Real Madrid News
Real Madrid retain total confidence in underfire key duo – report
Real Madrid find themselves in a difficult situation in the UEFA Champions League following their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool earlier this week.
The result at Anfield meant that Los Blancos have now lost three of their five Champions League encounters, leaving them in the 24th position in the standings and direct passage to the knockout stages unlikely.
Two key figures at the club – manager Carlo Ancelotti and superstar signing Kylian Mbappe – in particular have come under intense criticism for the team’s current predicament.
Mbappe has struggled to get going in his debut season at Real Madrid and was very disappointing against Liverpool, even missing a penalty.
Ancelotti, meanwhile, has been unable to figure out a way to extract the best out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner and help him co-exist with other superstars like Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham on the field.
Real Madrid trust Ancelotti, have confidence in Mbappe
The situation has led to questions being asked of Mbappe while reports of Real Madrid considering parting ways with Ancelotti are also doing the rounds.
However, as per Josep Pedrerol of El Chiringuito TV, Real Madrid retain complete trust in both Ancelotti and Mbappe to turn things around.
Indeed, the Merengues have full confidence in the Italian tactician and will not sack him despite rumours suggesting that Santiago Solari has been identified as an emergency replacement.
As for Mbappe, there is a strong belief within the club that he will come good and grow into an important part of the team despite his recent struggles.
Real Madrid will be in action on Sunday when they face Getafe and all eyes will be on the French superstar to see how he reacts following the dismal display against Liverpool.
Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho wants more attacking options at Real Madrid despite reaching 500-goal milestone
Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to become even more dangerous in attack, despite reaching a significant milestone during their 4-3 victory over AS Roma.
According to MARCA, it has come to light that Antonio Rudiger’s goal against Roma helped Mourinho’s Real Madrid reach 500 goals under his management.
However, the achievement has not changed the Portuguese coach’s desire to add more variety to his team’s attacking play.
In fact, Mourinho wants a side capable of controlling possession, launching rapid counter-attacks and creating danger from set pieces, all without losing the defensive discipline that defines his approach.
Mourinho targets attacking variety at Real Madrid
Real Madrid already have considerable firepower at their disposal, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Yan Diomande, Arda Guler, Carlos Espi and Endrick, giving Mourinho several attacking options.
On top of that, the injured Rodrygo would provide another high-quality alternative once available.
Hence, the challenge is not only to score more goals, but to make Real Madrid less predictable.
Mourinho wants his forwards to exploit their pace in transition while ensuring the team can also break down opponents through patient build-up play.
Set pieces are another important part of his plans, as combining those threats with defensive organisation would give the team more ways to control matches and punish different types of opposition.
Mourinho reaches 500 goals for Real Madrid
Rudiger’s strike against Roma carried added significance because it took Mourinho to 500 goals in 188 matches as Real Madrid manager.
That works out at an average of 2.66 goals per game, the best return among club managers who have overseen at least 50 matches.
La Liga accounts for the largest share, with Real Madrid scoring 345 goals in 122 matches.
They have added 92 goals in 38 Champions League games, 55 in 24 Copa del Rey matches and eight in four Spanish Super Cup fixtures.
Their biggest victory during this spell came in the 2010-11 Copa del Rey, when Madrid beat Levante 8-0.
This season, though, the team are averaging 2.5 goals per match.
Mourinho wants more from Real Madrid’s attack
The numbers underline Real Madrid’s scoring power, but Mourinho is looking beyond the milestone.
His ambition is to build a more versatile attack that can adapt to different opponents rather than rely solely on individual brilliance or quick transitions.
With Mbappe and Vinicius offering pace and penetration, and several other options providing different qualities, Madrid have the personnel to develop that flexibility.
Hence, the next step is making those strengths work together consistently.
Hala_Madrid
November 29, 2024 at 10:56 am
As a coach, Ancelotti is not using Mbappe’s strengths. Mbappe likes to play with a striker, why not play Endrick? He is the only true striker on the squad and positive things do happen whenever he plays within the minimal minutes he is given. Stop playing players out of their natural positions. Use the academy and have more rotations.