Real Madrid News
Roberto Carlos opens up on Marcelo’s development at Real Madrid
Roberto Carlos and Marcelo are amongst the all-time greats at Real Madrid. The Brazilians are rightly considered to be the best left-backs to have graced the game at the Santiago Bernabeu.
As revealed in a documentary via Amazon Prime (h/t Madrid Xtra), Roberto Carlos spoke about playing with Marcelo and the role he had on the latter’s development.
“I can’t say I was Marcelo’s mentor, he did it all himself. I tried to help him. I continue try to help him became the best left-back not only in Real Madrid’s history but in the world [history],” said Carlos.
Carlos played 11 seasons for the Galacticos from 1995 to 2007, winning three UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga trophies. His legacy was thought to be irreplaceable until Marcelo continued the magic on the left flank with his unreal attacking contributions.
The left-back has won four Champions League titles and as many Club World Cups in his time at Madrid. Add to that five La Liga trophies and five Spanish Super cups amongst others and Marcelo has a strong case to be called the greatest left-back in the club’s history.
This season, the Brazilian has been far from his best, however. Age is catching up with the Real Madrid legend, and his physical and sporting decline has been very steep.
His game against Villarreal is proof that his time as an elite footballer is coming to an end. However, one hopes that he gets the grand and fitting farewell that he deserves.
Real Madrid News
Harry Kane’s signing could complicate Real Madrid’s plan to sign Erling Haaland in 2024
Those sitting in the Real Madrid offices are aware that the team needs an emergency number 9. In this context, manager Carlo Ancelotti has already affirmed that they are working on some targets, although he decided not to reveal any names.
Now, what makes this operation trickier is that Madrid already have Erling Haaland on their agenda. The Manchester City forward is billed for the summer of 2024, meaning that any signing Madrid make this year will be extremely short-term.
A couple of days back, we reported that Ancelotti has made the signing of Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane his priority. The manager is of the idea that the England international will be the ideal candidate to provide competition to Benzema, whose physical fitness is now deteriorating.
As far as Kane is concerned, the Tottenham forward is rightly expected to leave and fellow Premier League side Manchester United happen to be interested in his acquisition as well.
It is not really difficult for Madrid to sign Kane, but the fact that Madrid already have Haaland in their plans is a problem, reports AS. At 29 years of age, Kane is not someone who would step down from his starting role when Haaland arrives.
Add to it the continuity of Benzema is yet another issue. All this means there is a high possibility that if Kane arrives, the team will overbook the number 9 position.
At the moment, there is a parade of names that Madrid are following, namely, Goncalo Ramos, Dusan Vlahovic and even Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but nothing is certain at the moment.
What Madrid need is a short-term option, someone who is either willing to settle for a secondary role, even when Benzema leave/retires or is ready to come on a season-long loan to cover the position until Madrid sign Haaland in 2024. Either way, Harry Kane does not fit the bill.
