Real Madrid News
Vincent Kompany comes to Eden Hazard’s defence amid poor form: “Still magic in him”
Eden Hazard’s career at Real Madrid appears set to end in pitiable fashion. The transfer that was supposed to bring magic back to Santiago Bernabeu did not take long to become a dreaded nightmare and has stayed so ever since.
The winger saw ten rare minutes when Los Blancos played against Cadiz at weekend but failed to complete either of his attempted dribbles and recorded just 12 touches of the ball.
In a recent interview with Belgian outlet RTBF via Mundo Deportivo, former Manchester City star and current Burnley manager Vincent Kompany had words in support of Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard and insisted that there were still beautiful things that could happen during his spell at Real Madrid.
“You can still score in the Champions League final, you can win a title. There is still magic in this player, in the person. And we have to wait for the best so that it ends as it deserves.”
He then revealed his theory to reason out his compatriot’s poor run of form at the Spanish Club and was optimistic that Hazard would soon find his stride again.
“The most important thing is that Eden had injuries and that’s what changed. You have to respect the fact that you don’t control injuries. He has dealt with the injuries and sequelae, and it is always difficult to come back.”
While scoring in the UEFA Champions League final would be a fairytale touch to the Belgian’s dismal season under Carlo Ancelotti, the chances of it happening are very bleak. After all, Hazard has only played three UCL games for the club this season and has started only once. Further, he has not been involved at all since the team make it to the knockout stages.
Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Benzema, Kane, Fran Garcia, Ceballos ahead of Real Madrid vs Athletic Club
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has said that club captain Karim Benzema is ready to play his side’s last league game against Athletic Club while also citing that one must not forget that the Frenchman still has one more year left on his current deal.
Speaking ahead of Madrid’s final game of the 2022/23 season, the manager spoke on several aspects, including the team’s transfer plans, Benzema’s future and his own continuity.
When asked about Benzema, the manager said (h/t SPORT), “Benzema is ready to play tomorrow, he’s recovered.” He went on to add, “I agree with Benzema. Internet is not the reality. He has another year on his contract. I think it’s clear.”
At the same time, he subsequently admitted that Benzema is mostly on his way out. “The legends of this club have to retire at Real Madrid. This is what I believe and what the club believes. But the player maybe doesn’t think the same.”
In terms of the squad for the upcoming game, he mentioned, “We want to say goodbye to our fans. They’re all ready to play. Only Mariano won’t be there, the others are fine. We want to finish in the best possible way. Then we’ll rest and prepare for next season.”
Meanwhile, Benzema’s potential departure would mean Madrid will look to sign a new number 9. In this regard, Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is said to be on the list and while addressing the same, the Italian said,
“Harry Kane? I’m sure you all are curious to see what will happen next season. But Kane is a Tottenham player and we have to respect this.”
He went on to add, “I think we’re going to have a different squad [next season]. There are players whose contracts are running out, but it will be a competitive squad and one that makes me very excited.”
Furthermore, the manager also confirmed that he will be at Real Madrid next season. “I’m happy at Real Madrid. No problems with the club. I’m very happy to continue and we will try to do better next season.”
Madrid’s main man also went on to admit that he cannot make everyone in the squad happy.
“It is true that some have had little prominence, but I have tried to keep all the players motivated. It is impossible to keep them all happy. Sometimes you have to put up with that discontent from the players. I feel that there are some who have played very little.”
Speaking about the plan for the next season, he added, “Next year’s squad will be very competitive. Obviously there are contracts that expire and there will be different players. But it will be competitive.”
“Yes, it’s true — Fran García will be our first signing,” Ancelotti confirmed, but refused to talk about Brahim Diaz’s potential arrival.
“Brahim Díaz? I can’t say anything on him right now, I can’t comment…”.
He also revealed that the likes of Nacho and Dani Ceballos will decide their own fate. “They know what we think of them. I think they have everything very clear. They are waiting for the end of the season to decide what they want to do. Everything is in their hands.”
When asked about Brahim Diaz, he simply said, “I can’t talk about him right now.”
Lastly, when asked how much would he rate the 2022/23 season, he said, “It’s difficult to rate yourself. What I can say is that it’s been a very long season. We’ve worked hard and sometimes I haven’t always been able to transmit a very high level of motivation.
“It’s not It’s easy to motivate every three days. I’ve given everything I could give. I put myself on a positive note, but next year I’m going to do better,” he concluded.
