Real Madrid News
Carlo Ancelotti provides clarity to Real Madrid heavyweights about their role in the team – report
As Real Madrid legends Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have entered what could be their final season with Los Blancos, they have slowly started being phased out, given their age and the club’s future ambitions.
With the remarkable rise of the Madrid young core of Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and the remarkable new arrival Jude Bellingham and the slightly older Federico Valverde, Kroos and Modric have evidently taken up a different role in the team.
While they have not featured on the pitch so regularly as of yet, this season is still a crucial one for the two iconic midfielders.
Real Madrid, looking to usher in a new era, will be looking to make moving on from Kroos and Modric as seamless as possible, which means the hope for the veteran pairing to use this time to guide and nurture those who will take over.
Ancelotti still counts on Kroos and Modric
According to reports from MARCA, the Madrid boss is still reliant on the two superstars on the pitch, but is also being considerate of their physical shape, taking the opportunity to rest them while he can.
Carlo Ancelotti reportedly spoke to the two players with the utmost respect and clarity, highlighting how the club wants to slowly bring in the new generation to prominence.
However, the Italian did also mention that he will continue to count on Kroos and Modric on the pitch, and they will see more regular game time when the Champions League starts up and the team has two games a week.
The coach made it clear that Kroos and Modric are still very crucial pieces of the puzzle, but they must now accept the changing role that accompanies their age.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid full-back never considered summer exit, would retire at club if given chance
Ferland Mendy finds himself in a difficult situation at Real Madrid. The Frenchman has struggled with injury and fitness woes for a large part of the past year, leading to doubts over his future at the club.
In fact, it had been reported that Los Blancos were considering selling Mendy during the summer transfer window earlier this year itself.
But, such a move did not materialise and the 28-year-old has stayed put at the Santiago Bernabeu although reports suggest that he is likely to be on the move next year.
Mendy would retire at Real Madrid if he could
Despite there having been numerous reports about his future in the summer, The Athletic reports that Mendy did not consider the possibility of an exit at any point.
In fact, the report adds that if given a chance, the 28-year-old defender would retire at Real Madrid.
Mendy’s contract with Los Merengues expires in 2025 and he is understood to be seeking a renewal for a while now, but there has been no move made by the club.
The injuries that the 28-year-old has picked up are understood to be a major deterrent for Real Madrid, which is why they are already looking to reinforce the left-back position with Alphonso Davies next year.
Mendy enjoys Ancelotti’s trust
Despite the non-stop speculations surrounding him, Mendy continues to enjoy the full trust of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Indeed, as per the report, the Italian tactician has informed the Frenchman that he is the left-back that best fits the defensive requirements needed in the team.
Ancelotti’s decision to bench Fran Garcia in the UEFA Champions League game even though Mendy was unavailable and start David Alaba at left-back was taken as an indicator within the dressing room that the Frenchman remains the first-choice in the position.
So, it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds over the coming months, especially with Ancelotti’s future also uncertain as his contract expires in 2024.
