“With Ancelotti and Raúl, Álvaro is in the best hands at the best club”
Joyce Moreno, Álvaro Rodríguez’s agent, spoke to Carrusel Deportivo after the forward’s late equaliser in the Madrid derby.
Álvaro Rodríguez came to Real Madrid’s rescue, heading in a late equaliser in Saturday’s derby at the Bernabéu - his debut goal fir the first team. Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for the 18-year-old Castilla forward, telling reporters in his post-match press conference that Álvaro will be handed more chances with the senior side. The player’s agent Joyce Moreno however, says the coach has made no promises regarding a place in the first team squad next season. Since making his debut against Cacereño in the Copa del Rey last month, Álvaro has made three appearances under Ancelotti, scoring one and creating another.
Late goal. “It was at the south end, from a corner. I was focusing on him as it was taken. When I watched his run, I knew that he’d get to the ball and score. He did just that. When I saw the ball go in I fell to my knees and started to cry ”
Ancelotti’s comments regarding the first team. “Ancelotti hasn’t said anything to Álvaro about being part of the first team.”
The header. “It’s one of his strengths.” “He’s 6 foot 4; I’ve seen him scores goals like that many times.”
After the game. “We hugged, the first thing he has asked me was how Castilla were getting on (against San Fernando). That says a lot about his commitment to his team mates.”
Level-headed with feet firmly on the ground. “He has been saying that since I have been with him. He is aware of the situation, he is a boy who has dreams but his feet are firmly on the ground.
Character. “He is an extremely calm boy, it’s surprising how mature he is. Since I’ve been with him, he has gone from being a reserve for the Under-18s up to Castilla, the Under-19s, playing in the Youth League, Spain’s Under-18s, Uruguay’s Under-20s, Madrid’s first team...”
The future. “He still has a lot of room for improvement, that’s what surprised me the most when I first saw him. It is important that his development and his potential is managed very well. He is in the best club and in the best hands, with Raúl and Ancelotti”.
Uruguay or Spain? “He has stated that he feels charrúa (inclined towards Uruguay). It might be difficult for him to choose Spain ”