Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks retirement, Rudiger, Hazard, Tchouameni ahead of Almeria vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid have been relatively quiet in the transfer market this year. However, what more can one add to a team that conquered Europe just a few months ago?
The Champions of Europe return to action on Sunday night when they take on newly promoted Almeria at Estadio Mediterraneo.
While their La Liga title defence will not be easy after Barcelona’s busy summer, Real Madrid’s winning mentality could be what gives them the slight edge.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press ahead of the first game of the 2022-23 season. During the interview, he talked about the new signings and roles of specific players, but the highlight was a shocking revelation about his professional future.
On his future: “After Real Madrid, I will retire. Real Madrid is the top, it makes sense to end (my career) here.”
On Antonio Rudiger: “Rudiger will play as CB. We will use him as fullback only when it’s needed.”
On rotations in the team: “The plan is to rotate more this season.”
On Eden Hazard: “I don’t know if Hazard will play tomorrow, but he’ll play more than last season. He can play in several positions.”
On the defensive midfield options: “Casemiro & Tchouaméni can play together as a pair of pivots.”
On Toni Kroos being snubbed of a Ballon d’Or nomination: “It’s a little strange that Kroos didn’t get nominated like Valverde, Militão or Alaba. For me, they all deserve to be on the list.”
On Thibaut Courtois: “Courtois is the best in the world right now.”
On Casemiro and Tchouameni: “They can play together, they’re CDMs with different attributes. Tchouameni is more box-to-box and Casemiro is more of a positional player. They can play together in a double-pivot system. The line-up could be 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2”.
Source: Real Madrid
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
