Real Madrid News
Atletico star holds no grudge against Real Madrid over being released – ‘I’ll always be grateful’
Speaking in an interview with MARCA, Atletico Madrid young midfielder Pablo Barrios stated that he does not hold any grudges against arch-rivals Real Madrid after being let go by their academy during his youth career.
Barrios started out at the academy of Real Madrid, but was released back in 2017, when he was just 14 years old.
The 22-year-old had spent quite a few years at La Fabrica by then, so being rejected by the club would have come as a bitter blow.
However, Barrios stated that he did not bear any resentment towards Real Madrid and that he would always be grateful to the club as it helped him reach where he is now.
“I took it naturally. I was very young. And I’ll always be grateful because, thanks to that, I’m where I am,” said the Spanish international.
“Not at all. Zero [resentment]. I even have many friends who support Real Madrid. 50/50, I’d say,” he added.
Barrios also revealed that he had been played as a centre-back during his time at Real Madrid, when he was only seven years old.
“Yes, when I was little. I was seven. I played there and I liked it,” he reminisced.
Real Madrid lost 2-5 to Atletico Madrid last month in the first derby of the season in La Liga, something that Barrios claimed that he enjoyed a great deal.
“I don’t know if it was the best day [as an Atletico player], but it was a great day. I really enjoyed it, the team was great, everything went great. It was a great day,” he admitted.
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.
