Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Mbappe, Vinicius, Bellingham, Valverde, Endrick ahead of Real Madrid vs Osasuna
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that key midfielder Federico Valverde is fully fit and ready to play in the upcoming match against Osasuna.
Ahead of the clash, Ancelotti spoke about various issues, including Kylian Mbappe’s absence from the national team and Jude Bellingham’s recent struggles to find the back of the net.
Ancelotti discussed the team’s preparation for the match, stressing the need for a fresh approach after recent results.
He expressed confidence in the players, highlighting that the team is united and motivated. Ancelotti believes that the squad has identified the right solution to their recent challenges and is eager to put it into practice.
“We have to act tomorrow by bringing out a different version of the last matches. I see the team united, and motivated. What we have detected is the right solution,” he began saying.
When asked about the team’s current moment of confidence, Ancelotti acknowledged the difficult period but reiterated his belief in the players.
“We are all living through the difficult moment. We are still a very close family. With clear ideas, helping. I have a lot of confidence in the players. These are moments that always happen in football.
“This is not the most appropriate place to talk about the problems we have had. In the last few games we have lost and we must do it differently. We think we have detected it,” he said.
Mbappe’s absence and form
Ancelotti also shared his thoughts on France manager Didier Deschamps’ decision not to call up Mbappe, stating that it is Deschamps’ choice and that he respects it. He added that Mbappe is in good physical condition and motivated, despite the tough period he’s facing.
“It’s Deschamps’ decision and I don’t have the right to judge it. I don’t allow myself to do that. Mbappe is fine and motivated. Depressed like everyone else, but motivated to get through this.:
Regarding Mbappe’s recent lack of goals and defensive contributions, Ancelotti pointed out that the forward is training well and doing his best to overcome the challenges.
“He is training well, he is living a difficult moment, like each one of us. We must think that it is an opportunity when the difficult moment comes. This is how they take the problems that come.”
He reminded that the whole team is experiencing similar difficulties in reaching their best form. However, he is confident that Mbappe, like the rest of the team, will bounce back from this difficult moment.
“The problem he is having is that of all of us: we are not capable of bringing out our best version. We try to live this difficult moment as a great opportunity to be better. I am convinced that Mbappé will get through this difficult moment,” he said.
On Jude Bellingham, Vinicius and Valverde
Ancelotti was also asked about Jude Bellingham’s recent involvement in more attacking positions. He explained that the team’s main issue is not related to the attack but to defensive matters.
“I can give an idea of what will happen tomorrow but now is not the time. Although I am looking forward to tomorrow, to see how it goes. Our problem is not offensive, or positioning. It is a defensive one.”
Ancelotti was asked why Vinicius Jr. doesn’t play as a central striker, despite stating he is happy in that role.
He explained that he does not want to move Vinicius away from his natural position, where he makes the biggest impact. He also noted that Mbappe can play as a striker if needed, but the team’s primary issue is defensive rather than offensive.
“I do not want to take him away from where he makes the difference and Mbappé can play as a striker. Nothing more. Our problem is not offensive,” he explained.
The manager also provided an update on Valverde’s fitness. Ancelotti confirmed that Valverde is in excellent condition and ready to play.
“He is ready to play tomorrow. He has trained well these past two days. I have not said that he has a back problem, we have never said that at the club; he had one, but he has recovered now. He is fine now.”
Situation of Endrick and Guler
Regarding young talents like Endrick and Arda Güler, Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction with their progress in training.
“They are ready to play, doing very well, showing a lot of quality in training. I say the same about Güler, they are young players who are pushing. But the collective idea is to get this done as quickly as possible.”
He praised their quality but reiterated that the team’s collective objective is to address their current challenges swiftly. While the young players are pushing for minutes, the focus remains on the team’s immediate needs.
“Can we get this done with them? Yes. But the objective is to get this done, that is the priority. Not to give away minutes,” he said.
January transfer plans
When asked about potential signings, Ancelotti stated that now is not the time to focus on new additions, as doing so would distract from addressing the team’s current issues.
“It’s not the time to think about signings. To talk about it is to misanalyze the problems we have,” he added.
When asked about his decision not to go to Brazil, Ancelotti stated that he has no regrets. He acknowledged the current tough period but expressed his happiness working at Real Madrid, the best club in the world.
“Thanks for this question. Nothing, it’s a delicate moment, but it’s time to move on. I don’t regret anything and I continue to enjoy every day here.
“I will be grateful for all the time I will spend here. It’s a difficult moment, but I’m happy to spend time here, at the best club in the world. Difficult moments have always passed and will always pass”.
Looking ahead, Ancelotti is optimistic about the future. He believes Real Madrid will continue to compete for all major titles, including the La Liga and Champions League, despite the setbacks the team has faced.
“I see a successful season, fighting for all the titles in all the competitions. It’s going to be like that.
“In a month we’ll have the chance to win the Intercontinental Cup and we’ll be fighting in the League and the Champions League, despite losing the games we’ve lost. As it always has happened,” he concluded.
Source: AS
After a month into the new season, Aurelien Tchouameni is finally back in action for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season for the Merengues last night against Inter Milan after recovering from the muscular injury that delayed his campaign.
His return to fitness had raised questions over where he would fit into Mourinho’s plans.
Tchouameni has been a regular in Real Madrid’s midfield for several seasons under different managers, but the end of last season was far less straightforward.
His confrontation with Federico Valverde, combined with speculation over his future at the club, created uncertainty about his position. His lack of a proper pre-season also appeared to put him behind other midfield options.
Bernardo Silva had established himself as an important figure, while Eduardo Camavinga was also ahead of Tchouameni in terms of match fitness.
With Real Madrid looking for greater creativity in midfield, there were questions over whether the Frenchman would still be a first-choice player.
Key for Mourinho
According to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), however, Mourinho has no such doubts. Tchouameni remains a key player for the Portuguese coach and is expected to be a starter.
Mourinho sees the French international as a midfielder without a direct replacement in the squad.
For Jose, Tchouameni provides something that none of the other midfielders in the squad do – a more defensive and positional presence, combining his tactical discipline with considerable physical strength.
His ability to shield the defence and provide balance could be particularly important for a Real Madrid side that want to defend aggressively and attack quickly in transition.
For that reason, his absence at the start of the campaign has not changed the manager’s view of his importance.
Mourinho faces a midfield selection problem
The challenge for Mourinho now is finding a way to fit all the pieces together.
If Tchouameni is guaranteed a starting position and Valverde is considered untouchable as captain, the obvious consequence is that Bernardo could find himself starting from the bench.
The summer arrival had been given an important role in helping Real Madrid control and distribute possession from deeper positions.
However, with Tchouameni and Valverde both occupying midfield places, Mourinho cannot accommodate everyone in the same lineup.
How the Portuguese coach manages that competition will be interesting to see in the coming weeks.
