Carlo Ancelotti reiterates that Real Madrid won’t make any move in January.
Amid speculation about Real Madrid’s potential signings in January, manager Carlo Ancelotti clarified the club’s transfer strategy following Dani Carvajal’s season-ending injury. Despite concerns over Real Madrid’s defensive depth, Ancelotti dismissed the need for new signings, referencing how the team successfully managed injuries last season. “I have not asked for new signings in January,” Ancelotti stated during a press conference on October 18, though he acknowledged that bringing in new talent isn’t off the table. He emphasized that signing a player of Real Madrid’s caliber is challenging. For now, the club will rely on Éder Militão and Lucas Vázquez, with David Alaba expected to return soon to strengthen the defense. Despite links to players like Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jeremie Frimpong, Ancelotti remains confident Real Madrid can navigate their injury setbacks, as they did in the previous season.
⚪️👀 Carlo Ancelotti: “We’re not planning for January signings as we did very well last season…
…and I am sure we will do very well this season”. pic.twitter.com/WQ2Xk7jGJy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 18, 2024
Bronny shows out despite the heavy loss in the Lakers’ final preseason game.
In the Lakers’ preseason finale, despite resting their starters and losing 132-74 to the Warriors, rookie guard Bronny James showed significant improvement. The eldest son of LeBron James, drafted 55th by L.A., started and scored 17 points on 7-for-17 shooting, with 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block in 35 minutes. After struggling in his first five preseason games, scoring just 8 points on poor shooting, James found his rhythm. He made his first shot quickly and connected on a 3-pointer before the second quarter ended. Lakers coach JJ Redick praised Bronny’s development, emphasizing the importance of learning from both successes and failures. James expressed confidence from the performance, saying it boosted his belief heading into the season, even if he’s not part of the regular rotation yet, with possible G League games on the horizon.
BRONNY JAMES TONIGHT:
17 POINTS
4 REBOUNDS
3 STEALS
1 BLOCKpic.twitter.com/pE5ZvoUD6L— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 19, 2024
Erik ten Hag confirms United is monitoring the progress of their former defender.
Manchester United is reportedly considering re-signing 21-year-old left-back Álvaro Carreras from Benfica. Carreras, who left United for €6 million in the summer of 2024, has been impressive since joining Benfica, attracting interest from multiple clubs, including his former side. United has a €20 million buy-back clause in Carreras’ contract, giving them control over his potential return. Manager Erik ten Hag addressed the speculation, stating that while the club is monitoring Carreras’ progress, they will carefully assess whether he is ready for the Premier League. “Playing for Manchester United in the Premier League is not easy. You need experience,” Ten Hag explained. Carreras has been a standout performer for Benfica this season, including his role in their 4-0 Champions League win against Atlético Madrid, making him a potential future option for the Red Devils.
🔴👀 Ten Hag on Álvaro Carreras: “We control the situation. We have to assess the situation, to see if he can be an option for us, we have a specific clause”.
“But playing at Man United is not so easy, it takes time. You need to develop”. pic.twitter.com/8w9HZDya5H
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 19, 2024
Como 1907 appoints Raphaël Varane as one of the club’s board members.
Raphaël Varane, the former France World Cup winner, has joined the board of Como 1907 following his recent Retirement from football due to injury. After suffering a knee injury during his debut for the Serie A club, Varane decided to step away from the game, having faced numerous injuries in recent seasons, including during his time at Manchester United. Como 1907’s statement outlined Varane’s new role, where he will collaborate with Osian Roberts, Head of Development, and Juliette Bolon, Head of Education, to focus on youth development. During his Manchester United tenure, Varane became a vocal advocate for player welfare, and in recent interviews, he shared his vision for promoting creativity in football rather than conforming to a uniform style. Varane’s new position reflects his commitment to fostering a more dynamic and free-flowing approach to the sport.
🚨🇫🇷 Raphael Varane has been appointed as a new board member for Como, all signed.
The decision has been confirmed after his retirement. pic.twitter.com/9JhLgjoIo8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 19, 2024
Serhou Guirassy’s last minute goal gives Dortmund a win over St. Pauli.
Borussia Dortmund secured their fourth straight Bundesliga win of the season, defeating newly-promoted St. Pauli to maintain their perfect home record. The game began with high intensity, as St. Pauli’s Oladapo Afolayan fired wide early on, and Dortmund’s Guirassy forced a save in the sixth minute. Though Dortmund dominated possession, St. Pauli remained a threat on the counter. St. Pauli’s Morgan Guilavogui thought he had scored in the 31st minute, but VAR ruled it offside. Dortmund broke through just before halftime, with Pascal Groß crossing for Ramy Bensebaini to head in the opener. In the second half, Dortmund piled on the pressure, but St. Pauli defended well. In the 78th minute, Eric Smith equalized with a long-range strike, but Jamie Gittens’ cross set up Guirassy for the winner five minutes later.
FT: Borussia Dortmund 2-1 St. Pauli.
3 POINTS FOR BORUSSIA DORTMUND THANKS TO SERHOU GUIRASSY! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VNhDgvNQSF
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) October 18, 2024