Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Vinicius, Valverde, Benzema, Asensio after Real Madrid 3-1 Sevilla
Real Madrid registered yet another thumping win on Saturday night to equal their best league start in close to a century. Sevilla had no answers to Los Blancos’ dominance as they went down 3-1.
Luka Modric opened the scoring in the fifth minute but the visitors equalised ten minutes after halftime through Erik Lamela. However, Lucas Vazquez and Federico Valverde struck in the death to give their team another win.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press after his team’s win over Sevilla and addressed topics including why he enjoyed coaching Real Madrid. Here are the snippets from his press interaction.
Vinicius Jr may not have gotten his name on the scoresheet but he was instrumental in creating the first two goals for Los Blancos. Speaking about the Brazilian’s performance, the manager said,
“Vinicius’ two assists are better than a goal, I congratulated him after the game and he must leave happy from this one.”
The man of the match, Federico Valverde, produced a stellar performance at the Bernabeu as he dominated the right flank on the night. However, he walked off the field limping and Ancelotti addressed the concern over Valverde’s injury.
“Valverde has a bruise. It hurts a little, we have to see the tests, I am not sure if he will be ready for the match against Leipzig. Karim will return next Sunday.”
On the bet between the two for Valverde to score ten goals this season, Ancelotti added:
“Bearing in mind that last year he scored only one goal, I have risked my card a lot, but he’s very responsible and he’s keeping me out of trouble. I don’t usually bet in general.”
The Italian tactician also provided an update on the situation of Karim Benzema, who was pulled out from the squad for the Sevilla game due to muscle fatigue.
“He will not be recovered on Tuesday, but I think he will be on Sunday. I am not worried about him because what he had yesterday is a very small thing,” Ancelotti said.
“It is true that he has not had much continuity, but healthy and motivated he is still very important for us, although the health of the squad is so great that we have been able to replace a player as important as him. That does not mean that Karim will not be important in the second part of the season.”
There was also praise for Marco Asensio, who has been impressive with his cameos recently, saying:
“He is a great player who can play for Real Madrid . He is taking advantage of the few minutes I am giving him and by the way he deserves more. Both he and Vini Jr. have made a difference today.”
Ancelotti also commented on the squad available at his disposal and had some special words for his players. “This is one of the best squads I’ve ever had, if not the best,” he insisted.
He then elaborated on why he enjoyed coaching the current Real Madrid team, saying that it all came down to one factor-trust.
“I like to coach this team because they don’t give me problems, they have full trust in what we are doing.”
Source: Real Madrid Twitter
As we approach the final phase of the 2022/23 campaign, Real Madrid are facing immense pressure to renew the contracts of two of their veterans Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.
According to a recent report from Josep Pedrerol, Real Madrid have been made aware that Saudi Arabian clubs have contacted the two, with the aim of bringing them to the Middle East to enhance their league.
Modric has been facing an uncertain future with his contract expiring at the end of the season. While he is in talks with Madrid over a renewal, the midfielder has also been approached by Saudi Arabian clubs, as they look to enhance the league by roping in stars from Europe.
Al Nassr notably made headlines earlier in the year by bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. Since then, Saudi clubs have been linked with moves for players like Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard and even Lionel Messi.
Modric, too, is considered one of the top targets for Saudi clubs. Although the midfielder has expressed his desire to continue at the Bernabeu for at least another year, a deal with Real Madrid has not materialised. This has opened up a window of opportunity for Saudi clubs to make their move.
Meanwhile, Karim Benzema was reported to be close to finalising a renewal recently, but an agreement is yet to be reached. The Frenchman has had his share of struggles with injuries and fitness this season, which has led to questions about his longevity and future at Real Madrid.
While the links to a move to Saudi Arabia have not been as prominent for Benzema, it is expected that the Saudi clubs may jump on any opportunity to lure the striker to the Middle East.
Real Madrid are aware of the situation and are working to secure the futures of their star players. However, with the prospect of lucrative contracts being offered by the Saudi Arabian clubs, the players themselves may be tempted to make the move.
