With just 20 days to go until Christmas day, people across the world will be making lists of presents they wish for – if they haven’t already done so.
And Carlo Ancelotti is no different. Top of his Christmas wish list is Xabi Alonso’s new contract. Both Marca and AS carry quotes from the Italian manager this morning on what he wants Santa to bring this year. “For Christmas I want Xabi Alonso to sign a new deal” he said, before adding “a win against Valencia wouldn’t be a bad present either”. Los Blancos take on Valencia on December 22 – the last game before the winter break.
The Italian boss spoke on a number of issues, including Alvaro Morata’s situation at the club. The young forward has been linked with a loan move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, and some reports had suggested a six-month deal had been agreed with Arsenal.
“We need him here, and we have confidence in his ability”, Ancelotti told reporters, putting an end to and transfer talk.
Elsewhere, both Marca and AS also have quotes from fit again Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese international, who is suspended from the Copa del Rey match at the weekend after his sending off on last year’s final, has watched his side continue to win with ease in his absence.
He expresses his happiness at how well the team has continued to play, and admitted his is in the form of his life so far this year. The 28-year-old also touched on the World Cup draw taking place on Friday, and said three teams he wants to avoid playing are Spain, Brazil and Germany.
