Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Vinicius, Camavinga, Rodriguez, Benzema, Kroos after Osasuna 0-2 Real Madrid
A thrilling game at Estadio El Sadar on Saturday night saw Real Madrid snatch a 2-0 win over Osasuna and reduce the deficit at the top of the table.
The men in white began the contest with a period of utter domination. However, the game soon evened out with both sides creating chances in their own right.
In the end, the visitors only took the lead 12 minutes from time through Federico Valverde before Marco Asensio doubled their advantage in stoppage time.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media after the game and shared updates on the upcoming UEFA Champions League game and the team’s performance against Osasuna. Here are the snippets from his press conference.
On his team’s performance: “It was a well-rounded game, competitive, evenly matched and well played by both teams. We are very satisfied because the team performed very well, they knew how to suffer and looked for the right moment to score. We are very satisfied.”
On the availability of players for the trip to Liverpool: “We are doing well. We go into the game at Anfield in good shape and with all the confidence in the world. Tchouameni had stomach problems. Karim I think will be fine for that game and Kroos is back in training. Carvajal is going to play at Anfield.”
On Vinicius Jr: “He had a spectacular game, as always. It was a bit more difficult in the first half, but in the second half he was on top of his game and when his opponents get tired, he turns up the intensity. He made a difference. He gave the assist for the first goal and troubled the goalkeeper several times. He had an outstanding game.”
On the insults on Vinicius: “Aside from the minute’s silence and ignoring that lack of respect for Vini Jr., Turkey and Syria, the rest of the match was fairly routine. Osasuna played a fair game, they fought hard and it was close.”
On Eduardo Camavinga: “He’s playing really well, we’re delighted with him. His physical attributes are fantastic wherever we play him. He was brilliant defensively and his energy helped make the difference alongside Valverde.”
On Alvaro Rodriguez: “He is a player with so many attributes: he is tall, formidable in the air, he moves the ball well and can offer us something like he did today. It’s not easy for a young lad to come through at Real Madrid and stay focused on the game.
“He made the difference in ten minutes because he got two assists, one for Vini Jr. and one for Asensio.”
On the Castilla striker’s future: “I’m certain he’ll help us out this season. I have to speak to Raúl about his future but he’s a player we are going to use.”
On his conversation with the referee at half-time: “They moved the last free-kick forward by about 20 metres, but it was my mistake, the referee explained it to me. The officials did very well today.”
Source: Real Madrid official website
Manchester City have now joined the ever-growing list of admirers for Celta Vigo midfielder and Real Madrid target Gabri Veiga, reports Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail.
The 20-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the breakout stars of La Liga this season, having impressed with his goalscoring abilities from the centre of the park. Indeed, the youngster has notched up nine goals in La Liga and his exploits have made the giants of Europe sit up and take notice.
Real Madrid are said to be interested in Veiga’s services heading into the summer. The Merengues have Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Dani Ceballos on expiring contracts and it is unlikely that all three will be renewed, especially with Jude Bellingham being on the agenda.
In case of Modric and Kroos, even if they stay, it will likely be for only a season at the most. Hence, Los Blancos could require more than one central midfielder come summer, with Veiga emerging as an option.
The 20-year-old was also attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid. Now, Manchester City have also jumped on the bandwagon of clubs interested in Veiga’s services.
The Cityzens, who are battling Real Madrid for Bellingham as well, are set to lose Ilkay Gundogan in the summer when his contract expires. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva’s future is also far from certain, thus necessitating the signing of another midfielder.
Veiga has a release clause worth €40 million in his contract with Celta Vigo, which should not be a problem for either Real Madrid or Manchester City.
Celta Vigo president Carlos Mourino recently admitted that the midfielder could leave the club in the summer, saying:
“We don’t want to sell Gabri Veiga, but they are going to buy him from us. And we can’t do anything there. We know some of his offers and it is impossible to reach them.
“There are several teams behind Gabri. Real Madrid? They haven’t asked us, we don’t know if they will have called the player. Of the top 10 in the Premier League, four have asked about him.”
It will certainly be interesting to see whether Real Madrid are prepared to go all out for Veiga’s signing or decide to entirely focus on their pursuit of Bellingham.
