Real Madrid News
Real Madrid believe players should be blamed for Man City loss, not Ancelotti
Wednesday’s 0-4 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League semi-final has not been swallowed well by anyone at Real Madrid.
Thanks to the embarrassment, there is already a lot of heat within the club but the management will not take any rash decisions in the midst of this.
In this context, even Carlo Ancelotti’s job is safe, and the Italian is, in fact, going to meet with Florentino Perez to discuss plans for next season.
The former Milan and Chelsea coach was heavily criticized for changing the shape of his team in the second leg. Quite particularly, many pointed out that slotting Eder Militao in the starting XI was absolutely unnecessary, especially after how effective Antonio Rudiger was in nullifying Erling Haaland in the first leg.
Meanwhile, the manager has rightly received some flake, but the team believes that the players are more at fault for the defeat against City than the Italian, reports ESPN.
Writing for the outlet, Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez claim that the ‘blame should be shared among the playing squad, acknowledging Madrid’s inferiority against City’ while admitting that a change is of absolute necessity.
After all, the team attempted a mere seven shots throughout the game and only three of them were on target.
Barring Toni Kroos’s right-footed screamer, which hit the frame of the post, the Los Blancos hardly tested Ederson during the night.
Following the elimination from the UEFA Champions League, Madrid’s season is technically over, with the only thing left for them is to finish second in the league, which is already won by Barcelona. With only four games to play, Madrid are a mere two points ahead of third-placed Atletico Madrid.
Now, it must be noted that while Real Madrid are not targeting a complete overhaul this summer in order to alter the situation, they will look to add depth to the squad.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
