Real Madrid News
Real Madrid handed triple injury boost ahead of Girona clash
Real Madrid fell to a shocking 3-2 defeat at the hands of RB Leipzig this midweek, which put an end to the club’s unbeaten run.
A major reason behind Real Madrid’s defeat was the absence of several key players including Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema. The in-form star player Federico Valverde was also out while Luka Modric did not feature in the team sheet either.
However, according to Arancha Rodriguez (h/t Madrid Xtra), Real Madrid will be boosted by the return of these three players in the upcoming game against Girona.
Benzema, who was suffering from a knock, will be a major boost for the Whites as they have lacked that experienced presence in the number nine slot. The Frenchman’s return, therefore, could go a long way in adding more potency to Carlo Ancelotti’s unit.
Modric, on the other hand, will be hoping to add more quality in the middle of the park. The veteran Croatian will most likely replace Eduardo Camavinga in the interior midfield slot, adding more technical prowess and creativity in the final third.
However, arguably the biggest boost will be the return of Valverde. The Uruguayan international is currently the most in-form player at Real Madrid, who has already bailed out his team by scoring a few mesmerising goals in La Liga this season.
Valverde’s services could once again be required as Real Madrid look to continue their flawless start to the domestic campaign and maintain their lead over Barcelona at the top of the table.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti might make other changes to the side as well, with David Alaba, for one, tipped to replace Nacho at the heart of the four-man backline. Dani Carvalaj is hoping for a start as well, ahead of Lucas Vazquez at right-back.
According to Jose Felix Diaz of MARCA, Real Madrid still consider Carlo Ancelotti as the ideal man to coach the team next season amid all sorts of speculations surrounding his future.
Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid for a second stint as manager in 2021, replacing Zinedine Zidane. The Italian mastermind led Los Blancos to the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League triumph in his very first season back at the club.
However, things have not gone according to plans for Ancelotti & co. this season. Real Madrid are 12 points below Barcelona in La Liga, are also behind them in the Copa del Rey semi-final tie and face a difficult route to the finals of the UEFA Champions League.
So even though he has won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup this season, reports have claimed that Ancelotti could be sacked by Real Madrid if he does not lead the team to a major title.
In the meantime, the Brazil national team have made their interest in hiring Ancelotti as their next manager clear, which has only served to fuel speculations further.
Amidst this, the report states that Real Madrid continue to see Ancelotti as the ideal man to coach the team for the next season. The Italian, for his part, has always maintained that he does not wish to leave the Santiago Bernabeu before his contract expires in 2024.
“I want to continue at Real Madrid. I’m happy. I’ve already said many times that I would continue my whole life at Real Madrid,” he had said in the recent past.
At this point, neither Ancelotti has made any commitments to the Brazilian national team, nor Real Madrid have made a decision on his continuity. The Merengues have not approached any replacement candidates either despite links to Mauricio Pochettino, Raul Gonzalez and Julian Nagelsmann.
Furthermore, it is also claimed that Ancelotti continues to participate and have a say in all meetings with regard to planning for the future at Real Madrid.
However, while the club may remain committed to him at this point, there is no guarantee that the situation will change in the summer, especially if the objectives for the season are not met and Real feel the need to make some changes to their project.
ROBERT ADAMAH
October 28, 2022 at 10:05 am
Need sold striker to replace Benzema Incase injury occur, strong midfielders for substitution and the right back shake anytime Dani Carvalaj is not there. The defenders needs to be more active, have good communication on the field and smart in attacking their opponents.
Frank
October 28, 2022 at 1:51 pm
Good,
Fantastic to see talented players like Benzema, Modric and Valvede back