Real Madrid News
Real Madrid set to award contract extension to 23-year-old ace – report
Real Madrid have never been a club to gift contract extensions to their players. Only hard work and good performances can assure a player of a secure future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The most recent example includes that of Marcelo, who left the club after not receiving a renewal offer, and Marco Asensio, who seems set to depart the club in less than a year.
According to reports from MARCA, Los Blancos’ backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has earned the club’s trust. Real Madrid are working on a contract extension to see him at the club for the foreseeable future.
Ancelotti’s side picked up the player from Zorya Luhansk in 2019 for a nominal fee of €11 million. The Ukrainian international signed a six-year deal with the Spanish side and committed his future until 2025.
His role in the team was largely restricted to the bench last season, but he made good use of the minutes he received. His performance against Cadiz, in particular, caught the attention of scouts across the globe.
On the night at Estadio Ramon de Carranza, Lunin made six saves, including five from inside the box. He also saved a penalty in the second half to rescue his team from a tricky situation.
With Thibaut Courtois only 30, Lunin could spend a few more seasons without much prominence.
Needless to say, clubs across the globe will look to use that point to lure him away from Madrid. At the same time, Los Blancos will not want to lose out on such a talented youngster.
Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Kroos, Modric, Bellingham, Vinicius ahead of Atletico vs Real Madrid
After escaping with a narrow 1-0 win against Union Berlin in the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid face a tough task this weekend as they travel to the other side of the Spanish capital to face their old pals Atletico Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have put in several solid offensive performances through the season so far, but have found it difficult to finish chances, often relying on Jude Bellingham to rescue the game in the last moments.
Their task will be much tougher against an Atletico side that is winless in two games and looking to get back up on the curb.
On them, Ancelotti commented, “Tomorrow’s game is an important one. Atletico Madrid area a strong rival. We can’t wait to play.”
Injury updates: Vinicius, Guler, Bellingham
Vinicius Jr has missed the last three games due to injury, but will be evaluated today to decide his participation tomorrow.
“He will be in the squad for tomorrow’s game,” Ancelotti updated the press. “We will decide tomorrow if he starts or not.”
He also said, “Vinicius has 100% recovered. Zero risks. He would not be in the squad for the game tomorrow, otherwise. We will see tomorrow.”
“He has not played for weeks, so he obviously lacks rhythm.”
As far as Arda Guler is concerned, the Turkish midfielder is yet to make his debut for the club, but is expected to join team training as early as Monday.
“Arda will start training with the team on Monday.”
Jude Bellingham left Madrid training early yesterday, which sounded some alarm bells at the club. However, Ancelotti confirmed that he will be playing tomorrow, and that there was no reason to panic.
“Jude Bellingham will play tomorrow.”
“I would not cry if he did not play. We have other players [laughs],” he joked.
Kroos, Modric, and rotations
Real Madrid have a star-studded squad, which means legendary midfielders such as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are often left out of the starting lineup. The duo are reportedly unhappy with their role.
Ancelotti was asked about this, to which he replied, “It hurts to leave them on the bench. But only them, Valverde, Tchouameni, too. It’s always hard to leave a player on the bench.”
“They understand it because the competition is very high. I understand that a player comes out sad when he is substituted. But I do it to make the player more active.”
El Clasico vs Madrid Derby
Ancelotti was also asked to compare the Madrid derby to El Clasico, and which one he preferred more.
“There is no difference. We like to prepare for matches like these, to be champions, because there is a special tension. There is excitement and we want to win and be champions.”
“The Madrid derby is always a special game. A lot of quality between two rivals. Atletico played very well against Lazio,” he added.
Source: RMTV
