Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Ceballos, Alaba, Rodrygo, Asensio, Modric after Real Madrid 4-0 Elche
A Karim Benzema brace in between two astounding goals from Marco Asensio and Luka Modrić assured Real Madrid three points against Elche on Wednesday. The clash against the bottom-placed league side was always expected to be a simple affair for the newly crowned world champions, and the 4-0 scoreline did justice.
Carlo Ancelotti made several changes to his starting lineup on the night, keeping in mind the difficult schedule ahead. In his post-match press conference, he revealed the basis behind his rotations and had a lot to say about a select few players. Here are the snippets from his media interaction.
On his takeaways from the game: “Every game and instants within them are good to build your confidence. Each moment can affect the atmosphere slightly. When you’re 3-0 up you relax a bit and that can cause problems, I don’t want to see it. We’re feeling better and it’s important to keep up this good run.”
On the hectic schedule and rotations: “Our players are made for it, they have no issues with playing top-level games. I have faith in all of them and I pick the best possible line-up taking into account injuries, and fatigue.”
On players’ fitness: “We’re taking advantage of all these games to improve each player’s fitness. It’s obvious the team is getting better and playing matches helps you to fine-tune their condition. There’s no other way to do it.”
On his decisions leading to the starting XI: “I rested guys who played in the final and I wanted to bring fresh legs into the middle of the park. Nothing special. Camavinga is in better shape because Tchouameni is just on his way back. Tchouameni will play in Pamplona.”
On Ceballos receiving applause from the Bernabeu: “He is doing what a footballer has to do – being professional, disciplined and making the most of the time I am giving him. He’s doing a fantastic job and we’re delighted with him. For the Bernabéu to recognise it does him the world of good.”
On David Alaba at left-back: “He is more used to playing at full-back than Camavinga. He enjoys playing out wide more. He did a good job today because Rodrygo was coming in through the middle. Alaba has a career in this position under his belt and he hasn’t forgotten how to play there.”
On Marco Asensio: “He is looking sharp. I don’t yet know if he’s going to stay or not. He has a contract and I’m not overly concerned because we have some very important challenges this season and he is contributing. He will make the right decision together with the club.”
On Rodrygo’s versatility: “He is more used to playing on the left, but he is a complete player and can play in any position up front. He started in that position, but he’s different to Vini Jr. because he comes in more through the centre and leaves more space out wide. We are lucky to have both of them.”
On Luka Modric’s impact off the bench: “For us, they are all important and I have to rotate because the season is very demanding. Modrić is finding his best level and the statistics will show Kroos came on against Bilbao and scored, as did Luka today. They can contribute with goals from the bench, although I’m not 100% sure if they agree, but the statistics are there.”
Source: Real Madrid Official Website
Marco Asensio is fighting for his future at Real Madrid. The 27-year-old winger is out of contract at the end of the season and there is no concrete decision made by the club over his renewal as of yet.
Some reports had suggested that the club had tabled an offer worth €4 million per year, which the Spaniard did not like as he sought a higher pay packet closer to around €6 million-a-year.
With his future a subject of intense speculation, Asensio had been linked with a move away to Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool.
Meanwhile, closer to home, there were strong links to Real Madrid’s arch-rivals Barcelona. Indeed, the Catalans have been touted as potential suitors for Asensio for quite some time now due to the fact that he is represented by Jorge Mendes.
The superagent has close ties with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and reports in Spain have suggested that the Real Madrid winger has, indeed, been offered to the current La Liga leaders.
Amidst these speculations, however, Asensio has seemingly made it clear as to where his heart lies as he awaits a decision on his future.
During last night’s El Clasico against Barcelona, the Real Madrid winger came on as a substitute and went on to score a goal, following which he celebrated at Camp Nou, pointing to the Real Madrid logo on his shirt, showing where his allegiances lie.
The goal, however, was disallowed by the VAR, and Los Blancos ended up losing the game 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time winner by Franck Kessie.
Earlier today, Asensio took to Instagram and posted a picture of him celebrating with his finger pointing to the Real Madrid logo, reiterating his commitment to the club amidst the links to Barcelona.
As for his disallowed goal, it sparked an angry reaction from Carlo Ancelotti, who questioned the legitimacy of the decision made by the VAR during his post-match press conference.
