Real Madrid prepare to take on Osasuna on Saturday (February 18) at La Liga’s El Sadar. Carlo Ancelotti’s men secured a 4-0 victory in their last game against Elche in midweek.
Meanwhile, Zinedine Zidane has said that he is ready for his next project. On the other hand, Real Betis maintains the hope of getting the signing of Dani Ceballos. Along those lines, here’s a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories on February 17, 2023.
Zinedine Zidane eager for the next project
Zinedine Zidane is looking forward to his next project in football management. The former Real Madrid manager has yet to hold a managerial role in the game since he left Los Blancos in 2021.
He had his heart set on taking charge of Les Bleus, but Didier Deschamps was given a new contract after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Zinedine Zidane: “Now I have time… but I don’t know for how long. I know I want to get back into training,” he said during the Alpine F1 event. 🇫🇷 #Zidane“Maybe I have time until June, but things can go very fast, for sure going back to training is still my wish.” https://t.co/7cqIBfgQgQ
Zidane has been linked with the bench at Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain of late. Speaking recently, as quoted by Marca, the Frenchman said that he could return to management before the end of the season.
“It’s part of our agreement (with Alpine). If I have to commit to a team tomorrow, it won’t stop me from continuing to work. Returning to training is still my wish. Today I have time, but I don’t know how long it will last. I have time right now, maybe until June, but it can also go very quickly,” Zidane said.
Real Madrid could also turn to their former manager if Ancelotti leaves this summer.
Real Betis have hopes in Dani Ceballos
Real Betis still have hopes of signing Dani Ceballos, according to AS.
The Spanish midfielder is in the final months of his contract with Real Madrid but has yet to be offered a new contract. The 26-year-old has had to be patient for his chances this season, but has made the most of his opportunities recently.
5-Dani Ceballos (@realmadriden) has given more assists than any other LaLiga player in 2023 in all competitions (five in 604 minutes played). Begin. https://t.co/ubnWk27JW6
Los Blancos are pleased with his efforts and are reportedly contemplating giving him a new contract. However, Real Madrid are yet to link Ceballos to a new deal, and Betis are growing more confident by the day. The Spaniard has publicly stated on multiple occasions his desire to stay at the Santiago Bernabéu.
However, he could be tempted to return to his alma mater in search of regular football. The 26-year-old has appeared 24 times in competition this season for Los Blancos, scoring one goal and assisting six more.
Carlo Ancelotti says he will rotate the squad for the next Real Madrid match
Carlo Ancelotti has said that he will give his team many chances for the next game against Osasuna. Real Madrid is going through a good run of matches lately, and the Italian doesn’t want to take risks with tired legs.
🗣️ Carlo Ancelotti: “Benzema and Kroos won’t play tomorrow, but Hazard and Courtois are back”. 🗣️ Carlo Ancelotti: “Benzema will not play because he is tired. We want him to be ready for Liverpool”. https://t.co/E98faGShRD
In statements to the press, according to Marca, Ancelotti said that Karim Benzema will rest for the game.
“We don’t want to take risks with a player who is a bit tired. The second day after the game is when there is more fatigue. There are many tired players. It is necessary to take into account that Benzema returns from an injury and the fatigue is different. If tomorrow’s game was against Liverpool, he wouldn’t play,” Ancelotti said.
added:
“I think Karim has done very well after the World Cup. He has scored goals and has given us his contribution. That he is not there tomorrow does not mean that he is injured. We simply prefer, due to his age, to rest him. And we hope he’s good for the rest of the season.”
The French striker has appeared 23 times in Los Blancos competitions this season, racking up 16 goals and four assists.
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