Real Madrid News
Barcelona legend effusive in praise of Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti
There are some players whose legacy in football overrides trivial rivalries, and who are worshipped and respected all over the world by fans and rivals alike. Real Madrid’s Luka Modric is one such example, and another name with equal stature is Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta.
As one of the finest ever Spanish midfielders, the legend has won it all at both the club and international level. He is still an active player, and earlier this week spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport in a detailed interview.
Iniesta praises Ancelotti
While the interview was primarily about Barcelona and the Catalans’ upcoming clash against Napoli in the Champions League, the Spanish veteran also took a moment to praise Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti and his greatness in the footballing world.
“Little to say about Ancelotti. His career speaks for him. As a player and as a coach. Having the ability to train Real Madrid twice, succeed on both occasions, returning to a club of that size and making it work again is not easy. He has incredible merit,” he said, as revealed by Mundo Deportivo.
Staying on the theme of Real Madrid, he spoke on Kylian Mbappe’s potential transfer from PSG to Real Madrid, he backed Luis Enrique to help PSG get back on their feet.
“Luis Enrique is the right person to manage Mbappé’s departure. Nothing surprises him, he is a clear guy who knows what he wants and what is best for the group. His decisions always go in that direction.”
A demanding job
As reiterated by the Barcelona legend, managing an elite club is easier said than done, especially a club of Real Madrid’s stature. To come to the club twice and succeed with flying colours, needless to say, defines greatness.
Ancelotti has not had it easy this season. Right from the two early ACL injuries to the continuously moving train of fitness setbacks, dealing with players on the bench and keeping all members of the squad happy – the profession is far more challenging than it appears.
Yet, the Italian tactician makes it appear effortless, as he has handled the situation with Arda Guler in recent times.
Ancelotti will go down as one of the best man-managers in recent times, and Real Madrid are blessed to have him at the helm.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
