Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Valverde, Asensio, Courtois, Lunin, Ceballos after Elche 0-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid secured a six-point lead over rivals Barcelona with their 3-0 win over Elche on Wednesday night. Los Blancos were on point against the bottom-placed team, scoring three goals and giving the opposition few chances.
Fede Valverde opened the scoring in just the 11th minute before Karim Benzema doubled it 15 minutes after the hour mark. Marco Asensio put the game to bed with a late goal in the penultimate minute.
The visitors staggeringly had three goals ruled out by VAR at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero. The scoreline is flattering on Elche but the hosts too had their share of chances.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press after his team’s win in Elche and addressed topics including the goalkeeping situation. Here are the key points from his press conference.
On the target he had set for Federico Valverde this season: “Valverde has to fulfil our bet.”
On the abundance of quality in the team: “It’s pretty obvious there are more than 11 players who deserve to start.”
On Marco Asensio’s contract: “We haven’t talked about it. It’s true he has not played a lot but he will have more minutes in the future.”
On Thibaut Courtois’ situation: “Lunin was very good, he’s been ready to replace Courtois. But he will return on the bench now that Courtois is back.”
On Dani Ceballos: “I think Dani Ceballos will be back next week. Courtois on Saturday.”
On Federico Valderde’s profile: “I’m surprised by Fede Valverde. He’s good at everything. He’s a modern midfielder.”
Source: Real Madrid Twitter
Although Antonio Rudiger has had success since joining Real Madrid last summer, the club are in need of more depth and players that can form the backbone of the defensive unit in the years to come.
As part of their plans, Real Madrid are prioritising a move for Josko Gvardiol in the coming summer, reports 90 Min.
The outlet suggests Gvardiol will be one of the most wanted prospects in the market, with both Real Madrid and Manchester City eyeing a move for the Croatian international come the end of the season.
Formerly of Dinamo Zagreb, Gvardiol has enjoyed immense success since his move to the Bundesliga in 2021. He has impressed onlookers with his skill, organisation and discipline, which, coupled with his versatility, make him an appealing target for any European giant.
Gvardiol was also one of the top performers at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping Croatia finish third in the competition. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid among the clubs who have been keeping an eye on the defender for a while now.
However, signing Gvardiol will be a tricky task for Los Blancos. The player still has a long-term contract at Leipzig and could cost up to €85 million, as reported by 90 Min. Not to mention, the competition from Man City could be significant.
Real Madrid have no shortage of alternatives, though, with the club notably closely monitoring Portuguese defensive whizkid Antonio Silva, among others. So it will be interesting to see how the Spanish giants approach the market in this coming summer.
