Carlo Ancelotti Denies Rumors Real Madrid Brought In David De Gea

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. (Photo: Twitter @realmadrid)

JAKARTA - Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed rumors that his team will bring in David De Gea. He said Los Blancos would not bring in a new goalkeeper even though Thibaut Courtois is currently injured by ACL.

Ancelotti said Ukraine's reserve goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was ready to fill the void left by Courtois.

"We have full trust in Lunin who is a great goalkeeper," Ancelotti said at a press conference quoted by AFP via Antara.

"He was very good during pre-season. He is talented and his shortcomings are the shortcomings of all young players, experience. Experience he will get day by day," he added.

Courtois is certain to be out of action this season after suffering an anterior ligament injury (ACL) in his left knee during training on Thursday.

Ancelotti said the club might still want to strengthen their goalkeeper options.

"There is still time until August 31. We will see in the next few days whether we will recruit other goalkeepers, to increase the number, because we rely on Lunin," said Ancelotti.

This season will mark the start of a new era in Madrid following the departure of Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabia after 14 years of playing at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 14-time European champions have not signed a replacement for their second-largest goalscorer of all time, although they have signed a Joselu striker on loan from Espanyol and the return of winger Brahim Diaz after his three-year loan spell at AC Milan ended.

"In attack, we are very good. We have different choices," said Ancelotti.

"Two players have arrived and they are bringing positive things. Joselu, thanks to his different characteristics. He is very good in the penalty box, and Brahim can give us more inter-line solutions," said Ancelotti.

Madrid itself brought in a talented young British midfielder, Jude Bellingham for a transfer value of 103 million euros (around Rp1.73 trillion) from Borussia Dortmund.

Ancelotti hopes Bellingham can refresh his midfield, most of which still relies on veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos last season.

The Italian coach even hinted that Bellingham could play in a more attacking position.

"I think he has a greater influence on his opponent if he plays more in the future. He is more dangerous if he plays like a central striker," he concluded.