Real Madrid News
Real Sociedad wish to sign €5 million-rated Real Madrid defender for free
Real Madrid bid an array of players farewell this summer as many players were seen hitting the exit door. Another one of the club’s out-of-favour defenders is now on their way out as Real Sociedad have shown an interest in acquiring Alvaro Odriozola’s signature.
However, according to Cadena SER (h/t Madrid Xtra), Sociedad would prefer not to pay a fee for Odriozola. The Basque side hope to secure the player’s arrival on a free transfer and do not want to burden themselves financially.
With Odriozola considered an outcast at Madrid as Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti played him for just 93 minutes in the 2022/23 season, Sociedad believe he does not possess much market value and that the player’s insistence on joining his former club may help seal the move on their terms.
Given that the Spanish ace sits below players like Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez, and even Nacho Fernandez in the Real Madrid hierarchy, Los Blancos have been eager to sell him, especially because his contract is set to expire in just one year.
Such desperation to get the Spaniard off the ranks is something Sociedad aim to profit off of.
In the event of a free transfer exit, a benefit for Real Madrid would be clearing Odriozola’s €7 million gross annual salary off the books, which would free up that amount of money and a roster slot for another player.
Getting rid of the player who is involved in Ancelotti’s plans and tactics makes complete sense for Real Madrid. However, the Merengues could fight to fetch something for their €5 million-rated defender, considering he still has a year left on his contract.
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.
