Real Madrid News
Real Madrid very happy with young loanee’s development at La Liga club
Real Madrid saw a number of young talents from the Castilla squad leave the club during the summer transfer window, most on permanent transfers.
Rafa Marin was one of the few youngsters to leave the Spanish capital club on loan, after he signed a new contract until 2026.
Even though the towering defender had offers from Real Betis, where he could play European football, Real Madrid opted to send him out on loan to Deportivo Alaves.
It was a strategic move from Los Blancos as they believed Marin could play more at the newly-promoted club, as they never hesitate to give opportunities to the young players. And the decision seems to be paying off.
Real Madrid very happy with Marin’s development
Indeed, as per a report from MARCA, Real Madrid are very happy with how things are going for Rafa Marin at Alaves and how the young defensive prodigy is progressing.
The 21-year-old centre-back has featured in ten of Alaves’ 13 La Liga games this season and has also played in their only Copa del Rey fixture, clocking a total of 633 minutes in the process.
Marin has been on a special plan to improve his strength and physicality and is showing positive results. As per the report, Real Madrid believe that the Spaniard is now stronger, faster, and more powerful than he was before leaving for Alaves.
The report states that Marin has gained 2 kg of pure (clean) muscle in the last month. The work has allowed him to increase his top speed in competition to over 33 km/h. And the centre-back has gained 1.8 cm in arm circumference.
Marin will have a place in the Madrid squad next season
After loaning out Marin, Real Madrid encountered injury problems in the defensive department as Eder Militao ruptured his ACL and David Alaba also had fitness issues.
That, coupled with the fact that Nacho’s contract expires at the end of the season, means that Real Madrid plan on keeping Marin as part of the squad at the Santiago Bernabeu once he returns from his loan spell at Alaves.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid like 44-year-old Premier League manager as a candidate to replace Ancelotti
The situation around Carlo Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid could not be more confusing.
Real Madrid believe that the Italian tactician has not committed his future to any third party and are now interested in renewing his contract beyond this summer. They hope to close the deal by Christmas, per sources.
Concurrently, however, the Brazilian Football Confederation are confident that the coach will join forces with them next summer and see the manager have committed his future to them.
Real Madrid preparing for both situations
Indeed, it is Real Madrid’s priority to renew Ancelotti’s contract beyond this summer, when it is set to expire. However, they are aware that the uncertainty does not bode well and are preparing for the worst anyway.
Los Blancos thus have a long list of potential candidates who could take over in the event Ancelotti leaves. One name on the list is that of Roberto de Zerbi.
Mario Cortegana goes on to confirm the same as part of his latest report. The reliable Spanish journalist states that Los Blancos like the Brighton & Hove Albion manager’s profile.
But he adds that no move has been made yet, contrary to previous reports stating that contact had been established.
De Zerbi is seen as one of the best managers for the long haul, for he focuses his attention on developing his players’ profiles from the grassroots levels. Considering the youth riches in Real Madrid, he could indeed be a good fit.
Ancelotti’s latest stance
The Real Madrid manager has been largely coy over his future in recent months. He has said on numerous occasions that he is open to a renewal although talks do not appear to be progressing beyond the speculative stage.
Earlier this week, the manager spoke to the media and addressed the volatile topic of his future.
“I feel very comfortable in Madrid. In the future, what will happen will happen. I’m not in any hurry, I’m very happy,” he said, hinting towards continuing in Madrid.
Yet, nothing can be said for sure in the world of football until it actually pans out.
