Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran heaps praise on Messi after World Cup final: “Totally deserves it”
Argentina become the first South American nation since Brazil in 2002 to lift the FIFA World Cup when they beat France on penalties.
Speaking after the game, Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, who was not part of the German side that got knocked out of the group stages of the competition, offered his thoughts on the World Cup final, while praising Lionel Messi for his outstanding performance.
“The best game of a World Cup that I have seen, I feel like I’ve played it myself,” said Kroos (h/t Real Total), who was part of the German team that played against Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final.
Kroos, though, did not shy away from praising Messi for his outstanding career, suggesting that the Argentine deserved the World Cup.
“Messi totally deserves it. I haven’t seen an individual performance like his in this tournament. He didn’t play for clubs I like but I have to be honest,” he added.
While it was Kylian Mbappe who produced an outstanding display in the final, Messi played a key role as well, notably scoring two goals and initiating the counter that led to the second goal from Argentina. He was subsequently handed the Man of the Match, along with the Best Player of the Tournament award.
After praising Messi, Kroos offered his thoughts on France’s managerial post. He talked about the idea of Zinedine Zidane potentially replacing Didier Deschamps, but suggested that the decision will solely rely upon the decision of the current French boss.
“I’m trying to put my mind to it because I read Deschamps can choose whether to continue or not. I am trying to think how much this result will affect him,” he said.
Kroos backed Zidane to take the job, adding, “I definitely believe that ‘Zizou’ would not only be a good option but also the ideal replacement. Now the question is: what does Didier want? Let’s put it this way: I believe 70:30 that ‘Zizou’ will be the new coach. He is definitely in the mood to train again.”
Real Madrid News
Ancelotti could renew contract with Real Madrid if he wins the Champions League – report
The continuity of Carlo Ancelotti hinges on several factors and journalist Mario Cortegana, while writing for The Athletic, has confirmed that if Real Madrid do not sack him at the end of the season, the Italian will continue to serve the team at least until his current contract, which runs until 2024.
Furthermore, the report also states that Ancelotti could even be handed a contract extension if he leads the team to the UEFA Champions League triumph once again.
It is more than evident that Ancelotti’s Real Madrid future is far from certain. Ever since the managerial role at the Brazilian national team opened up, the 63-year-old is being pursued by the South American team.
Cortegana writes that even though Ancelotti is quite happy at Real Madrid, there remains a possibility that he will, indeed, accept the Brazil role if he were to leave the Spanish capital city as he sees this job as an appealing end to his managerial career.
At Real Madrid, he knows that he will have to keep winning trophies and this season, the La Liga honour is more or less lost. But with the possibility of winning the UEFA Champions League still open, Cortegana has reported that if the Italian does, in fact, succeed at winning the European crown, he might end up renewing his deal with the team.
At the moment, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is trying to keep a respectful distance, but there is absolutely no denying the fact that they have made him their absolute priority.
“Ancelotti is not only the players’ favourite but it seems the fans’ too,” said CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues about Ancelotti.
“Everywhere I go in Brazil, in every stadium, he is the first name the supporters ask me about. They talk about him in a very affectionate way, in recognition of the exemplary work he has done in his career,” he added.
Ancelotti is aware that Brazil want him and Brazil know Ancelotti is ready to join, but everything hinges on what happens with Real Madrid this season.
If they end up winning the Champions League or even if Madrid decided to stick with him until his contract expires [2024], Brazil will be forced to look for alternatives. If not, one can expect the Italian to be the new head coach of the Seleçao.
