Real Madrid News
PSG want Mbappe to decide on contract extension by May amid Real Madrid links
Paris Saint-Germain’s woes in Europe continued as they suffered a defeat to Bayern Munich, effectively sealing their elimination from the UEFA Champions League.
PSG’s exit from the elite competition will once again lead to question marks over the management and the team. According to The Athletic, the defeat may have consequences on the future of their three stars players as well, including Kylian Mbappe.
It appears the Frenchman’s future is once again up in the air, amid interest from Real Madrid. Although the Spanish giants had missed out on the player last summer, they have discreetly continued to monitor the attacker’s situation at PSG.
As per the report, PSG are aware of Mbappe’s mixed feelings over his current spell at Parc des Princes. The club would, therefore, demand a definitive decision from the attacker ahead of the coming summer, knowing his potential exit could bring about a major overhaul.
With his current contract expiring in 2024, PSG want Mbappe to make a decision by May. Depending on his response, the club would then decide whether or not to sell the player in the summer or keep him around until 2024, as there is a clause that could extend the contract until 2025.
This could serve as a major boost for Real Madrid. Given the ongoing fitness struggles of Karim Benzema, it is apparent that the club require significant reinforcement in the attacking department this coming summer, especially in the goalscoring department.
The Whites have been linked with a move for Dusan Vlahovic and Kingsley Coman, among others. But the addition of Mbappe could make a major impact in the frontline, especially with Vinicius Junior partnering alongside the Frenchman in the final third.
However, it must be noted that signing Mbappe could be financially tricky for Real Madrid. The fact that La Liga has clamped down hard on Financial Fair Play does not make it easier for Los Blancos either, so it will be interesting to see how things transpire in the coming months.
Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Kroos, Modric, Bellingham, Vinicius ahead of Atletico vs Real Madrid
After escaping with a narrow 1-0 win against Union Berlin in the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid face a tough task this weekend as they travel to the other side of the Spanish capital to face their old pals Atletico Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have put in several solid offensive performances through the season so far, but have found it difficult to finish chances, often relying on Jude Bellingham to rescue the game in the last moments.
Their task will be much tougher against an Atletico side that is winless in two games and looking to get back up on the curb.
On them, Ancelotti commented, “Tomorrow’s game is an important one. Atletico Madrid area a strong rival. We can’t wait to play.”
Injury updates: Vinicius, Guler, Bellingham
Vinicius Jr has missed the last three games due to injury, but will be evaluated today to decide his participation tomorrow.
“He will be in the squad for tomorrow’s game,” Ancelotti updated the press. “We will decide tomorrow if he starts or not.”
He also said, “Vinicius has 100% recovered. Zero risks. He would not be in the squad for the game tomorrow, otherwise. We will see tomorrow.”
“He has not played for weeks, so he obviously lacks rhythm.”
As far as Arda Guler is concerned, the Turkish midfielder is yet to make his debut for the club, but is expected to join team training as early as Monday.
“Arda will start training with the team on Monday.”
Jude Bellingham left Madrid training early yesterday, which sounded some alarm bells at the club. However, Ancelotti confirmed that he will be playing tomorrow, and that there was no reason to panic.
“Jude Bellingham will play tomorrow.”
“I would not cry if he did not play. We have other players [laughs],” he joked.
Kroos, Modric, and rotations
Real Madrid have a star-studded squad, which means legendary midfielders such as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are often left out of the starting lineup. The duo are reportedly unhappy with their role.
Ancelotti was asked about this, to which he replied, “It hurts to leave them on the bench. But only them, Valverde, Tchouameni, too. It’s always hard to leave a player on the bench.”
“They understand it because the competition is very high. I understand that a player comes out sad when he is substituted. But I do it to make the player more active.”
El Clasico vs Madrid Derby
Ancelotti was also asked to compare the Madrid derby to El Clasico, and which one he preferred more.
“There is no difference. We like to prepare for matches like these, to be champions, because there is a special tension. There is excitement and we want to win and be champions.”
“The Madrid derby is always a special game. A lot of quality between two rivals. Atletico played very well against Lazio,” he added.
Source: RMTV
