Real Madrid News
Ancelotti aware that his decisions against Barcelona, Chelsea will impact his future
Real Madrid play three high-intensity clashes over the next couple of weeks.All games are must-win encounters and finals in their own right.
The first of the three games will be played later tonight against Barcelona in the semifinal of the Copa del Rey. The victor will take on Osasuna as the clear favourite for the trophy and there is thus no shortage of significance for the Clasico semifinal.
Next week, Los Blancos play host to Chelsea in the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League before playing the reverse fixture a week later. Needless to say, there is a lot riding on the upcoming fixtures.
According to reports from Sergio Santos (h/t RM4Arab), Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is aware that the decisions he takes against Barcelona and Chelsea will be decisive for his future at the club.
More importantly, the future of many Real Madrid players too depends on the outcome of these games.
Los Blancos’ management could be looking at an overhaul in the summer in terms of both management and personnel. With multiple stars’ contracts running out in the summer, decisions over their continuity will be taken in the weeks to come and the concurrent results will play a role.
Ancelotti too, in theory, can hold onto his job if he wins a trophy this season. Whether he would want to continue amidst the links with other names, however, is a question for another day.
The Italian tactician must look to change up things when his side takes on Xavi’s Barcelona later today.
In seven clashes against the Spanish tactician as a manager (including a pre-season friendly), Ancelotti has won only twice and lost five times. There is an urgent need to turn around the tide, and it is safe to say that the Real Madrid manager will have the spotlight on him tonight.
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.
