"He is quite annoying" - Pachuca forward Salomon Rondon speaks up on going up against Real Madrid duo in Intercontinental Cup clash

Pachuca forward Salomon Rondon has spoken up about going up against Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Mexican club will face off against the Spanish giants in the Intercontinental Cup clash, which will take place later today (December 18) at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

Los Blancos are widely seen as favorites for the match, despite their poor run of form. They have struggled to string wins together in all competitions, notably enduring a shock UEFA Champions League campaign that has seen them win three games and lose three games.

However, Salomon Rondon believes it will be a task to face Real Madrid, especially against their goalkeeper and star defender. Rondon spoke about facing Antonio Rudiger, having played against the 31-year-old German in England. He said, in an interview with Spanish outlet AS (via Madrid Universal):

“I have faced him a couple of times in England. I know he is quite annoying and likes to bother the forwards. It is his way of playing and he is respected. I know what tricks Rudiger is up to and I won’t pay any attention to them.”

Salomon Rondon has also played against Thibaut Courtois. He spoke about the 32-year-old Belgian goalkeeper:

“I have also faced him. But all the Real Madrid players are of a very high level. I have faced all kinds of defenders, Van Dijk and Yerry Mina in the national team, who is also quite a pain.

"They are centre-backs, their job is to make you lose control and lose focus, but at this stage of my career I will enjoy it like a child."

Clearly, Rondon, who once played for clubs like West Brom and Everton, is ready for the heavy-duty task against the Spanish giants.

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Carlo Ancelotti speaks about being in control of the Real Madrid squad

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has responded to questions about losing control of the Los Blancos squad. The manager has not enjoyed the best start to the season. A topsy-turvy Champions League campaign has not been helped by their performances in La Liga, where they have won 11 games out of 17.

However, he laughed at comments that he had lost control of the dressing room, telling the press (via Tribuna):

"You're asking me if I've lost control? (laughs) It's a difficult question. I haven't lost it, of course, no. Football goes through tough times – it has always been that way. Sometimes it happens in October and November, and sometimes in April and May. The important thing is to keep moving forward... I can assure you that I haven't lost control [over the players]."

After their Intercontinental Cup match against Pachuca, Real Madrid will return to La Liga to face Sevilla. The match will take place on December 22 at the Santiago Bernabeu.