Real Madrid News
Vinicius Jr refused Ancelotti’s offer to be taken off during Valencia vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior was once again the centre of attention against Valencia last night, with the attacker becoming the victim of racial abuse from the opposition fans.
It was the umpteenth time Vinicius was subjected to racial slurs by opposition fans in La Liga this season. And as one would expect, the incident did not go too well with the attacker, who complained to the referee, even telling him “I don’t want to play anymore”.
In the midst of this incident, MARCA reports Carlo Ancelotti had asked the Brazilian if he wanted to come off.
Vinicius refused to come off, as he did not want to bow down to the opposition supporters. He stood up against them, even taunting them by saying Valencia will go down to the second division this season.
A few Valencia players, unsurprisingly, were involved in an altercation with the Real Madrid attacker as well, including the goalkeeper. Vinicius was ultimately sent off after he slapped one of the Valencia players.
At that moment, Real Madrid players did not want Vinicius to come off. They were willing to leave the match if the Brazilian had opted to come off, in protest of the racial slurs.
After the game, Real Madrid have launched a formal complaint to the Prosecutor’s Office against the Valencia supporters, demanding due justice to be meted out.
There have been also speculations over Vinicius’ future, too, but it appears the Brazilian international has no desire to leave Santiago Bernabeu. He had a meeting with Florentino Perez in the morning and is committed to the club.
However, it is true that the player is dejected right now. He desperately wants things to improve in Spanish football.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
