Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ace makes startling revelation about relationship with Ancelotti: “We don’t talk”
Eden Hazard’s dream move to Real Madrid turned quickly right from the beginning. From the moment the Belgian landed in Madrid overweight and out of shape, there has seldom come a day for him to enjoy the game he once dominated.
Hazard has played 98 minutes in La Liga and just north of 100 minutes in the UEFA Champions League this season. It is indeed pitiable to see such a talented player’s career go to ruins.
The 32-year-old last played for the club in the first week of January when Los Blancos took on CP Cacereno in Copa del Rey. His last goal contribution, meanwhile, dates back to September when he scored in Real Madrid’s UCL game against Celtic.
Hazard spoke to RTBF (h/t AS) earlier this week and detailed the struggles he faced at the club, his drought for minutes, and his future plans.
The former Belgian international first revealed his plans for the future and said that he did not intend to leave the club in the summer despite his struggles for game-time.
“I see myself at Real Madrid next year. I miss playing football. Leaving is not on the agenda. But you never know.”
He then threw some light on his relationship with the Real Madrid manager. The Belgian maintained that the two did not see eye to eye.
“There is respect but we don’t talk to each other,” the former Chelsea ace added about the Italian tactician.
Ancelotti has not given Hazard many chances to prove his worth this season. Yet, one cannot fault the manager as the former Chelsea man has not helped his own case with poor fitness and subpar displays. Speaking about his drive to succeed at the club he said:
“I hope deep down that I can bring something & that the coach is still counting on me, I really hope. We’ll see if I’ll play again by the end of the season.”
Hazard went on to emphasise the importance of playing time and the miracles it can do to a player’s confidence.
“At the World Cup I played a match, two, three, it went uphill. That’s what I need. I’m not saying that after three months of not playing, I’m going to play and score five goals. No, I need a little time and at Real Madrid, there is no time. I know what I can still bring.”
Many expected the 32-year-old to leave the club in the summer in search for regular playing time. However, Hazard reiterated that his only goal was to succeed at Real Madrid in the coming season.
“I would like to stay at Real Madrid. I’ve always said it. I hope to play to show that I can still do it. People have doubts, but for me, I’m still here next year. A transfer is not in the plan.”
Finally, the winger emphasised the hardships of not playing regularly and spoke out his heart about wanting to play at the top level once again.
“I miss playing football. I want to play. I want to have fun. I want to make myself useful.”
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
