Real Madrid News
Alaves boss unfazed by tricky Real Madrid clash – ‘I like facing the best’
Alaves head coach Eduardo Coudet has made it clear that he welcomes the challenge of facing football’s elite rather than fearing it, just as he prepares to host Real Madrid.
With Xabi Alonso’s side travelling to Mendizorroza under scrutiny following recent setbacks, the Alaves coach was careful not to read too much into Madrid’s current situation, instead stressing respect, focus and ambition.
Real Madrid head into this game with questions surrounding form and injuries, but Coudet made it clear that none of that alters the magnitude of the task facing his team.
For the Alaves manager, the badge alone demands maximum concentration.
“Anyone who plays for Madrid is very good, and to beat them we will need a great performance,” he said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Warning to his players
Coudet appears to be rooted in realism rather than fear. He recognises the depth of quality available to Alonso, regardless of absentees or recent results.
Expanding on that thought, he highlighted the level of difficulty his players should expect, adding,
“They are a top-class opponent, with a lot of quality, the kind that makes games more complicated than usual. I like facing the best.”
Rather than setting his side up reactively, he made it clear that his philosophy does not change based on the opponent, even when that opponent is Real Madrid.
In fact, he narrowed his focus to the immediate challenge in front of him, explaining: “I’m only focusing on the nearest goal.”
Another factor that could play a role is the venue itself. The clash with Real Madrid will be Alaves’ second consecutive home game, and Coudet believes that Mendizorroza can once again provide an edge.
He assured that the squad is “much more comfortable” playing in front of their own fans, a detail that even Real Madrid will have to take note of.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
