Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender set to return to the right-wing position next season
Having specialist players for every position is the hallmark of any top European side. However, it is equally important for managers to have versatile players at their disposal to cover multiple positions when required.
In that respect, Lucas Vasquez can claim to be a manager’s favourite. The Spanish international has proven to be one of the most versatile players for Los Blancos since his move to the club in 2018, covering both as a forward and a defender based on the situation.
According to reports from Diario AS, Vazquez is set to return to an attacking role next season as Carlo Ancelotti looks to utilise his services on the right-wing. This will put an end to his tenure as a makeshift right-back for the club.
The Galician spent his initial few seasons as a fringe player before clawing his way up the pecking order in the 2020-21 season. Daniel Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola’s concurrent injuries left Zinedine Zidane with few options to cover at right-back.
Finally, the manager opted to give Vazquez a chance to prove his ability in a foreign role.
In less than a year, he adapted and developed into a complete fullback. While his crosses and ball carrying were unsurprisingly perfect for the role, his work-rate improved along with his defensive awareness.
Looking ahead to next season, Ancelotti will look to entrust a more fit Carvajal as his first choice. As a backup, Alvaro Odriozola is expected to return after his loan stint at Fiorentina.
Vazquez will now compete with the likes of Rodrygo and Marco Asensio for a starting spot in the forward line. Rest assured, he will continue to be available as a right-back if the situation demands.
Jose Felix Diaz has reported via MARCA that Real Madrid want a major change in the Spanish refereeing system.
The reporter writes that the team from the Spanish capital has taken the issue as their top priority mostly because of what happened in the recent derby defeat against Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos are determined to relentlessly steer a significant overhaul of the refereeing structure, and they have no intention of resting in their pursuit.
Their discontent comes not only from recent events, particularly the contentious derby match but also from a deep-seated frustration with the state of refereeing itself.
Real Madrid not hiding their discontent
The journalist mentions that Real Madrid are unapologetic about their continuous criticism of the refereeing community, firmly believing that a transformation is of utmost importance.
Even prior to the emergence of the Negreira case, the Merengues had been vocal about their dissatisfaction with those responsible for overseeing the refereeing unit.
For what it is worth, the revelation of the former vice president of the CTA’s financial ties to Barcelona only solidified Real Madrid’s resolve to advocate for a complete overhaul in referee management.
Real Madrid are suspicious
Real Madrid firmly assert that any influence from Negreira’s historical decisions in certain key positions raises suspicions about the fairness of the competition.
For that, the management will do everything in its power to achieve a certain level of transparency within the organization that it believes is currently overshadowed by historical baggage.
As of today, Real Madrid continue to voice their concerns through their official channels.
Right now their ultimate goal is to eliminate the involvement of Clos Gomez in VAR decisions, marking the beginning of a long-standing battle they are fighting.
