Real Madrid News
Real Madrid not ruling out sacking Ancelotti if team loses to Athletic Club – report
Just days after suffering a crushing 5-1 aggregate defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, Real Madrid now face a must-win LaLiga clash against Athletic Club today at Santiago Bernabeu.
The timing of the match couldn’t be more delicate, with confidence shaken, pressure building, and the future of Carlo Ancelotti under serious scrutiny.
While many reports suggest Real Madrid are preparing a legends’ exit for Ancelotti, who has a good relationship with the board, the club are not ruling out the Italian’s sudden departure either.
Ancelotti could face the ace vs Athletic Club
According to journalist June Lavin, Real Madrid are not ruling out drastic decisions if the team fails to respond against Athletic Club today.
A poor result could force Madrid’s top brass to consider relieving Ancelotti of his duties, despite just weeks remaining in the season.
Ancelotti, who has already faced questions over his long-term future, was heavily criticised for Madrid’s lacklustre performance over both legs against Arsenal.
More than the team’s performances on the pitch, it appears the Italian has simply lost the dressing room and that winning spirit is missing.
Although Real Madrid are out of the Champions League this season, the club still have a considerable chance of winning both La Liga and Copa Del Rey.
But if Real Madrid continue to remain devoid of leadership, the club may easily falter against Barcelona in the race to win the league title.
Therefore, Real Madrid are ready to take harsh actions if necessary. And to that end, the upcoming match against Athletic Club could be an acid test of sorts for the Italian coach.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
