Real Madrid to focus on rebuilding its attack after losing Benzema
MADRID — Real Madrid goes into the offseason figuring out it might want to enhance its assault after shedding Karim Benzema and different forwards.
Benzema, the workforce’s high striker in current seasons and final 12 months’s Ballon d’Or winner, determined this weekend that he won’t be again after 14 years on the membership. His final recreation was on Sunday, when he scored in a 1-1 draw in opposition to Athletic Bilbao on the ultimate day of the Spanish league.
Also not returning subsequent season are Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Mariano Diaz, leaving the membership with few choices in assault.
“That’s where we have to act and we’re going to do it without any rush,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti mentioned. “We have time to do it without any rush. We’re looking for a striker who can score goals and link up well with the others.”
Ancelotti mentioned the membership needs the profile of a striker who can workforce up nicely with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, the younger Brazilian forwards “who are starting to take a more leading role” within the squad.
“At the moment we only have two forwards, but I’m not worried at all because we have all the time we need to sort it out,” Ancelotti mentioned. “You win games with and without forwards. Forwards are more likely to score, but what makes the difference is when a team plays solidly, compactly, with effort and as a team.”
Harry Kane is among the many strikers reported to be on the listing of candidates to interchange Benzema, the 35-year-old Frenchman who is predicted to play in Saudi Arabia.
“His departure has come as a surprise to everyone, but we understand it,” Ancelotti mentioned of Benzema. “It was a last-minute decision. Yesterday (Saturday) he trained normally and today (Sunday) he’s taken this decision. We have accepted it.”
Benzema scored Madrid’s lone objective in opposition to Athletic by changing a second-half penalty kick. Ancelotti instantly substituted Benzema, who acquired a standing ovation from the gang on the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
“He’s thought it through and his decision is part of the transition of this club, which continues and will continue next year,” Ancelotti mentioned. ” We have time to mirror on what now we have to do. We’ll have a aggressive squad subsequent 12 months.”
Ancelotti mentioned the membership had wished Asensio to remain however the ahead determined it was time to depart. He mentioned Asensio “preferred a change of scenery.”
Two different gamers have acquired provides to resume their contracts however have but to resolve whether or not they are going to 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 wished 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 Super Cup, Club World Cup and Copa del Rey. But 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’m convinced that next year will be better,” Ancelotti mentioned. “Now we’ll come back on 10 July with even more motivation, enthusiasm and desire.”
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