Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Endrick, Alaba, Mbappe, Vinicius, Brahim ahead of Real Madrid vs Las Palmas
Real Madrid will be aiming to pick up yet another victory at home this week when they host Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
The reigning champions of Spain and Europe secured a hard-earned 5-2 (after extra time) win over Celta Vigo earlier this week and will hope to build on that tomorrow.
On the eve of the game, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media, discussing various topics, including the role of teenage striker Endrick.
Kicking things off, Ancelotti stressed the importance of the match tomorrow, saying:
“It’s a match in which we have to compete, fight… Bearing in mind that we have to be there. It’s an important moment, because the second part of the season begins. We’re close to first position.”
Endrick was the saviour for Real Madrid against Celta, coming up clutch with two extra-time goals. So, when asked about the possibility of the youngster starting tomorrow, Ancelotti said:
“Everyone has a chance of starting, but the idea is to put in those who are more accustomed. Brahim is in good form, Mbappe is very good and Rodrygo is also very good.”
On whether his opinion on Endrick had changed after what he did last game, the manager stated:
“My idea hasn’t changed. I’ve always thought that we can count on Endrick. Taking into account the learning curve of a young player like him. He’s 18 years old, he comes from Brazil and he has to adapt.
“He’s progressing in the way that we thought he would progress when he arrived here. He’s very serious, very professional. He’s taken advantage of the minutes I’ve given him, taking advantage of his quality, scoring goals.”
Meanwhile, the manager also confirmed that veteran defender David Alaba will return to the squad tomorrow after more than a year out and could even get some minutes.
“David Alaba is fine. He played 40 minutes yesterday and he lacks a bit of rhythm, but he is fine. His knee is responding very well, he will be in the squad and could have minutes tomorrow against Las Palmas, but he will not start,” he said.
Ancelotti also accepted the blame for Real Madrid’s horrific display against Barcelona last week, saying:
“The team’s performance against Barcelona is my responsibility and the fact that the fans boo me is acceptable and sometimes fair. I don’t think people will forget what we have done here and are doing here.”
On the matter of fans booing him and the team ahead of the Celta Vigo clash, the Italian further added:
“The fans booing us? You always have to improve and learn, because when you think you know everything, which is not my case, because I like new things, learning, looking at what’s new…
“I have to improve, there are many things I have to improve on. The responsibility of a coach is for the team to play good football and sometimes we have and other times we haven’t.”
Ancelotti then touched upon the improved form of superstar forward Kylian Mbappe, who is starting to come into his own of late, saying:
“I don’t know if Mbappe is more of a leader or not, but I think that with each passing day he’s looking for more prominence. Above all for what he does on the pitch. His attitude hasn’t changed in training or off the pitch. He’s always very calm, very humble…
“Mbappe has really increased his prominence on the pitch, showing a very high level, and this helps us all. Above all his teammates. His adaptation period is over, I said that a month ago. With each game it seems to me that his level is rising.”
Real Madrid will be without star man Vinicius Jr. tomorrow as he serves a two-match suspension for his red card against Valencia.
When asked about whether he has spoken to the Brazilian regarding being calmer on the field, Ancelotti replied:
“We haven’t talked about this. He’s calmer because I think he’s learned from what’s happened recently, from the red card… We miss him, obviously. Vini is a great player.”
Ancelotti also have a reply to Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone’s jab at Real Madrid over a referee decision from the Celta Vigo game, saying:
“These are things that are sometimes said for show. I think that everyone in the world of football is aware of what Real Madrid represents and has represented over these 125 years. I suppose that Cholo has thorns that hurt.”
The Real Madrid boss also touched upon his relationship with club president Florentino Perez and CEO Jose Angel Sanchez, saying:
“Obviously, I have a very good relationship with Florentino, José Ángel and the whole club. I have no problem. I feel supported at all times and it will be like that until my last day here. In that sense, I have no problem.
“We continue working together, trying to do our best as always. It doesn’t bother me at all when people question me, because it’s part of my job.”
On whether he has asked them for January signings, Ancelotti replied:
“I have spoken with Jose Angel, we had a great time and we talked about everything.”
Source: RMTV
Real Madrid opted to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract this past summer to keep him at the club for one more season.
The 33-year-old veteran defender, though, has not been performing at his best, with physical problems taking their toll and age starting to catch up with him.
As such, the expectation is that Los Blancos will not extend his contract again when his current one expires on 30 June 2027.
Tottenham eye Antonio Rudiger
And, according to reports relayed by AS, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a free-transfer swoop to sign Rudiger in the summer of next year.
The north London club are understood to be keen on reinforcing their backline next year and see the German defender as an option, given his experience in the Premier League and the fact that he would be available for free in the summer.
So far this season, Rudiger has played only five games for Real Madrid, amounting to a total of 396 minutes.
The 33-year-old has even chipped in with two goals, including the all-important winner in the 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Time to move on?
Despite Rudiger being a hugely respected figure in the Real Madrid locker room, he is currently the third-choice centre-back for Jose Mourinho.
After all, summer signing Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have been preferred by the manager so far in the new season.
Moreover, with Eder Militao set to return imminently after a lengthy injury layoff, Rudiger’s game-time could be impacted further.
Given the situation and factoring in Real Madrid’s plans to sign another centre-back next summer, it is pretty much evident that Rudiger does not feature in the club’s plans for beyond this season.
As such, a separation of ways seems pretty likely when his contract expires, and Tottenham are now positioning themselves as early suitors to sign Rudiger as a free agent in 2027.
