Real Madrid News
Tensions rising at Real Madrid after Super Cup loss, Villarreal clash seen as a ‘final’
According to MARCA, Real Madrid’s defeat to Barcelona in the finals of the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday night has sent the alarm bells ringing. Tensions are said to be rising within the camp after a torrid start to the second half of the season post-World Cup.
Real Madrid resumed their campaign with a late, unconvincing win over Real Valladolid and just about managed to beat fourth-division side Cacereno in the Copa del Rey. Following that, Villarreal managed to get the better of Carlo Ancelotti’s men in La Liga.
As per the report, following the loss to Quique Setien’s side, doubts had started to creep in at Real Madrid as they flew to Riyadh for the Super Cup.
And the unconvincing display against Valencia, where they needed penalties to win the semi-finals, only served to increase those doubts.
Ancelotti had made it a point to warn the team about their defensive lapses in recent matches as well as the lack of intensity.
But on Sunday, Real Madrid seemed to have not heeded their manager’s repeated warnings as they were all over the place defensively, while they failed to show the heart and fight one usually associates with them.
Each of Barcelona’s three games came from the Merengues being unable to deal with the opponents’ press while they hardly offered much bite going forward on the night, with Karim Benzema’s late goal coming as a mere consolation.
While the Spanish Super Cup is not seen as a major title, it is still a trophy, and Real Madrid pride themselves on winning silverware. And losing to their arch-rivals in the manner that they did has now seen tensions increase within the camp.
Following the disappointment, Real Madrid are now viewing the upcoming Copa del Rey clash against Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica as a ‘final’ of sorts.
Their record away against the Yellow Submarines has been abysmal in recent times and Ancelotti & co. will need to produce a strong reaction to ease any talks of crisis at the club after the poor run of results.
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.
Pat Grey
January 16, 2023 at 2:24 pm
The old coach no longer has the energy and inspiration to lead the team. He misreads his players, makes terrible miscalculations in his team selection, fails to realize the need to recruit good strikers and aggressive defenders, and always babbling about not needing any additions to his ageing players and feckless wingers! He needs to be replaced asap.