Real Madrid News
Carlo Ancelotti talks Casemiro, Kroos, Tchouameni ahead of Celta Vigo clash
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti shed light on several aspects during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Celta Vigo clash, including a few words on his own future as well as Casemiro’s.
Starting off by praising his Saturday’s opponent, the manager said that it is going to be a difficult match as Celta have ‘more resources than Almeria’.
“We have prepared well for the match. Celta have more resources than Almeria. It will be different. It will be an important match and we want to continue the good dynamics,” said the manager during the conference, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
The manager was bombarded with questions regarding Casemiro’s potential move to Manchester United. Speaking in the context, the Italian more or less confirmed the exit and also explained how the team is reacting to a sudden transfer.
“We see him with respect and we understand him,” highlighted the manager.
“When he asks out we have to understand and respect him. We are neither angry nor sad. Of course, on a personal level, after so many years, you are not happy, but respect prevails for his decision,” he added.
Upon asking whether he tried to convince the Brazilian to stay, Ancelotti had a clear answer.
“No, he has helped us a lot and listening to his wishes there is no way to go back. If everything goes well for him, we have to wish him the best.”
Speaking further on the possible substitutions, Ancelotti said that he is not really worried as the team has got all the bases covered.
“We have good and many players for that position. Like Tchouameni, one of the best midfielders on the market. Kroos can also play there and Camavinga.
“We have other players with other characteristics who can play. Tchouameni is more similar to Casemiro, but also Kroos can play there,” added the manager.
“Our midfielders now are Modrić, Kroos, Tchouameni, Valverde, Camavinga and Ceballos. 6 midfielders are enough for this season. They’re very very good.”
Finally, when asked about his own future and whether he would leave Real like Casemiro is about to, the manager did not rule out the possibility.
“Casemiro has understood very well what Real Madrid. But there comes a time when you want to try something new, even if you feel very well. It’s something personal and I understand it,” he concluded.
Real Madrid prospect Alexis Ciria will have to wait for his Champions League opportunity despite making a strong impression on Jose Mourinho during pre-season.
The Castilla winger has been left out of Real Madrid’s European squad, but the decision is the consequence of UEFA registration rules rather than a sporting judgment.
According to journalist Arancha Rodriguez (h/t Defensa Central), Ciria was not eligible for Madrid’s List B because he has not been with the club long enough to satisfy UEFA’s requirements.
Registering him would therefore have required Mourinho to include him on the more restrictive List A.
UEFA rules work against Ciria
List B provides clubs with additional flexibility to register young academy players, but being young enough is not sufficient on its own.
Players must also meet requirements concerning how long they have been eligible to represent the club.
Ciria does not meet those conditions because of his limited time at Valdebebas. Real Madrid would therefore have needed to sacrifice a List A position to register him.
With those places required for members of Mourinho’s senior squad, Ciria was ultimately left out.
Real Madrid’s List B instead includes youngsters such as Joan Martinez, Mario Rivas, Thiago Pitarch, Jorge Cestero and Daniel Yanez.
Many of these youngsters made a name for themselves under Mourinho during pre-season and could be used to make up the numbers in the Champions League squad.
They could also get some minutes off the bench, especially against relatively easier opposition, as Jose Mourinho looks to manage first-team minutes.
Mourinho still plans first-team opportunity
Importantly for Ciria, missing the Champions League squad does not appear to reflect a change in Mourinho’s opinion of him.
The youngster impressed during pre-season and is expected to continue spending time around the senior team.
Mourinho intends to give Ciria his official first-team debut during the season. That opportunity will now have to arrive in La Liga or the Copa del Rey.
The Portuguese tactician placed a lot of emphasis on trusting Castilla players during pre-season in the absence of first-team stars.
Ciria was one of the many names who made a name for themselves at Real Madrid during pre-season. He deserves a chance in the first team, and it remains to be seen how Jose plans his development.
