Real Madrid News
Atletico Madrid star reacts to Marc Cucurella’s Real Madrid move: ‘I love him to bits’
Marc Cucurella’s arrival at Real Madrid has generated plenty of reactions across Spanish football, and one of the most notable has come from Atletico Madrid midfielder Alex Baena.
The pair share a close friendship away from football, and Baena recently posted a message on social media that many interpreted as a playful reference to Cucurella’s switch to Real Madrid.
Writing on Instagram, the Atletico Madrid midfielder shared a photo alongside his Spain teammate and captioned it with the words, “Last month as friends.”
The post gathered significant attention, particularly because of the fierce rivalry between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Baena on Cucurella transfer: friendship beyond club rivalries
Both players are currently representing Spain at the World Cup, where the atmosphere within the national team camp has become one of the tournament’s most talked-about stories.
Footballers from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and other clubs continue to spend time together despite competing against each other throughout the season.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Baena was asked about his social media message and the suggestion that he enjoys teasing Real Madrid supporters.
The midfielder immediately made it clear that his relationship with Cucurella remains extremely close.
“(Laughs) I love him to bits. He’s the sort of person you can’t help but like. Personally, I wish him all the best – except when it comes to the club.”
Baena backs Cucurella to succeed at Real Madrid
Baena praises Cucurella not only as a friend but also as a footballer, insisting that the defender has fully earned the opportunity to join one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The Atletico Madrid midfielder believes the Spain international deserves recognition for his development in recent years and is confident he can thrive at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I think he deserves this move because he’s proved himself to be a top player, one of the best full-backs in the world too.
“I hope he does really well, that he and his family are very happy in Madrid, and we’ll see each other round there,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
