Real Madrid News
Haaland’s agent coy on potential move to Real Madrid in 2024: “Can mean many things”
Earlier today, reports emerged claiming that Real Madrid would make a move for Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland in 2024 if they do not see the signing of Kylian Mbappe taking place.
The 23-year-old Norwegian goal machine had been on the Merengues’ radar last summer as well, but ultimately opted to join the Cityzens and has thrived in Pep Guardiola’s team.
But, it has been suggested that Haaland’s contract with the treble-winners has a release clause that would become active next year, which Los Blancos wish to take advantage of.
Haaland’s agent coy on speculations
In a recent chat with El Chiringuito, Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta was asked about the striker potentially joining Real Madrid in the summer of next year.
In response, the Manchester City striker’s representative gave a cryptic response, saying:
“The open door can mean a lot of things. Our players can have the feeling that they have their destiny in their hands.”
Pimenta has previously been coy on the existence of the release clause in Haaland’s contract with Man City and seems to be keeping the cards close as far as the young phenom’s future is concerned.
Haaland’s successful year
Having moved to Man City from Borussia Dortmund last year, Haaland has been a soaring success at the Etihad Stadium.
The 23-year-old plundered 52 goals in 53 matches across all competitions, helping the Cityzens win the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
On top of that, the Norwegian international also won the Premier League Golden Boot and finished as the top scorer in the Champions League.
Later tonight, Haaland is poised to win the UEFA Best Player of the Year award while he is also a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid retain total confidence in Carlo Ancelotti despite derby disaster – report
Sunday night was a disappointing one for Real Madrid as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby at the Civitas Metropolitano.
The Merengues suffered their first defeat of the 2023/24 season as former striker Alvaro Morata scored a brace for the Rojiblancos while Antoine Griezmann was also on target.
Real Madrid might be feeling aggrieved by some of the calls made by the referee on the night but they were just not good enough to secure all three points at the Metropolitano.
Real Madrid retain full confidence in Ancelotti
Despite the disappointing performance and outcome, Real Madrid retain their full and total confidence in manager Carlo Ancelotti, reports Jose Felix Diaz (via RM4Arab).
There had been question marks about the team selection made by the manager for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
After all, the Italian opted to bench Joselu from the starting XI to bring in Luka Modric and shift the tactics.
Aurelien Tchouameni was also left out despite being one of the team’s strongest performers this season with Toni Kroos being preferred.
The Real Madrid hierarchy wishes for the manager to trust the next-gen midfield for the big games but Ancelotti’s selection indicated that he is still not ready to do so.
Despite there being some differences, the board retains full confidence in Ancelotti.
Ancelotti accepts blame for defeat
It was a disappointing performance from Real Madrid in their biggest test of the 2023/24 season so far and speaking after the match, manager Ancelotti accepted the blame for the outcome.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility. It’s my fault,” Ancelotti said.
With the game done and dusted, Real Madrid now turn their focus towards producing a strong comeback when they face Las Palmas later this week.
