Real Madrid News
Carlo Ancelotti talks Benzema, Modric, Valverde, Vinicius, Real Madrid legends
In a recent interview with DAZN last week, Real Madrid manager Ancelotti also spoke about his affinity for Los Blancos as well as his former club AC Milan, stating that these two clubs are the ones that he holds closest to his heart.
“Both, 50-50. They are the two clubs I am closest to. Milan because I played there, Real Madrid because it represents the pinnacle in the world of football,” he said.
The Real Madrid head coach also praised midfielder Federico Valverde as a “modern midfielder” who embodies the physical demands of modern-day football.
“He’s very good. He’s the modern midfielder. Football now requires less quality and more physical ability. He’s the typical box-to-box midfielder,” Ancelotti said of the Uruguayan international.
Ancelotti’s comments came before Real Madrid’s defeat to Villarreal this past Saturday, in the aftermath of which Valverde was involved in a controversial incident with Alex Baena.
There was also great praise for Vinicius Jr, with Ancelotti backing the Brazilian to become one of the best players in the world over the next decade.
“Vinicius is a very strong player. He is incredibly talented because, in addition to the Brazilian technique, he has extraordinary physical power. He is tireless. When he stands out the most is at the end of games because he lasts longer,” Ancelotti said.
The Italian coach went on to acknowledge the contributions of Real Madrid legends, who have helped the club win multiple Champions League titles.
“Modric, Kroos, Benzema, Carvajal, Nacho, Marcelo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Casemiro have made history. They’ve won 5 Champions League, nobody else could. They’re legends,” he said.
Modric, for one, is likely to continue his spell at Santiago Bernabeu, with his contract extension imminent. The same should apply to Kroos as well, though the German is taking his decision before making a definitive decision over his future.
Finally, Ancelotti also praised the humility of Real Madrid’s current squad, adding, “The legends we have at the club like Modrić, Benzema – they’re all very humble. This has been the key to the success of last season. The youngsters have found a very good environment and adapted really well.”
Speaking to the media, Brazil Football Confederations (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues has claimed that the Selecao have not given up on their pursuit of Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, despite the Italian stating that he will not leave the club.
Brazil have been without a manager since the World Cup in Qatar last year, following which Tite stepped down. The CBF have made Ancelotti their top target and have been pursuing his signing for months but to no avail.
The 63-year-old Italian tactician has, on more than one occasion, made it clear that he will be at Real Madrid next season, with his contract expiring in 2024.
However, CBF president Rodrigues is adamant that Ancelotti’s statements are due to him being cautious as he is under contract at Real Madrid and that the Selecao are not prepared to give up on their quest to appoint him as of yet.
“We made a plan, that ‘Plan A’ is the one you know, Ancelotti, and as they say in the ‘ring’ (boxing), I haven’t thrown in the towel yet,” Rodrigues said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
“Because of contracts, people are cautious,” he added.
Ancelotti, for his part, has repeatedly stated that he does not intend to leave Real Madrid unless he is forced out of the club.
Despite missing out on the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League titles last season, the club continue to back the veteran Italian and are planning for next season with him in charge.
So, despite Rodrigues’ confidence and perseverance, it is extremely unlikely that Ancelotti will be leaving Real Madrid for Brazil this summer.
