Real Madrid goes into the offseason knowing it will need to boost its attack after losing Karim Benzema and other forwards. (More Football News)
Benzema, the team's top striker in recent seasons and last year's Ballon d'Or winner, decided this weekend that he will not be back after 14 years at the club. His last game was on Sunday when he scored in a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao on the final day of the Spanish league.
Also not returning next season are Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Mariano Díaz, leaving the club with few options in attack.
바카라That's where we have to act and we're going to do it without any rush,바카라 Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. 바카라We 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.바카라
Ancelotti said the club wants the profile of a striker who can team up well with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, the young Brazilian forwards 바카라who are starting to take a more leading role바카라 in the squad.
바카라At 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,바카라 Ancelotti said. 바카라You 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.바카라
Harry Kane is among the strikers reported to be on the list of candidates to replace Benzema, the 35-year-old Frenchman who is expected to play in Saudi Arabia.
바카라His departure has come as a surprise to everyone, but we understand it,바카라 Ancelotti said of Benzema. 바카라It was a last-minute decision. Yesterday (Saturday) he trained normally and today (Sunday) he's taken this decision. We have accepted it.바카라
Benzema scored Madrid's lone goal against Athletic by converting a second-half penalty kick. Ancelotti immediately substituted Benzema, who received a standing ovation from the crowd at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
바카라He's thought it through and his decision is part of the transition of this club, which continues and will continue next year,바카라 Ancelotti said. 바카라 We have time to reflect on what we have to do. We'll have a competitive squad next year.바카라
Ancelotti said the club had wanted Asensio to stay, but the forward decided it was time to leave. He said Asensio 바카라preferred a change of scenery.바카라
Two other players have received offers to renew their contracts, but have yet to decide whether they will stay 바카라 defender Nacho and attacking midfielder Dani Ceballos.
Two veteran midfielders have their contracts expiring 바카라 Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is reportedly among the midfielders wanted by Madrid, whose salary bill will go down considerably following the departures of Benzema and others.
Madrid finished the season with three titles 바카라 the UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup and Copa del Rey. But finished second in the Spanish league, 10 points behind champion Barcelona and lost in the semifinals of the Champions League.
바카라The season has been good and I'm convinced that next year will be better,바카라 Ancelotti said. 바카라Now we'll come back on 10 July with even more motivation, enthusiasm and desire.바카라
