When Man City come calling invariably they get their man, however, some times having all of the money in the world doesn’t guarantee success in the transfer market.

The reigning Premier League champions have money burning a hole in their collective pockets after the sale of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid, and with the new season just a week away, it’s clear that Pep Guardiola’s side need a high quality replacement.

Such transfers are often hard to come by, particularly at a competitive price, but the Cityzens clearly knew who they wanted to replace the Argentinian.

Rodrygo turns down Man City

Unfortunately for them, as AS report, Real Madrid’s double Champions League winner, Rodrygo, isn’t interested in leaving the Spanish top-flight champions.

At 23, the Brazilian is one of Los Blancos recent success stories along with the likes of Vini Jr. and Jude Bellingham, and with Kylian Mbappe now being added to the mix, it’s clear that Rodrygo fancies Madrid’s chances of doing some damage domestically and in Europe again next season.

Given he’d be likely to have to play second fiddle at City, it’s no real surprise that he’s turned down a move to the Etihad Stadium.

Being handsomely paid often appears secondary to players who just want to be out there on the pitch.

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Take Alvarez as the perfect example. According to Capology, he was earning a whopping £100,000 per week, but that still wasn’t enough to keep him at a club that are going to continue going from strength to strength.

Even the pull of working for Pep Guardiola, arguably the greatest coach of his generation and perhaps the best ever has failed to change Rodrygo’s mind.

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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted ‘nothing changes’ for Jude Bellingham following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.

A move long in the making, Mbappe finally left Paris Saint-Germain for Los Blancos this summer at the end of his contract.

Bellingham was the catalyst for Madrid last season, notching an incredible 23 goals and 13 assists across all competitions to help the club lift La Liga, Champions League and Supercopa titles.

The 21-year-old primarily played as an attacking midfielder during his Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund days. However, he often played in a more advanced role during 2023/24, even occupying the No.9 spot on numerous occasions.

Mbappe’s arrival leaves Ancelotti with a headache when it comes to fitting the Frenchman into the team alongside Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Bellingham and fellow new signing Endryk.

For Bellingham, at least, Ancelotti insists it’ll be business as usual.

“Nothing changes for him. Nothing changes,” he said (via BBC Sport). “The first season, he surprised a lot, because he showed fantastic quality, a really mature guy.

“The next season will not be different. He is going to be one of the best players that we have, supporting a lot the team with his quality.”

Ancelotti praises Bellingham and England’s Euro 2024 showing

Bellingham scored twice to help England reach the final of Euro 2024 this summer, eventually losing 2-1 to Spain.

His most famous moment was undoubtedly the overhead kick equaliser in the final moments of their round-of-16 tie against Slovakia, sending the game into extra-time, where Harry Kane scored the winner.

However, Bellingham, Gareth Southgate and the England team as a whole came under heavy criticism throughout the tournament from fans and pundits for some poor performances, struggling through games despite boasting immense attacking talent.

But Ancelotti has a very different view, crediting both Bellingham and England for their showing in Germany.

“This is an opinion but Bellingham played really well at the Euros,” said Ancelotti, when asked about criticism of the England midfielder following some of his performances at the European Championship.

“England played really well, they reached the final and were close to winning it.”

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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti says he know why Jurgen Klopp quit Liverpool at the end of last season.

The German joined the Merseyside club back in 2015 and after almost nine years at the club, he decided to call time on his Anfield career.

Klopp announced his decision to quit Liverpool at the beginning of the year and the Merseyside club have replaced him with Dutch manager Arne Slot.

Ancelotti believes excessive burdens of being a football manager forced Klopp to quit the Premier League club.

He told il Giornale: “I don’t see any particular news, this has always been our job but the Klopp case is significant. The continuous pressure, the load of responsibilities become excessive burdens, the obsession takes over. It also happened to Arrigo Sacchi.”

Klopp was heavily involved in the day to day decision making at the club and his intense style of football along with his passionate attitude proved too much in the end for the former Borussia Dortmund manager.

When he announced his decision to quit Liverpool, he said in a statement:

“It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.

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“After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”

The German manager left Liverpool as a legend of the club guiding them to success in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

He managed to beat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to the Premier League title by achieving 99 points in the league.

Klopp took Liverpool to new heights under his tenure

His tenure will be fondly remembered by fans not only for the success it delivered but also because the way they played football and how they managed to win the trophies.

Klopp made a place in the heart of the Liverpool faithful who were emotional due to his departure and wanted the German to stay.

Slot will have a difficult job now replacing the legendary Klopp at Anfield after what he achieved at the Merseyside club.

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Dynamic Uruguayan midfielder for Real Madrid, Fede Valverde, recently opened up about the intense tactical instructions he received from manager Carlo Ancelotti during Saturday’s Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

Speaking to Movistar, Valverde detailed how the constant instructions from Ancelotti, which led to numerous tactical shifts, left him feeling a bit overwhelmed during the high-stakes match.

The final saw Real Madrid struggle in the first half, as Dortmund created multiple scoring opportunities but failed to capitalise on them. Despite the initial difficulties, Madrid found their rhythm as the game progressed, ultimately securing a 2-0 victory in the final third of the match.

Valverde on Madrid’s tactical reshuffle that inspired second half performance against Borussia Dortmund

Valverde shed light on the fluidity of Madrid’s formation throughout the match, noting that the team eventually settled into a 4-3-3 setup which provided much-needed stability.

The tactical reshuffle saw Federico Valverde initially positioned on the right wing. However, as the game progressed, Rodrygo took over that role, allowing Valverde to join forces with Eduardo Camavinga and Toni Kroos in midfield.

Reflecting on Ancelotti’s directions, Valverde remarked, “Moving it around the field a lot! I understood what he wanted more or less… because he called me so many times that he was a little crazy! But it’s normal, we were receiving a lot of attacks and we changed to 4-3-3, which gave us stability.”

Fede Valverde chasing down legendary Real Madrid midfielders Champions League record

The win marked Valverde’s second Champions League title, a significant achievement for the 25-year-old who looks up to his seasoned midfield partners, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. While Kroos and Modric have each secured six Champions League titles, Valverde’s age and potential indicate that he has ample time to chase down their impressive records.

Real Madrid’s triumph in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund was a masterclass in overcoming adversity. Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments and motivational skills were crucial in turning the tide in Los Blancos’ favour, securing their place in history with a record 15th title, while the Italian tactician recorded his fifth Champions League title – the most by any manager in history.

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Carlo Ancelotti, the esteemed head coach of Real Madrid, attributed the club’s record 15th Champions League title to their unwavering winning mentality.

Despite facing a significant scare against Borussia Dortmund, Ancelotti highlighted the tactical adjustments and mental fortitude that propelled his team to victory.

In the final held at Wembley, Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund with goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr. However, the journey to lifting the trophy was far from smooth.

Real Madrid, traditionally dominant in such fixtures, found themselves on the back foot for considerable periods, with Dortmund’s wasteful finishing providing the Spanish giants a lifeline.

Carlo Ancelotti on Real Madrid’s struggles against Borussia Dortmund

Reflecting on the match, Ancelotti revealed that his team struggled in the first half, particularly with maintaining possession in the opponent’s half. “We lost many balls when arriving in the opponent’s half and we thought that changing the system would be better for us, and to concentrate a few more players in midfield,” Ancelotti explained to Movistar.

The tactical reshuffle saw Federico Valverde initially positioned on the right wing. However, as the game progressed, Rodrygo took over that role, allowing Valverde to join forces with Eduardo Camavinga and Toni Kroos in midfield. “We started with Valverde on the right but then Rodrygo played there and when we brought Valverde back to join Camavinga and Kroos, I think it was better for us in the second half,” Ancelotti added.

Ancelotti admits he “scolded” Vinicius Jr at half-time as Los Blancos found it difficult in the first half

A significant part of Ancelotti’s halftime team talk involved addressing individual performances. In an interview with Movistar, Ancelotti recounted how he had to scold Vinícius Jr. during the interval. “I scolded him a little because I think that in the first half we were a little lazy and we had losses [of possession] that we normally haven’t had,” Ancelotti admitted, as cited by The Metro.

This direct approach paid dividends. Vinicius Jr., revitalised in the second half, not only scored but also showcased greater discipline and urgency in his play.

Ancelotti’s decision to call out his players and make necessary tactical tweaks underlines his experience and ability to inspire his team under pressure. And it’s clear to see why he has five UEFA Champions League titles to his name, the most by any manager in history.

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Toni Kroos brought the curtain down on his club career in style as he helped Real Madrid win yet another Champions League title on Saturday. 

Los Blancos withstood immense pressure from German side Borussia Dortmund before second-half goals from Dani Caravajal and Vinicius Jr delivered their record 15th all-time Champions League crown — as well as their sixth in 11 years.

Joining from Bayern Munich in 2014, Kroos has been a key part of five of those continental successes, as well as four La Liga title runs and a Copa del Rey triumph.

The 34-year-old recently announced he will retire from football following Euro 2024 — where he has been named in Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad that will look to win the tournament as hosts.

Kroos signs off in style

Kroos leaves Real Madrid having made 465 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 28 goals and registering 99 assists.

One of those assists was to set up Carvajal from a corner on Saturday as Real Madrid went 1-0 up at Wembley. However, that only tells a small part of the story as Kroos put in yet another stunning performance for Los Blancos.

The Germany international was withdrawn to a standing ovation in the 85th minute but that was still enough time to post match-highs for touches (108), passes completed (91/94), crosses (9), possessions won (5), chances created (4) and shots on target (2).

Toni Kroos for Real Madrid in his final club game:

? Most touches (108)
? Most passes completed (91/94)
? Most crosses (9)
? Most possessions won (5)
? Most chances created (4)
? Most shots on target (2)
? = Most assists (1)

Signing off in style. ?#UCLFinal pic.twitter.com/DGbLJz0qMQ

— Play Squawka Selector for Free (@Squawka_Live) June 1, 2024

All that remains now is for Kroos to end his career with an international title on home soil, with a potential Euro 2024 medal going nicely alongside his 2014 World Cup honour.

Ancelotti leaves door open for Kroos U-turn

Given the standards Kroos has set this season, it’s easy to imagine him carrying on for at least another year or two.

Indeed, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti even left the door open for Kroos to change his mind on retirement following Saturday’s win over Dortmund.

“I’m really grateful to Kroos,” Ancelotti told reporters (via Sports Mole). “He finished at the very top, there is no way to finish higher than this. He had the boldness to finish it [his career] and he is a legend at this club.

“All the fans are grateful to him for his attitude, his professionalism. I’ve told him we are waiting for him to change his mind — we are waiting for you

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There is ‘no coach more successful’ than Carlo Ancelotti after he guided Real Madrid to another Champions League triumph.

That is the view of legendary Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi, who sang the praises of his compatriot as he picked up a record fifth winners’ medal in club football’s greatest competition.

Real Madrid overcame serious pressure from German side Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on Saturday to win 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.

The victory marks Los Blancos‘ record 15th all-time triumph, leaving them at least eight clear of any other club, while it’s their sixth in the last 11 years alone.

Ancelotti has been responsible for three of those titles — while he won another two with AC Milan between 2003 and 2007 — completing the double this season after Real Madrid won La Liga with just one defeat in 38 games.

-Brócoli, salmón y pasta para cenar.
-¿Y de postre?
-De postre… ¡UNA COPITAAAAAAAAAAAA! pic.twitter.com/yBtTeExwhb

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 1, 2024

Sacchi knows exactly what it takes to reach the pinnacle of football management, with his AC Milan side of 1987-1991 regarded by many as the greatest of all time. Sacchi won two European Cups with that Rossoneri outfit and the 78-year-old is credited with influencing the tactical course of Italian football.

Even he is somewhat lost for words at the achievements of Ancelotti, who was part of Sacchi’s team during his playing days.

“I don’t know what to say about Ancelotti anymore,” Sacchi wrote in La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia) following Saturday’s final. “He amazes me every time. He shows an enviable calmness even though I know that, inside, he quivers, that he would like to go on the pitch and, before matches, he gets nervous.

“He always knows how to fix things, how to put a player on the field. And he is humble in listening to the advice of his collaborators, primarily his son Davide, who is becoming more and more important to him.

“He knew very well that Borussia Dortmund were dangerous because they had considerable physical strength and, especially at the start, they would push on the accelerator. Ancelotti had the skill to explain this to his boys and to convince them to be humble: let’s wait for the right moment and then strike.

“So it was, and after Carvajal’s goal there was no more game. I repeat, full credit to Real Madrid also for what they showed during the event. Carletto put the double in the trophy cabinet, La Liga and Champions League. There is no coach more successful than Ancelotti.”

‘Carletto always the protagonist’

Sacchi’s praise for his former midfield lynchpin didn’t end there, claiming there is ‘nobody like’ Ancelotti and crediting the 64-year-old as the key component behind this glittering period of success for Real Madrid.

“Real Madrid still on the top of Europe. And with full merit, despite suffering in the first half. And my Carletto always the protagonist, this is his fifth Champions League as coach, two with Milan and three with Los Blancos. There’s nobody like him,” Sacchi continued.

“The reason is simple: Ancelotti is phenomenal, he has experience, he knows everything about football, even the smallest secrets and, above all, he is a person who knows how to make himself loved by the players, the managers, the fans.

“There is so much of his in this success, because the Real Madrid of today are a team that know how to fight, that don’t give up, that face the game with grit and determination, and respect the opponent.

“Carletto has transmitted these values to an environment that, at times, has sinned of presumption, believing themselves better than others because of the glory conquered in the past.

“Now these boys, the youngest and the oldest, from Vinicius to Kroos, fight on every ball with a spirit that is to be applauded.”

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Carlo Ancelotti has revealed how he will celebrate after leading Real Madrid to another Champions League trophy as they continue their dominance of European football.

Los Blancos added a 15th Champions League to their already overflowing trophy cabinet as they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night.

Despite being heavy underdogs coming into the contest, the German side took the game by the collar as they burst out of the traps in the first half.

Using their pace and counterattacking prowess, Dortmund cut through the Real Madrid defence on several occasions but squandered each chance that they created.

They were made to regret this wastefulness after just over an hour when Dani Carvajal found the back of the net with a firm header from a corner.

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Vinicius Jr. then scored his side second minutes later, finishing into the far corner after being played through one on one by Jude Bellingham.

Speaking after the contest, Ancelotti hailed his side’s performance and stated, “This is a dream that continues.”

When asked how he would celebrate the victory the Italian manager simply stated, “A cigar. And Cibeles”.

Despite his unprecedented success in European football Ancelotti seems as ambitious as ever to keep winning major silverware with Real Madrid.

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It was another brilliant evening for Real Madrid in the Champions League as they beat Borussia Dortmund to win their 15th European title.

Late goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side a 2-0 win at Wembley, despite a poor first half showing, with Dortmund inches from taking the lead after Niclas Fullkrug struck the post.

The win means Real Madrid finish the season with a La Liga and Champions League double, as Ancelotti won his fifth Champions League title, the most by a coach ever.

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In a break from usual Wembley tradition Madrid were presented with the famous trophy on the pitch rather than taking the traditional walk up the Wembley steps.

Captain Nacho lifted the trophy before wild celebrations ensured with confetti and fireworks going off, a fitting end for the side with the most European Cups in history.

Watch: Real Madrid lift the Champions League

"THE KINGS ARE BACK ON THEIR THRONE!" ?

Real Madrid lift the Champions League trophy for a record-extending 15th time ?#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/2i8etNwtIg

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 1, 2024

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Real Madrid take on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night, and Kylian Mbappe is likely to be an interested spectator.

It’s long been contended that he will sign for Los Blancos this summer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, his home for the past seven years.

The Frenchman has remained tight-lipped throughout the past few months despite rumours of his impending move filling the column inches.

Real’s push towards another Champions League title has arguably had something to do with the announcement being delayed, though clearly there is no real rush if both sides are known to have agreed on his contract.

Kylian Mbappe set to be unveiled by Real Madrid

It appears that the waiting could soon be over, however.

“It’s a crucial weekend for the Kylian Mbappe deal because Real Madrid are working on everything in terms of an announcement being made after the Champions League final,” Fabrizio Romano said to CaughtOffside for his exclusive Daily Briefing.

“Let me confirm one crucial point from Real Madrid sources and also sources close to the player… the message on his salary is very clear. Kylian Mbappe’s fixed salary will be absolutely in the same range as other stars at the club like Jude Bellingham or Vinicius Jr.

“It will not be anywhere close to the salary he had on the table from Madrid two years ago. That’s absolutely confirmed.

“Of course what’s going to make the difference is his image rights. He will own a good part of the image rights in the agreement, but don’t forget the signing fee of over €100m, split over the five years of his contract.

“We are just waiting on the formal steps and then guys, it’s gonna be time for the big reveal.”

Either the announcement will just add to the fervour in the Spanish capital if Real have brought home another title, or it will lift the squad and the supporters after a devastating defeat.

From Mbappe’s point of view, either way it’s a win-win.

He will join a team who won the Spanish top-flight with ease last season, Jude Bellingham becoming the surprise of the campaign after going on an epic goalscoring spree as soon as he pulled the famous white shirt on.

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Club stalwarts such as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric continued playing to their usual high standard, and Thibaut Courtois’ injury allowed Andriy Lunin to come to the fore.

With Mbappe leading the line next season alongside the likes of Vini Jr., Real will have genuine power, pace and creativity up front.

They’ll be hard to beat given just how well equipped their front line will be, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the club get themselves to yet another Champions League final in 12 months time.

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