Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Rudiger, Tchouameni, Frankfurt, Barcelona ahead of Super Cup final
Real Madrid are set to take on Eintracht Frankfurt next week at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium. The game in Finland will see the two sides fight tooth and nail for the UEFA Super League title, which will be the first silverware of the season for the winner.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the official channels of UEFA ahead of the clash and spoke about Real Madrid’s success last season and the squad for the new season, amongst other topics. Here are the snippets as revealed via Alfredo Pedulla.
The club manager first put into perspective his expectations from the team for the upcoming season. As expected, he did not show any sign of settling for less in his answer.
“There are six titles at stake and we want to fight for them all. Eintracht will put us in difficulty, but our players will arrive ready and our goal is to win this tournament.”
The Champions League winners are traditionally the favourites to lift the Super Cup, but there have been a healthy number of instances where the underdog has triumphed. Ancelotti explained why he thinks his men will come out on top.
“I think because of their professionalism, the players arrive ready. To be able to bring another trophy home in the first game of the season would be great, as there are 6 titles at stake and we want to fight for all of them.”
The manager could not have dreamt of a better storyline for his second managerial spell at the Bernabeu. He said that the new spell gave him a lot of satisfaction.
“I am very proud. It has been a special season for me personally, and for Real Madrid. Coming back to this club has given me a lot of satisfaction. We still remember fourteen. It is a very recent memory. A very special chemistry was also created with the fans, in a very special stadium.
The manager put out a particular word to the fans who fill the stadium and cheer the team on through thick and thin.
“All the gains we made were at home and thanks to that motivation that came from the stands. We were able to beat the greats, thanks to the great unity, as well as the quality.”
Ancelotti did not undervalue the role of the new signings and had only praise when asked to explain their impact on the team.
“We have Rudiger and Tchouameni, players who bring quality. I think we’ve brought in some of the best players in the world in their roles.”
Finally, he was asked if Eintracht Frankfurt were an opposition that deserved to be in the Super Cup. Ancelotti defended the Germans’ position by saying,
“It’s a deserved Super Cup final. Last season Eintracht did an extraordinary job. They were among the favorites but played some great matches. Against Barcelona, they won at the Camp Nou. They have a defensive interest and a great speed in transfers. It is a team that will certainly create difficulties for us but we are ready for them.”
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
