Real Madrid News
Real Madrid youngster has told inner circle he is ‘tired’ of always being a substitute – report
Real Madrid mounted a second-half comeback to defeat Villarreal 3-2 on Thursday night and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. Having been trailing by two goals at the break, Los Blancos‘ tremendous showing in the second period stole the show.
However, a particular incident involving Carlo Ancelotti and Rodrygo in the second period has seemingly caught the eye of the fans and the media.
Upon being taken off in the second half, Rodrygo trudged off the pitch and did not acknowledge his manager or shake his hand. This sparked a furious reaction from Ancelotti, who was seen admonishing the Brazilian on the bench soon after.
The manager downplayed the incident in his post-match presser, as he said: “He had a slight muscle strain and I decided not to risk him. He didn’t acknowledge me because I think he forgot, I don’t think it’s a big deal.”
However, according to Antonio Romero on Cadena SER, there could be more to Rodrygo’s actions than just him forgetting to shake Ancelotti’s hands.
As per the report, the 22-year-old forward has been telling his inner circle that he is tired of always being a substitute even though he has shown enough to earn a place in the starting XI.
Furthermore, Rodrygo is also said to have grown frustrated as he feels that even when he does start a game, he is always the first one to be substituted by the manager, as was the case on Thursday night against Villarreal.
Of his 25 appearances this season, Rodrygo has started as many as 18. However, it must be noted that many of those starts came due to Karim Benzema’s injury-enforced absence before the World Cup break. Otherwise, Ancelotti, more often than not, has preferred the frontline of Vinicius Jr, Benzema, and Federico Valverde.
Since the World Cup break, the Brazilian has not started in either of Real Madrid’s two La Liga games, and he was not a part of the first XI against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey either.
Given the number of important goals he scored last season, there is a case to be made for Ancelotti to trust him more in important matches.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
Fazlul Hoque
January 20, 2023 at 8:25 pm
Rodrygo should start as left winger as well giving some rest to Vinicius Jr.
He really deserves more minutes.