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 News
U-turn? Benzema hints at Real Madrid stay during ceremony: “Reality is not the internet”
There has been a lot of talk around Karim Benzema’s situation over the course of the last week or so, with reports claiming that the Frenchman was on his way out of the Santiago Bernabeu.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it was reported that Benzema was joining Al Ittihad as part of an incredible deal worth nearly €200 million. The striker was also offered 100% of his image rights and advertising deals by the Saudi government.
Over the last day or so, it has been reported that the move is all but official at the moment, as Benzema has accepted the offer, and will soon inform Real Madrid about it.
Benzema was awarded the MARCA Leyenda awards for contribution to sports today, and speaking during it, he dropped a rather cryptic message about his future – one that says quite the opposite to what has been in the news recently.
“Speak to the fans? Speak about what? Why should I speak of the future if I’m in Madrid?”, Benzema said.
“It’s the internet speaking, and reality is not the internet,” he added.
This certainly falls away from the departure line for Benzema, who was reportedly already contemplating his life away from Madrid.
At first, though, he was hesitant about speaking about his future, saying, “Staying or leaving Real Madrid? At the moment, I’m here…we have a game on Saturday.”
He repeatedly talked about the fans, calling them the best in world football. He also said, “I know how much Real Madrid fans love me. I feel that when I’m on the pitch, I give my best for them, always.”
“I always say that we play with 11 on the pitch but also with a crucial factor, Real Madrid fans,” Benzema concluded.
