Open Thread: January 3, 2021.

Hola Madridistas!

The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, YoSnail or Oscnar.

Starting 2021 with a win!

Los Blancos started the year with a good win and three points against Celta. Real had 41% of possession, which is the lowest record for a win at home under Zidane. Lucas Vasquez was named the official man of the match. Real Madrid temporarily go top of the table. The game, as usual, was broken down in the Immediate Reaction, Player Ratings, and Three Answers and Three Questions articles. There is also the Managing Madrid podcast post-game:

Zidane: Benzema is not tired!!

Zinedine Zidane appeared in the press room at the Alfredo Di Stéfano following the clash with Celta. The Real Madrid coach said: “It was a complete performance from us today, from the first minute to the last. When asked if Benzema, who has scored eight goals in La Liga, needed a break, following a slightly jaded showing, Zidane disagreed stating “I don’t think he’s tired. I think he did well and I took him off so that another player could play”.

On Hazard Zidane reiterated that “We have to take it slowly and not force anything. He has to get back to his best and take it slowly. That’s all it is.”

Nacho and Lucas were two other players who were praised by Zidane. With regard to the defender’s performance the coach said “He’s been professional his whole life and he’s a hugely important player. Whenever he plays he does a great job and he showed that again today.

On Vasquez Zidane said “Lucas has been doing a great job. He’s a very reliable player and a really important player for Real Madrid. He gives it everything on the pitch. I’m delighted for him and we all know that he has great quality.”

Transfer Updates.

Marca have reported that Real Madrid have made a concrete offer of 10m€ a season for 4-years to David Alaba and that the club is very close to signing the Austrian who’s very excited to join Real Madrid.

Kubo has accepted Getafe’s loan offer for the rest of the season. AS reported that Villarreal’s coach Emery has said that Kubo told him he is looking for a way to leave. Thus, Getafe is close to sealing the loan deal for Kubo, but Real Madrid don’t want to give up any euro of the fee of the deal between them and Villarreal.

Inter Milan midfielder Christian Eriksen offered himself to Real Madrid, but the offer has not been taken into account yet.

According to AS, Camavinga is still a priority for Real Madrid in the summer and his signing is independent of Modric’s contract renewal.

Is Marco Asensio back to his best?