Sport
Raul Says He’s Fine at Castilla as Talks of Replacing Ancelotti Grow
Real Madrid legend Raul has addressed the ongoing speculation about him possibly taking over from Carlo Ancelotti as the club’s next head coach.
With questions surrounding Ancelotti’s future at the Bernabeu, reports have suggested that the Italian tactician might part ways with the club at the end of the season. He’s also been strongly linked to the Brazil national team job, especially as his current deal with Real Madrid is set to expire in 2026.
Raul, who currently manages Real Madrid Castilla and has been in that role since 2019, responded calmly when asked about the situation. He made it clear that he’s not letting the rumours distract him.
“I’m happy where I am,” Raul said. “This is where I want to be. When the time comes, and the club decides on anything—if they do—we’ll talk about it. But right now, the focus is on staying calm.”
He emphasized the importance of focusing on the present, as the season is nearing its final stretch and there’s still a lot on the line. Raul added that discussions about his future or any big decisions will come later, stressing that he’s completely at ease for now.
The former striker is one of the most iconic figures in the club’s history, having played 16 seasons in Madrid’s first team. He made 741 appearances, scored 323 goals, and provided 135 assists during his career with the Spanish giants.
Pep Guardiola has chosen Bernardo Silva as Manchester City’s new captain, handing the midfielder the armband without putting it to a team vote. Silva steps into the role following the exit of Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract with City recently expired. Guardiola also named Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland as the team’s new vice-captains for the upcoming season.
Silva’s current contract runs out next summer, meaning his time as captain could be short if no new deal is signed. Though he’s turned down multiple transfer offers in recent windows, interest in the Portuguese playmaker remains strong, with clubs from Saudi Arabia and former side Benfica still keen on him.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to face long-time rivals Ghana’s Black Princesses in a friendly match as part of their build-up to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Justine Madugu’s team also has a second friendly lined up against Portugal, which will be played on Monday, June 23.
The clash with Ghana will take place in Morocco, where the Black Princesses are already camped in Benslimane for their final round of preparations. Meanwhile, the Super Falcons will travel to Portugal later this week to begin their own final training phase ahead of the tournament.
Nigeria is in Group B, where they will take on Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. Ghana, on the other hand, will compete in Group C alongside defending champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania.
Real Madrid might be without Kylian Mbappe for their Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, as the forward is currently down with an illness. Mbappe missed training ahead of the match, and new manager Xabi Alonso says a final decision will be made on game day.
“Kylian felt a bit better this morning, but not well enough just yet,” Alonso said. “We’ll wait till tomorrow morning to make the call.” Madrid could also be missing key players Antonio Rudiger and Eduardo Camavinga.
“Rudiger gave everything this season. I’m not sure he’ll be in the squad, but he’s recovering fast and should be back first. Camavinga is getting better too, but he still needs some time,” Alonso added. Alonso is set to take charge of Madrid for the first time, but injuries and illness may leave him without some of his top stars.
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