Real Madrid News
AS Roma’s seven-game unbeaten streak poses fresh challenge for Real Madrid
Real Madrid face a difficult Champions League challenge against Roma on their visit to the Stadio Olimpico.
Piero Gasperini’s side have developed into one of Europe’s most organised teams and are unbeaten in their opening seven matches of the season.
Roma’s impressive start reflects the progress made under their manager, whose demanding approach has blended very well with the squad.
Roma’s impressive numbers underline the threat
The Italian side have scored 14 goals and conceded just three this season, giving them the best goal difference in Serie A.
Their defensive success has been built around Gasperini’s preferred three-man back line, supported by aggressive pressing and coordinated movement across the pitch.
Rather than abandoning the tactical principles that made him famous at Atalanta, the manager has assembled a squad suited to his methods.
Donyell Malen, in particular, has emerged as a dangerous attacking star, scoring six goals in six Serie A appearances.
Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala provides the technical quality and creativity needed to unlock opposition defences.
Why Roma could trouble Mourinho’s Madrid
Roma’s tactical structure presents an interesting challenge for Jose Mourinho, particularly given Madrid’s recent difficulties progressing the ball through midfield.
Gasperini’s aggressive man-oriented pressing could disrupt Madrid’s build-up, forcing defenders into hurried passes and isolating their attacking players.
The midfield pairing of Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni will need to offer better passing options than they managed against Villarreal.
Mourinho could choose to play Bernardo Silva instead of one of the duo to help aid in the creativity against the Italian club.
However, Roma’s commitment to the press could also present opportunities. The wing-backs are often caught high up the pitch.
This could potentially leave space for the wingers and Kylian Mbappe to exploit on the counter-attack.
Madrid must exploit Roma’s biggest tactical risk
The key for Madrid could be resisting the temptation to attack too quickly whenever possession is recovered.
Against a well-drilled three-man defence, predictable long balls may simply surrender possession and allow Roma to regain control.
Instead, Mourinho’s side should look to draw Roma’s press forward before switching play into the spaces behind their wing-backs.
Arda Guler’s ability to receive between the lines could be particularly useful in creating those opportunities.
Roma’s unbeaten record shows that they deserve respect and will not be easy to get past, and Madrid will have to play a perfect game.
However, Mourinho has the quality on paper to do just that, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against the Italians.
Real Madrid News
Arsenal, Manchester City had held talks with Real Madrid star over potential move – report
Real Madrid’s Arda Guler has been one of the standout performers for Los Blancos in an otherwise inconsistent start to the season.
The 21-year-old’s rise has not gone unnoticed in the Premier League, with a host of England’s biggest clubs keeping close tabs on the Turkey international.
Now, fresh details have emerged over just how serious that interest became during the summer.
Arsenal and City held talks over Guler
According to Graemy Bailey, both Arsenal and Manchester City held discussions with Guler’s representatives over a potential summer switch to England.
The two clubs were in the market for elite attacking reinforcements and are said to have outlined their plans for the player while attempting to tempt him away from the Spanish capital.
There was hope among the interested parties that Guler’s standing at the Bernabeu might become less secure under new head coach Jose Mourinho, potentially opening the door for an exit.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are also understood to have made contact with his camp during the year, underlining just how coveted the playmaker has become.
Guler commits his future to Madrid
Those hopes, however, have now been firmly extinguished.
Guler had been given assurances by the club’s hierarchy that he remained central to their long-term plans, and he is understood to be a major favourite of president Florentino Perez.
Far from pushing him out, Mourinho has made his admiration clear, handing the youngster regular minutes and a growing role in the side.
That faith was on full display on Wednesday, when Guler delivered two assists as Madrid came from behind to win a thrilling 4-3 contest at Roma.
His future is now effectively settled. Guler has reportedly agreed a new contract that ties him to the club until at least 2031, extending a deal that previously ran to 2029 and rewarding his progress with a salary increase.
