Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Vinicius, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Brahim, Endrick ahead of Real Madrid vs Braga
Real Madrid will be aiming to return to winning ways after the draw against Rayo Vallecano, when they face off against SC Braga on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League.
A victory at the Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow should seal Real Madrid’s place in the knockout stages of the competition and that is what Carlo Ancelotti & co. will be gunning for, especially with questions being asked of their performance after the weekend draw.
On the eve of the game, manager Ancelotti spoke to the media, providing an update on the injury of Jude Bellingham while also discussing several other topics.
Talking about the game and its importance, the Real Madrid boss said: “It’s an important game for the qualification. We will have to fight. We know them well. They will come here to take points.”
“I prefer to win. If I win I’m good, if I draw I’m bad. 90% of the time if you play well, you win. But wins are the only way to judge the players,” he added.
Real Madrid head into the game with question marks over the availability of star man Bellingham, who suffered from a dislocated shoulder last weekend.
On the Englishman’s condition, Ancelotti said: “We will evaluate tomorrow if Bellingham can play. He hasn’t done the full training session.”
The chat then drifted to Vinicius Jr. and the recent criticism of his attitude, with Barcelona legend Carles Puyol urging the Brazilian to improve his behaviour.
“If Puyol wants to talk to Vinicius, let them talk. It could be that he needs to improve his attitude at times. We are delighted with him and everything he does on the pitch because he has improved a lot compared to the last few years,” Ancelotti said on the matter.
Talking about the team’s lack of goals, the Real Madrid boss said: “The less you concede, the more chances you have of winning. Since I’ve been here, we’ve scored an average of two goals per game.
“The team has improved a lot defensively, that’s why we don’t have to score a lot of goals.”
Discussing Rodrygo’s poor returns in front of goal, in particular, Ancelotti added: “We have to be patient with the goal. Rodrygo has the most shots on goal in La Liga, he moves well but sometimes it doesn’t go in. All strikers go through these moments.”
Addressing his future, which remains uncertain owing to his expiring contract, he said: “I feel very loved by the fans, by the Bernabéu and by the club, who show me their affection. I’m very comfortable here.”
Discussing the high level of competition in the Champions League and the potential challengers for the trophy, Ancelotti stated:
“There are no big surprises in this Champions League. The level of the top teams is very high: Bayern, City… And the Spanish teams are going to have more presence.”
Ancelotti has faced the ire of some fans due to his utilisation of Brahim Diaz, as the Spanish playmaker has hardly played since returning from his loan spell at AC Milan. The Real Madrid boss, though, insisted that Brahim’s chances will come, saying:
“Brahim hasn’t had many minutes. I know he can contribute but there is a lot of competition. He’s serious, I like him and he’s going to have his role. I don’t pass judgement on anyone, I’m not a judge.
“Sometimes I hear that players are sentenced and I never do that. I have something special with him because he played for Milan.”
Ancelotti also commented on future Real Madrid star Endrick’s surprise first call-up to the Brazil national team, as he said:
“Endrick is doing very well and for him, it’s a prize to go with Brazil.”
Discussing Real Madrid’s transfer plans for the future, Ancelotti ruled out any activity in the January window, saying:
“I don’t think we will do anything in winter, in the second part of the season the injured players will return. I don’t know when, but before the end of the season. We are not going to do anything in winter… In summer, hopefully.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
