Real Madrid News
Carvajal talks Benzema, UCL chances, World Cup ahead of Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Real Madrid will be aiming to take another step towards qualifying for the next round of the UEFA Champions League when they face Shakhtar Donetsk in Matchday 3 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Real Madrid are at the top of Group F after cruising to wins against Celtic and RB Leipzig and will be aiming to build on that run with another victory against the Ukrainian giants.
On the eve of the game, veteran defender Dani Carvajal attended the press conference with manager Carlo Ancelotti during which he opened up on the club’s past successes and their chances of doing well this season (h/t MARCA).
On the squad: “We have the best footballers for the next generation, combine that with the veterans and we have the perfect squad.”
On his trophy haul at Real Madrid: “I feel very lucky to have won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid.”
On the situation in Ukraine: “Ukraine’s situation is a tragedy. Shakhtar can’t play at home, and they’ve lost many important foreign players – they’re doing incredible in the competition so far and I hope they’ll bring happiness to their fans.”
On Real Madrid’s success in the UCL: “We’ve been the best team in the Champions League in the last few years.
On Xavi’s comments about UCL not always being fair: “I think that when you’ve won the Champions League five times in the last nine years, luck is out of the question.”
On Real Madrid’s chances this season: “I think we are among the four or five teams that can win the UCL.”
On people questioning Madrid’s UCL triumph last season: “It makes me thankful that the debate of justice & non-justice only appears when Real Madrid win the Champions League and not when other teams win it. It seems that it’s unfair only when Real Madrid win the UCL.”
On his physical condition: “I’m really good, I’m playing a lot of minutes.”
On the team mentality: “The values of this club teach you to always fight until the end.”
On the importance of the Shakhtar clash: “It would be a very important step to consolidate the first place. Sunday’s game is forgotten”
On the role of full-backs: “Full-backs are expected to go forward, but you have to make sure your main job which is to defend – that’s a priority.”
On Karim Benzema’s missed penalty vs Osasuna: “I don’t think Karim will have much influence on scoring or missing a penalty, he would be angry on Sunday, but that’s it, he’s the best in his position. Hopefully, he can score two or three goals tomorrow.”
On the criticism towards Benzema: “We all know how football works, it’s very demanding, a couple of bad games and you’re crucified. Karim can turn the situation around tomorrow.”
On the fear of missing the World Cup: “Today I don’t think many players are thinking about the World Cup. It’s a compressed calendar and we all want to be at the top. We’ll see what happens ten days before the World Cup.”
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
