Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Modric, Casemiro, Benzema, Rodrygo, and Asensio ahead of Osasuna clash
Real Madrid are on an impressive run of form, sitting top of La Liga, 15 points clear of any competition. They could, realistically, seal the title against Atletico Madrid as early as 9th may, but have other important business to take care of before that.
Carlo Ancelotti has to look forward to the Osasuna clash tomorrow, where they have the chance to extend their lead on top to 18 points – even if it is temporarily.
The Italian manager addressed the media ahead of the important game; all quotes in this thread presented by Madrid Universal.
On the Osasuna clash: “It’s true we are close to winning the league, but we still have to play some games. We play in a tough stadium tomorrow against Osasuna.”
On La Liga: “La Liga is not over. We have a huge opportunity to get closer to our goal tomorrow.”
On Karim Benzema: “When a player feels fine, he has to play. Karim will play tomorrow.”
On Rodrygo vs Asensio: “Rodrygo is having a good season, he has helped a lot against PSG, Sevilla. Asensio is also having a good season. We can enjoy both.”
On Luka Modric: “Luka Modric will not play tomorrow. He’s tired.”
On injuries: “Casemiro, Mariano, and Jovic suffered physical problems yesterday, and will not play tomorrow. They will be back for the Manchester City game.”
“Casemiro has a week to recover. He will be back in time to face City.”
On choosing between La Liga or Champions League: “Both of them.”
On Vinicius Jr: “He is calm, he’s not obsessed with scoring goals. Scoring or not is not the most important part of his game.”
On his ‘luck’: “I’m a manager with luck? Having luck is a quality.”
Source: Real Madrid Twitter
Real Madrid News
U-turn? Benzema hints at Real Madrid stay during ceremony: “Reality is not the internet”
There has been a lot of talk around Karim Benzema’s situation over the course of the last week or so, with reports claiming that the Frenchman was on his way out of the Santiago Bernabeu.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it was reported that Benzema was joining Al Ittihad as part of an incredible deal worth nearly €200 million. The striker was also offered 100% of his image rights and advertising deals by the Saudi government.
Over the last day or so, it has been reported that the move is all but official at the moment, as Benzema has accepted the offer, and will soon inform Real Madrid about it.
Benzema was awarded the MARCA Leyenda awards for contribution to sports today, and speaking during it, he dropped a rather cryptic message about his future – one that says quite the opposite to what has been in the news recently.
“Speak to the fans? Speak about what? Why should I speak of the future if I’m in Madrid?”, Benzema said.
“It’s the internet speaking, and reality is not the internet,” he added.
This certainly falls away from the departure line for Benzema, who was reportedly already contemplating his life away from Madrid.
At first, though, he was hesitant about speaking about his future, saying, “Staying or leaving Real Madrid? At the moment, I’m here…we have a game on Saturday.”
He repeatedly talked about the fans, calling them the best in world football. He also said, “I know how much Real Madrid fans love me. I feel that when I’m on the pitch, I give my best for them, always.”
“I always say that we play with 11 on the pitch but also with a crucial factor, Real Madrid fans,” Benzema concluded.
