Actual Madrid goes into the low season realizing it might want to enhance its assault after dropping Karim Benzema and different forwards.
Benzema, the crew’s prime striker in latest seasons and final yr’s Ballon d’Or winner, determined this weekend that he is not going to be again after 14 years on the membership. His final sport was on Sunday, when he scored in a 1-1 draw towards Athletic Bilbao on the ultimate day of the Spanish league.
Additionally, not returning subsequent season are Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Mariano Daz, leaving the membership with few choices in assault.
“That is the place we’ve got to behave and we will do it with none rush,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti mentioned. “Now we have time to do it with none rush. We’re searching for a striker who can rating objectives and hyperlink up effectively with the others.”
Ancelotti mentioned the membership desires the profile of a striker who can crew up effectively with Vincius Jnior and Rodrygo, the younger Brazilian forwards who’re beginning to take a extra main position within the squad.
“For the time being we solely have two forwards, however I am not apprehensive in any respect as a result of we’ve got on a regular basis we have to kind it out,” Ancelotti mentioned. “You win video games with and with out forwards. Forwards usually tend to rating, however what makes the distinction is when a crew performs solidly, compactly, with effort and as a crew.”
Harry Kane is among the many strikers reported to be on the checklist of candidates to exchange Benzema, the 35-year-old Frenchman who is predicted to play in Saudi Arabia.
“His departure has come as a shock to everybody, however we perceive it,” Ancelotti mentioned of Benzema. “It was a last-minute determination. Yesterday (Saturday) he educated usually and at present (Sunday) he is taken this determination. Now we have accepted it.”
Benzema scored Madrid’s lone objective towards Athletic by changing a second-half penalty kick. Ancelotti instantly substituted Benzema, who acquired a standing ovation from the group on the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
“He is thought it by and his determination is a part of the transition of this membership, which continues and can proceed subsequent yr,” Ancelotti mentioned. “Now we have time to mirror on what we’ve got to do. We’ll have a aggressive squad subsequent yr.”
Ancelotti mentioned the membership had needed Asensio to remain however the ahead determined it was time to depart. He mentioned Asensio most well-liked a change of surroundings. Two different gamers have acquired affords to resume their contracts however have but to resolve whether or not they may keep defender Nacho and attacking midfielder Dani Ceballos.
Two veteran midfielders have their contracts expiring – Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is reportedly among the many midfielders needed by Madrid, whose wage invoice will go down significantly following the departures of Benzema and others.
Madrid completed the season with three titles the UEFA Tremendous Cup, Membership World Cup and Copa del Rey. However completed second within the Spanish league, 10 factors behind champion Barcelona and misplaced within the semifinals of the Champions League.
“The season has been good and I am satisfied that subsequent yr might be higher,” Ancelotti mentioned. “Now we’ll come again on 10 July with much more motivation, enthusiasm and need.”
