Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Hazard, Militao, Valverde following Getafe 0-1 Real Madrid
Real Madrid pulled off a rather unconvincing 1-0 win over Getafe on Saturday night. An early Eder Militao goal separated the two teams at full-time, but it is safe to say that it was far from Los Blancos’ best nights in the final third.
The win takes the team back to first place in the La Liga standings temporarily. All eyes are now on Barcelona to see if they can close the gap ahead of next week’s Clasico.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media after his team’s win at Coliseum Alfonso Perez and addressed their poor finishing and overall performance amongst other topics. Here are the key takeaways from his presser.
On the overall performance: “I think we controlled the game well. It was good to score early, we didn’t seal the game but we controlled it.”
On his team’s finishing: “We were not effective enough. In offence, we were not clinical enough, but at this point in the season, I am happy with the win.”
On the missed opportunities: “We had many opportunities to score more.”
On Eden Hazard: “Hazard? He is fine, he will get his chance.”
On the upcoming clash against Shakhtar Donetsk: “I will use more rotations against Shakhtar.”
On Eder Militao: “Militão has muscle spasms. I don’t know who will play in defence against Shakhtar, but whoever it is will do well. I have a committed group that plays great.”
On Federico Valverde: “What position does Fede Valverde prefer? The pitch, wherever he plays he’s perfect.”
Source: Real Madrid Twitter
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rising star suffered against Atletico due to veteran forward’s absence, says Simeone
Real Madrid’s 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid was not the first time were in trouble this season. In fact, the Merengues have gone behind early in almost every league game so far.
However, the difference on Sunday night was that they never really mounted a comeback. More importantly, Jude Bellingham did not come good, for the first time.
Simeone unravels the mystery
A jubilant Diego Simeone spoke to the media after his side downed Real Madrid by three goals to one and spoke about a plethora of topics.
Interestingly, he commented specifically on why Bellingham did not have an impact at Civitas Metropolitano, citing the absence of Joselu as a key factor.
“No, the spaces were reduced and I think that Joselu’s lack of presence left him with fewer chances to get there, when he takes advantage of Joselu’s aerial play. We controlled him better, he’s extraordinary,” he said, as quoted by AS.
He even called out the refereeing on the night and insisted that the Real Madrid star-boy should have seen red for his late tackle on Angel Correa, saying:
“It looked like a sending-off to me live, it was a hard leg up, with Angelito hitting the ball.”
Ironically, he defended his defender Jose Maria Gimenez for an equally threatening tackle on the night.
“A bad foul, it’s a yellow card because it goes sideways. Bellingham goes from the front and I think it’s a bit more,” he stated paradoxically.
No time to lament
The game at Civitas Metropolitano may not have gone Real Madrid’s way. Yet, it is good for the Merengues to taste defeat early and see the gaping holes in their dynamic.
Carlo Ancelotti admitted in his press conference that he bore the lion’s share of the fault for Sunday’s loss and that he would have done things differently if given the chance.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Los Blancos have a hectic schedule ahead with two games in the next five days and a UCL fixture against Napoli next week. With Vinicius Jr back, one hopes they find their mojo once again.
