Real Madrid News
Benzema posts cryptic message on social media ahead of World Cup final
Real Madrid and France forward Karim Benzema has hinted that he might not be attending the 2022 World Cup final where his side takes on Argentina at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday, December 18.
Benzema was ruled out of the world event even before it started due to a muscular ailment. And now that the forward has now recovered from the injury, there were rumours that he would return to the national team fold but as it turns out, it is not the case.
France coach Didier Deschamps avoided answering the question about calling up Benzema for the final, following their semi-final win over Morocco.
“I don’t want to answer,” said the head coach. “Next question.”
It must be noted that Benzeman’s personal relationship with Deschamps is not really good. As reported before, the Les Bleus boss was left frustrated with the fact that the Real Madrid forward did not thank him during his Ballon d’Or acceptance speech earlier this year.
Meanwhile, France president Emmanuel Macron has invited all the first-team players who could not be a part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This includes Benzema, Paul Pogba and Christopher Nkunku, among others.
But with a post across his social media platforms, Benzema has dropped a huge hint that he might not be travelling to the venue, simply writing, “I’m not interested.”
This comes after reports emerged that France legend and former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, who is close with Benzema, had also turned down the invitation to attend the World Cup final in Qatar.
Benzema has been struggling with injuries since the beginning of the 2022/23 season, but he made his return when Madrid took part in a 60-minute friendly encounter against Leganes on Thursday.
And now that he has enough minutes in his tank, it is understood that he is no longer feeling any discomfort and should ideally feature against Real Valladolid on December 30 when Madrid resume their La Liga action.
Before that, however, the team from the capital city will also a friendly against Getafe on December 23.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Brazilian national team are ‘dreaming’ of appointing Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as their next manager.
The Selecao decided to part ways with Tite after the team underdelivered in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Ramon Menezes has taken charge of the senior team for the time being until a permanent appointment is made.
And, the Brazil Football Confederation is clear about who their preferred target is. Ancelotti has been heavily linked with the South American nation in recent months and comments from players like Ederson, Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr have only served to further fuel the rumours.
Now, Romano is claiming that Brazil dream of naming Ancelotti as their manager and are hoping that he will be parting ways with Real Madrid at the end of the season.
As far as the situation at the club is concerned, Romano states that Real Madrid are working hard to protect Ancelotti from external pressure as they want him to remain focused on winning the UEFA Champions League this season.
The Italian tactician remains in 100% control of the team at the moment and the club are trying to shield him from external factors.
However, at the same time, trophies are a must at a club of this stature and hence, Romano adds that Real Madrid have a potential list of candidates to take over.
Thomas Tuchel was among the names on the list, but has signed for Bayern Munich. Raul Gonzalez, currently in charge of the Castilla team, is also being looked at along with former Tottenham and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino.
As of now, Ancelotti remains in control of things at Real Madrid and any decision on his future will only be made at the end of the season. And, Brazil are lying in wait to pounce if an opportunity to sign the Italian manager presents itself.
