Real Madrid News
Alonso and Real Madrid open to €90 million-rated star’s exit amid Arsenal talks
There has been a lot of noise surrounding the future of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo in recent months as he has gradually lost prominence in the team.
The Brazilian international missed a series of matches towards the end of the season casting aspersions over his continuity. Things have not changed for him under new manager Xabi Alonso as he has been marginalised at the FIFA Club World Cup.
After starting in the opener against Al-Hilal, Rodrygo has barely featured at the tournament, being an unused substitute in two of the three games since.
Alonso, Real Madrid open to his sale
Now, according to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid are now open to the departure of Rodrygo from the club this summer.
Indeed, if a suitable offer comes along and the player asks to leave, Los Blancos will not stand in the way of his departure.
There had been concerns about Rodrygo’s lack of motivation in training in the recent past but things appeared to have changed under Alonso. Despite that, it seems like the 24-year-old has been unable to fully win over the new coach.
Furthermore, the attacker’s father and agent, Eric Goes, is understood to have complained to the club about the player’s role especially when he was sidelined at the expense of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham.
Those complaints did not go down well at the club and that, coupled with Rodrygo’s poor form, have seemingly convinced the club to part ways with him.
Arsenal keen
As has already been confirmed, Arsenal are one of the clubs showing the strongest interest in signing Rodrygo this summer.
The aforementioned report adds that the Premier League side have already held preliminary talks with the Brazilian’s camp in recent weeks to test the waters.
Arsenal’s coaching staff believe that Rodrygo can be a key signing for them, given his versatility and quality.
With Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid now opening the doors for his sale, things could get moving once the Club World Cup ends.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.
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.
