Real Madrid News
Al-Hilal mainstay reveals truth behind collapsed Real Madrid transfer – ‘From what I understand…’
Yassine Bounou, better known in football circles as Bono, is preparing to face Real Madrid as Al Hilal’s goalkeeper in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The match is particularly special for the Moroccan international, as he was once on the verge of joining Los Blancos himself.
It must be noted that Bounou made his name with Sevilla. Ironically, he could have been wearing the white shirt of Real Madrid had things turned out differently last summer.
After Thibaut Courtois suffered a serious knee injury in August 2023, Real Madrid explored their options to replace the Belgian.
Bounou confirmed in an interview with Canal Sur Radio that he was their first choice. “That’s what I understand,” he said.
Why the move never happened?
Despite being the top candidate for the role, Bounou’s potential absence during the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2024 became a sticking point.
“The board looked at everything. I would have missed many games in a key month, and that wasn’t ideal for Madrid,” Bounou explained. “They also had other loan options that suited them better.”
Eventually, Real Madrid brought in Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea. But it was Andriy Lunin who stepped up and made the starting position his own in Courtois’ absence.
Facing familiar foes
Bounou is no stranger to Real Madrid. He has played against them ten times, with just two wins and a draw to show for it. In those matches, he has conceded 25 goals.
Still, the 34-year-old is looking forward to the challenge. “I’ve met many Madrid fans on the streets in Spain. There’s always been mutual respect,” he said.
“It will be a great honour to play against them now wearing the shirt of Al Hilal, a club that is recognised around the world.”
Now with a new chapter in front of him, Bounou will be hoping to turn the tables and lead Al Hilal to an upset win, something that would make this reunion all the more memorable.
Source: MARCA
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
