Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend wants to replace Ancelotti at the Bernabeu amid PSG links
According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, PSG are interested in Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso to replace current head coach Christophe Galtier.
However, the former Spain international is not leaning towards the job as he wants to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid when the latter leaves the Santiago Bernabeu.
Alonso, 41, is a legend at Real Madrid and enjoyed several successful years at the club in his playing career. Since hanging up his boots, the former midfielder spent time as a coach with the Merengues’ youth teams and had a stint with Real Sociedad’s reserves.
Alonso was given his big break by Bayer Leverkusen earlier this season and he has enjoyed a fine campaign in Germany.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup winner has taken Die Werkself from 17th to sixth place in the Bundesliga table as well as guided them to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League, where they lost to Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma.
Despite not having much experience at the highest level, PSG are understood to be attracted to Alonso due to the way his team plays as well as his handling of the players. To that end, they have already initiated contact with the 41-year-old’s entourage.
However, they are unlikely to succeed in their pursuit of Alonso due to two factors. For starters, the 41-year-old does not wish to leave Bayer Leverkusen right away, with the club also keen to hand him a new contract.
On top of that, the report states that Alonso is keen to succeed Ancelotti as the manager of Real Madrid once the Italian tactician vacates the spot.
Over the past few months, when Ancelotti’s future had been in question, Alonso’s name had featured prominently in the rumour mill as a possible replacement.
However, the 63-year-old Real Madrid boss is set to stay put at the club for one more season, with his contract expiring next year. As such, Alonso seemingly wishes to replace Ancelotti when that happens.
Real Madrid News
Vinicius addresses Real Madrid struggles, suspension and Bernabeu boos after win over Roma: ‘Defend players who stand out’
Vinicius Jr. has addressed the controversy surrounding his four-match La Liga suspension, his difficult performance against AS Roma and the criticism he has faced from Real Madrid fans.
The Brazilian was under scrutiny before Madrid’s 4-3 Champions League victory over Roma after learning that he would miss four league matches.
His evening then took another turn when he was substituted, before he spoke openly about his frustration and the reaction of fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite his disappointment, Vinicius insisted he would recover from the setback, while also questioning the disciplinary decision and calling for greater protection for attacking players.
Vinicius questions timing of Real Madrid suspension
Vinicius expressed his frustration at learning about the four-match ban shortly before the Roma match, arguing that the new disciplinary rules had not been properly explained to players.
“I think it was bad timing. They’ve had the whole day to announce the ban, and just as I arrived at the stadium, I was told I’d be out for four league matches.
“I don’t understand why. The truth is, the rule is new; they’ve never explained this to us.
“Someone from La Liga or some other organisation – I don’t know which one – always comes along to explain the new rules to us, but this, specifically this, we’ve been told nothing about.
“I’ve never committed an act of violence against another player. I’ve always kept a cool head; I get hit quite a lot and, in the end, the card always goes to me.”
The suspension will keep the forward out of Madrid’s next four La Liga fixtures, making his availability a significant issue for the team, especially for El Clasico.
Vinicius admits frustration after Roma performance
The Brazilian also accepted that his performance against Roma fell below his own expectations.
He was visibly unhappy after being substituted, but acknowledged the impact made by the players who replaced him.
“It’s normal; I was annoyed after being substituted because I always want to perform well and help the team. The substitutions changed the team.
“Endrick changed the dynamic and was the best on the pitch. And Carlos came on for just a few minutes but scored. I’m annoyed with myself for not being at my best.
“In the end, Vini always comes back, and I have no doubt that I’ll be back too.”
Endrick helped transform the contest, while Carlos Espi scored after coming off the bench as Madrid recovered from a 3-1 deficit to win 4-3.
Vinicius responds to Bernabeu boos and referee criticism
Vinicius also discussed the criticism he has received from Real Madrid supporters, admitting that the boos affect him while recognising the fans’ right to express their opinions.
“The boos certainly don’t help me, but people pay for their tickets. We play better when we have the fans behind us. Jude plays better, Mbappé plays better, I play better.
“I think it’s easier to boo me because I’ve been here longer and I’m one of the captains. I’ll be back.
“When I arrived as a youngster, many laughed at me, but in the end I’ve scored over 100 goals for Real Madrid.”
He then turned his attention to opposition supporters and refereeing decisions, arguing that players who attract attention because of their performances should receive greater protection.
“The fans have to boo me because I’m there to score goals against their teams, but I don’t understand the referees.
“I’ve seen a statistic that says I’ve been fouled 500 times, resulting in five red cards and I don’t know how many yellows – and the yellows are always for Vini.
“I don’t get it. We have to defend players who stand out, like Lamine at Barcelona or Julián at Atletico,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
