standards.
However, Tuchel’s move to Bayern appears to be a missed opportunity on the German’s part, as Real Madrid have recently intensified their search for a new manager.
It is clear that the club’s hierarchy is yet to reach a consensus over the future of Ancelotti, with some believing that a change is necessary come the end of the season. In fact, the club’s president Florentino Perez has been an admirer of Tuchel’s compatriot Nagelsmann.
The coaching prodigy is one of the candidates to replace Ancelotti in the summer, though it is Mauricio Pochettion who is reportedly leading the race so far.
