Real Madrid star frustrated with lack of game time amid Premier League and Bundesliga interest - Reports
Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has reportedly become frustrated with his situation at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Ukrainian shot-stopper believes he merits more game time under Carlo Ancelotti.
Lunin, 23, has made seven appearances across competitions, keeping three clean sheets, while deputising for Thibaut Courtois. Madrid boss Ancelotti essentially confirmed that the latter would start in goal for his side's Copa del Rey clash with Villarreal on Thursday (January 19).
The Italian manager said in his pre-match press conference (via MadridUniversal):
“Courtois and Benzema are going to play, yes.”
According to Relevo, Lunin is shocked that his Belgian teammate is starting against Villarreal. He feels that he has been in good form whenever called upon. The goalkeeper loves Real Madrid but was disappointed with Ancelotti's announcement regarding Courtois.
Andriy Lunin pictures celebrating our 14th Champions League trophy.👑🏆
Not a thread.😭 https://t.co/bpTuTGsodA
The Ukrainian has interest from the Premier League and the Bundesliga. He rebuffed an approach from Eredivise champions Ajax this month. Lunin is considering his options and will make a decision about his future in the summer.
Lunin arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from Ukrainian outfit Zorya Lugansk in 2018 for €8.5 million. He has made just 12 appearances since then, keeping three clean sheets. The young goalkeeper has spent loan spells at Real Oviedo, Real Vallodolid and CD Leganes.
Villarreal's Pau Torres expects Real Madrid to be fired up in Copa del Rey clash
Real Madrid travel to the Estadio de la Ceramica to face Villarreal in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey on Thursday (January 19). Ancelotti's side will look to bounce back following their disappointing 3-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final at the weekend.
Villarreal defender Torres alluded to that by saying that Los Blancos will be motivated to get themselves out of their rut. He said (via Mundo Deportivo):
“It will be a motivated Real Madrid side. They will be eager to get out of their bad situation that they are going through, which really is something that could happen to any team. They will come with desire, but we also have a lot of that.”
Villarreal are the ONLY team since Ancelotti's return that Real Madrid have played more than once without winning a single game. https://t.co/NCVEdi3XN7
Madrid will also look to exact revenge for a 2-1 league loss to the Yellow Submarine on January 7. That gifted Barcelona the momentum in the La Liga title race. Ancelotti's men trail their El Clasico rivals by three points after 16 games.
However, Villarreal are in fine form, winning six of their last seven games across competitions. So, their game against Madrid promises to be an exciting matchup.