Real Madrid News
Valverde at right-back: Real Madrid’s likely team setup for Leganes clash
Following the end of the year’s final international break, Real Madrid are set to resume their campaign this weekend as they take on Leganes.
It is a must-win game for Los Blancos, as they look to capitalise on Barcelona’s shock defeat to Real Sociedad earlier in the month.
However, heading into this game, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is facing familiar problems, with multiple star players ruled out due to injuries.
Federico Valverde to operate at right-back?
Keeping that in mind, a recent report from June Lavin has offered a comprehensive outlook on how Ancelotti might set up his team against Leganes this weekend.
First and foremost, Ancelotti has a serious problem in the right-back position, with both Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez ruled out due to injuries.
As a result, the Italian tactician is likely to deploy Federico Valverde in the right-back position. The Uruguayan international doesn’t quite enjoy playing at right-back, but he is willing to sacrifice his comfort for the team.
Elsewhere in defence, Ancelotti could hand Raul Asencio a start in central defence, following the youngster’s impressive cameo against Osasuna.
How will the midfield shape up?
With Valverde operating in defence and Aurelien Tchouameni out injured, Ancelotti is likely to set up a midfield trifecta consisting of Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.
The onus will be on Camavinga to hold the fort in the defensive midfield slot, with additional support from the veteran Modric.
Bellingham will operate in a more advanced role, hoping to add to his tally after his scoring first goal of the season against Osasuna.
In a major update, AS reports that former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has taken his first step towards starting his coaching career.
The former Germany international has told the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that he is interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers.
Real Madrid tried to bring Kroos back
It is no secret that Real Madrid considered bringing Toni Kroos back into the club’s structure after the end of the last season.
The club president, Florentino Perez, had wanted Kroos to have a daily presence at Valdebebas rather than making occasional appearances after his retirement.
Jose Angel Sanchez and Kroos spoke after Perez expressed his desire to see the German working at Valdebebas every day. However, they did not find the right moment, time or structure to give his return a clear form.
A comeback remains one of the possibilities most desired by Madrid supporters because of Kroos’ charisma and what he represents at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither side wanted him to return simply for the sake of it, so the door remains open for the future.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent, and both know that the opportunity to work together again will eventually come.
Taking it step by step
For now, Kroos continues to run the academy he established in Boadilla, enjoying the opportunity to help develop younger players.
After two years away from the competitive side of football, however, he is beginning to look towards the dugout as a possible next step in his career.
Kroos currently holds coaching qualifications that allow him to work up to the third tier of Spanish football.
This is possible because professionals with at least seven years of proven experience and significant involvement at the elite level can gain direct access to accelerated coaching courses.
That means Kroos could coach a team in Primera Federacion, but the German wants to take things gradually.
Kroos has already informed the RFEF that he would be interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers during the 2027/28 season.
The course taking place this season is not available to elite former players, with UEFA limiting each campaign to 20 places.
With his current qualifications, Kroos could work as an assistant coach, but he cannot yet take charge as a head coach in either the top flight or the Segunda División.
But completing that programme would allow Kroos to obtain the UEFA A licence, which would enable him to coach teams at any level.
