Outgoing Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has called new arrival Dean Huijsen a “very good signing” and described the La Liga golden boot race as a “motivation” for top scorer Kylian Mbappe.
Centre-back Huijsen’s departure for Madrid was confirmed by Bournemouth on Saturday after the deposed Spanish champions activated the 20-year-old’s £50 million release clause to end his season-long spell in the Premier League.
Huijsen will join a squad including Paris Saint-Germain all-time top scorer Mbappe, who has netted 39 times in all competitions since joining Madrid from the French champions last summer.
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Dean Huijsen: Real Madrid signing ‘very good’
“[Huijsen’s] a great player with a great future and potential,” said Ancelotti, who will become Brazil manager after the end of a Madrid campaign that has ended without a major trophy.
“He’s a very good signing. All Real Madrid signings bring excitement, because this team is always at the top and always wants to be at the top.
“Last year we didn’t think it was possible to strengthen [in defence] because we had the return of [David] Alaba and [Eder] Militao and [Dani] Carvajal, but injuries have hurt us.”
La Liga golden boot: Mbappe vs Lewandowski
France talisman Mbappe’s total of 28 league goals put him three ahead of champions Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski in the golden boot race.
Madrid visit Sevilla on Sunday (18:00 GMT), when Barca simultaneously host Villarreal. Madrid host Real Sociedad on the final day on May 25, when Barcelona travel to Athletic Club.
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“It’s a motivation,” Ancelotti said of Mbappe’s chances of finishing as the leading marksman. “For him, it’s important, and it means he’s performed well this season.
“For a first season at Real Madrid, [his tally is] very good. I think he can still get more out of his performance, but we have to be honest: his first season at Real Madrid has been very good.”
Real Madrid injuries ‘problem’
Barcelona won all four meetings between the top two this season, including a 4-3 win at home to Madrid on May 11 that was all-but decisive in the title race despite a hat-trick from Mbappe.
“We mustn’t forget that in the last Clasico, we were missing the four defenders who had started the season,” pointed out Ancelotti.
“Carvajal, Militao, [Antonio] Rudiger, [Ferland] Mendy and Alaba were all missing. The injuries we’ve had in defence have been an obvious problem, because they’ve been to very important players.
“We have to congratulate Barcelona because they played beautiful football. They deserved the league title and next year it will be a different story with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico [Madrid] fighting for the title.”
Ancelotti praises Real Madrid transfers
One of the most successful managers of all time, Ancelotti first managed Madrid between 2013 and 2015 and took over for his current second tenure in 2021.
The Italian, whose trophies at the club have included two La Liga titles and the Champions League three times, said he had been “listened to” when he requested backing in the transfer market.
“Since I’ve been here, Real Madrid have signed, if I’m not forgetting someone, [Eduardo] Camavinga, Rudiger, [Jude] Bellingham, [Aurelian] Tchouameni, Mbappe,” reflected Ancelotti. “Could I have asked for more? No.
“All the decisions the club has made have been agreed with the coaching staff and with me. There is nothing more to add.
“Last year we had more or less the same injury problems and we were able to fix it, but this year it has been more complicated.”
Ancelotti on Valverde, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Courtois
“You could get more out of each of us, but to make an assessment of players like [Federico] Valverde, Vini Jr [Vinicius Junior], Rodrygo or [Thibaut] Courtois is impossible.
“I will never criticise players who have given me so much joy over the last four years. For me, they will continue to be the best, even if at times they are not able to perform at their best.”
“I am grateful for the affection of my colleagues. I feel good, because having the affection of my colleagues is a nice thing and it means that they appreciate your work and your way of being. That’s why I’m going to enjoy these days.”
Xabi Alonso is expected to succeed Ancelotti imminently after the former Madrid midfielder announced he is leaving Bayer Leverkusen.
Dean Huijsen stats
Huijsen joined Bournemouth from Juventus last summer and has been instrumental in the club’s record-breaking campaign, which has seen Andoni Iraola’s side already break their highest points tally in the Premier League.
The Spain international has made 30 appearances in the top flight this season, scoring against Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal.
Madrid have handed Huijsen a five-year contract, although he will remain a Bournemouth player for their final two games of the season.
