Real Madrid News
Rodrygo talks Vinicius, Benzema, Ancelotti, Barcelona, Liverpool, Casemiro and Marcelo
As the season has gone on, a certain Rodrygo has gone to become a more important player at Real Madrid. The Brazilian was playing multiple fiddles below Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema, and even Federico Valverde, but has taken a huge step forward since last season.
This season, in the league, Rodrygo has four goals and five assists in just 18 appearances, out of which, 12 have been starts. He has also been on target thrice in the Champions League.
Ahead of Madrid’s game against Elche on 15th, the youngster was in conversation with GOAL, the quotes for which have been relayed by Madrid Universal.
On the Club World Cup: “I think when we are there (South America), it is the most important competition, the one that everyone wants to play, the one that everyone wants to win. You don’t live that so much here, but it is very important. We treat the game very seriously, we play very well, we have given everything in the game, because we didn’t want to lose. Then, to celebrate I think we celebrate it as much as if we were in America.”
On signing for Real Madrid: “When my father gave me the news, I had two shirts: one from Barcelona, and one from Real Madrid. I had to choose. It was very easy for me to choose. But everything was agreed with Barcelona, it was a surprise for me, I did not expect Madrid to come. It was a scare but then one of the happiest moments of my life.”
On Florentino Perez: “I am very happy with him. He is very fond of me, and I am fond of him. The first time we talked was when I came here to know everything. Always very affectionate with me, it was a very special meeting.”
On the Copa del Rey game vs Barça: “It is a title that we have not won in recent years, whether against Barcelona or any other team. We are very motivated and we really want to win it and of course, El Clasico is always very special, it is always special, it is always very difficult to play against Barcelona.
On La Liga: “It’s always possible, we have to believe until the end. I think that, in my first season, we were also far behind Atletico and then we came back. It’s very difficult but we are going to try to go back and win all the remaining games. Let’s see what happens.”
On his position: “In the 4-2-3-1, behind Karim, it’s the position I like the most and everyone knows this. I always talk to the coach. Of course, I can play in all positions, but that’s where I feel most comfortable when it comes to playing. I played a very good game against Elche there.”
On Ancelotti: “My relationship with Ancelotti is very good, it always helps me a lot, he gives me a lot of instructions.”
On Casemiro: “He was very necessary for us, because he always helped us a lot, both on the pitch and off it. We are young, and we need many things, and he, for leading us for a long time. Just like Marcelo, the two of them always helped us and we miss them both.”
On Madrid missing penalties: “I’m always here to take responsibility. As in the World Cup. When they asked who wants to shoot, I was there, and I will always be there. I will never avoid responsibilities.”
On the Liverpool clash: “The game there is going to be very difficult, we already know this. Playing against Liverpool is always difficult whether with or without fans, but at Anfield even more. We are ready.”
On leaving Madrid: “No, I would be loyal to Real Madrid.”
On the next Madrid player to win the Ballon d’Or: “Karim again, and then Rodrygo (laughs).”
On Vinicius: “Vini is very calm, he is always smiling as you can see. On this subject, it does bother us a little, not only Vinicius, everyone in there. But, we feel that we have nothing more to do, we have no more strength. We always talk and nothing changes.”
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
