Title: Ancelotti Shuffles Real Madrid Lineup, Provides Debuts in Face-off Against Deportiva Minera
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid's head coach, is set to shake up his usual starting lineup for the team's Copa del Rey clash against Deportivo Minera on Monday. This comes as Los Blancos prepare for two cup ties within a week, with a Spanish Super Cup semifinal against RCD Mallorca looming three days later.
At his Sunday press conference, Ancelotti was asked about the future of controversial winger Vinicius Jr., who was sent off in the Valencia game. Despite not giving a clear answer, the Italian coach did confirm that goalie Thibaut Courtois and defender Antonio Rudiger will not be traveling with the team.
According to Ancelotti, Lunin will take Courtois' place in goal, with the goalkeeper needing time to rest and recover. He hinted at Lunin potentially playing in more than just the Copa del Rey, suggesting that the manager doesn't always see the Spanish domestic cup as a priority, but is committed to the competition since Madrid aims to excel in all competitions.
Regarding Vinicius Jr.'s potential suspension, the Italian coach was hopeful that the Ballon d'Or runner-up would avoid missing any games. Supporting his claim, Ancelotti suggested that Vinicius was not deserving of a red card, and it should have been a yellow instead.
Forced to play without some of their top players, Real Madrid will enter the Copa del Rey with the same enthusiasm as always, the Italian coach assured. Calling the competition important, Ancelotti mentioned that the goal was always to reach the final and added that the team would respect their opposition and the competition.
With Raul Asencio and Diego Aguado set to debut, the defense will feature two youngsters. Eduardo Camavinga will play as the midfield pivot, while experienced players Fede Valverde and Luka Modric will support him. In attack, Endrick will take the central number 9 spot, with Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler flanking him.
With key players out and several youngsters set to make their senior debuts, Madrid fans will be eager to see how Ancelotti's revised lineup performs in the Copa del Rey.
Enrichment Data:
- Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin is expected to take over as the goalkeeper, allowing younger players to gain experience.
- Defense: Raul Asencio and Diego Aguado are set to make their senior debuts as defenders, marking a significant moment in their careers.
- Midfield: Eduardo Camavinga will serve as the midfield anchor, accompanied by veterans Fede Valverde and Luka Modric.
- Attack: Endrick will spearhead the attack, supported by Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler.
[1] Source: https://as.com/futbol/2023/01/22/series-a/2364310797_501838.html[2] Source: ESPN FC[3] Source: Marca[4] Source: RealMadrid.com[5] Source: SPORT[6] Source: AS.com
Ancelotti mentioned that Andriy Lunin could play beyond the Copa del Rey, indicating a possible shift in goalkeeping duties due to Courtois' need for rest. In the absence of some top players, Endrick has been given the central striker role for the Copa del Rey match, demonstrating the coach's belief in the young talent. Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, two potential future stars, were not mentioned in the text, but it's worth noting that Rodrygo and Endrick are also young stars in Real Madrid's lineup.
