Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will announce three more player renewals soon after Kroos’ extension
The summer of 2023 was always going to be critical for Real Madrid. For starters, the Merengues always saw the window as one where the team would witness a change of guard to a new generation. Moreover, with several stars’ contracts running out this summer, it was always going to be an uphill battle.
The talk until June, unsurprisingly, centred around renewals of key players. After all, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos, Marco Asensio, Dani Ceballos, and Nacho Fernandez were amongst the names set to be out of contract.
Yet, the renewals now seem to be forgotten amidst the club’s newfound hunt for new signings. MARCA provides an update on the quiescent operations.
According to the Spanish outlet, Real Madrid always planned to announce the contract terminations first and then focus on extending deals with players. After all, they have an agreement in principle with all those who opted to stay.
The new contracts of Luka Modric, Dani Ceballos, and Nacho Fernandez will thus be announced in the coming days. Toni Kroos’ renewal, which was also on hold for a long time, was announced earlier today.
Of the three players, the Croatian international’s renewal to stay was the easiest for Real Madrid to agree on. After all, Modric was clear that he wished to play at the highest level for one more year irrespective of his role.
The sagas of Ceballos and Nacho were far more difficult. Both Spaniards seriously considered a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu in search of a more prominent role. In the end, however, they could not resist Los Blancos’ final offer.
Looking ahead to next season, none of the aforementioned players have guaranteed roles in the starting lineup. While Nacho faces the same competition as last season, the midfielders will likely be behind Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham on the pecking order.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid retain total confidence in Carlo Ancelotti despite derby disaster – report
Sunday night was a disappointing one for Real Madrid as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby at the Civitas Metropolitano.
The Merengues suffered their first defeat of the 2023/24 season as former striker Alvaro Morata scored a brace for the Rojiblancos while Antoine Griezmann was also on target.
Real Madrid might be feeling aggrieved by some of the calls made by the referee on the night but they were just not good enough to secure all three points at the Metropolitano.
Real Madrid retain full confidence in Ancelotti
Despite the disappointing performance and outcome, Real Madrid retain their full and total confidence in manager Carlo Ancelotti, reports Jose Felix Diaz (via RM4Arab).
There had been question marks about the team selection made by the manager for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
After all, the Italian opted to bench Joselu from the starting XI to bring in Luka Modric and shift the tactics.
Aurelien Tchouameni was also left out despite being one of the team’s strongest performers this season with Toni Kroos being preferred.
The Real Madrid hierarchy wishes for the manager to trust the next-gen midfield for the big games but Ancelotti’s selection indicated that he is still not ready to do so.
Despite there being some differences, the board retains full confidence in Ancelotti.
Ancelotti accepts blame for defeat
It was a disappointing performance from Real Madrid in their biggest test of the 2023/24 season so far and speaking after the match, manager Ancelotti accepted the blame for the outcome.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility. It’s my fault,” Ancelotti said.
With the game done and dusted, Real Madrid now turn their focus towards producing a strong comeback when they face Las Palmas later this week.
