Open Thread: June 9, 2021

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, Ezek Ix or NeRObutBlanco.

Brazil NT squad agrees to play Copa America.

Brazil, with the Casemiro and Militao’s help, won against Paraguay 2-0. After a couple of days of controversy, the players have agreed to play the Copa America. After the game, Casemiro and the other players released the following letter:

“When a Brazilian is born, a fan of the Seleção is also born and to more than 200 million fans, we wrote this letter to express our opinion regarding the organization of Copa America.

We are a cohesive group, but with different ideas. For different reasons, humanitarian or professional, we are unhappy with how Copa America is being conducted by Conmebol, even if it were hosted later in Chile or Brazil.

All recent facts make us believe in an inadequate process in its realization.

It’s important to point out that we never wanted to turn this into a politic discussion. We are conscious about the importance of our position, we follow what is conveyed by the media and we are also present on social media. We also endeavor to avoid the propagation of fake news involving our names regardless of true facts.

Finally, we remember we our workers and professional footballers. We have to fulfill a mission with the history of the yellow and green shirt that represents a five-time world champion. We are against the Copa America organization, but we will never say no to appearing for Brazil’s National Team”.

Benzema injured in first half as Les Bleus take on Bulgaria.

Karim Benzema was subbed in the first half after he took a big hit in France’s game against Bulgaria. Lets hope its nothing serious as KB9 finally makes his return to the national team ahead of the Euros. French coaching staff said to L’Équipe at the pitch-side that at this stage it appears that Benzema received a “knock” rather than something more serious. Didier Deschamps also confirmed the same stating “It is a knock, he took a good hit on the muscle above the knee. He felt that it was hardening so we took no risks.”

Brahim Diaz scores for Spain as AC Milan work on securing his transfer.

Fabrizio Romano reported that AC Milan are negotiating with Real Madrid to get Brahim Diaz on loan, with an option to buy. Mario Cortegana also reported on the news stating “If Real Madrid and Milan come to an agreement over Brahim Diaz, it will either be for a sale of minimum €30 million with a buyback clause, or a loan. Real Madrid’s position over Brahim is clear, they do not want to lose the player. A conversation between Ancelotti and the player is pending”.

Meanwhile the young Spaniard scored as Spain thrashed Lithuania 4-0. Antonio Blanco also made his debut for La Roja.

Could Real Madrid start the season at the Wanda?

As ridiculous as it sounds, Marca reported that Los Blancos have enquired about playing at the home of Atletico Madrid in order to accommodate between 20,000 and 30,000 fans as supporters are gradually allowed back into stadiums. The cordial relationship between the clubs has seen Atletico Madrid declare in the past that they are prepared to allow the Wanda Metropolitano to host Real Madrid matches as the Bernabeu is renovated.

“Let us be clear that we are at Real Madrid’s disposition,” said Enrique Cerezo after the return of LaLiga Santander after the first lockdown in Spain last year. Regardless of the plan to play at the Wanda Metropolitano, Real Madrid don’t want to rush a move back into the Bernabeu.

As a result, they are aiming to return to their home between September and October and have asked LaLiga to adjust the calendar at the start of next season so that they can play as many away matches as possible after the projected August 13 start.