Real Madrid News
Barcelona boss shares thoughts on Alonso’s appointment and Modric’s farewell – ‘I know his philosophy’
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, fresh off completing a domestic treble in his debut season with the club, offered a composed yet respectful take on Real Madrid’s latest managerial move.
Following Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Athletic Club on the final day of the La Liga campaign, Flick addressed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the new head coach of Los Blancos.
After months of speculation, Real Madrid confirmed that Alonso would take the reins on a three-year deal, two years guaranteed, with the third year conditional on results.
The decision has generated excitement across Spanish football, especially after Alonso’s impressive success with Bayer Leverkusen.
The Spaniard not only broke Bayern Munich’s grip on the Bundesliga but also guided his side to a domestic treble during the 2023/24 season, mirroring Flick’s debut campaign at Barça.
Flick’s take on Xabi Alonso
Asked about Alonso’s arrival, Flick replied with honesty and admiration, stating, “It’s no surprise. I know him. I’ve spoken with him. I know his philosophy, and we’ve seen the success he’s achieved in Germany.
“His level at Bayern has been very good. He’s improved the level of many players. I like seeing him here.”
The former Germany and Bayern Munich boss knows what it takes to succeed in a competitive European league, and his nod of respect to Alonso signals the high regard he holds for his new managerial counterpart in El Clasico.
On Modric’s exit
The Barcelona manager also took a moment to acknowledge Luka Modric, who has confirmed his departure from Real Madrid after an illustrious spell with the club.
“At this age, to play at that level, you have to have a great mentality, a good attitude, and professionalism.
“I wish him the best because he has given a lot to football, and I wish him luck in the next step he takes in his life,” he noted.
Source: MARCA
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid weighing up January move for €70 million-rated Arsenal midfielder – report
Real Madrid’s midfield is the one department where Jose Mourinho sees clear scope for improvement, especially given that the club did not sanction his wish for a top midfield signing in the summer.
While Bernardo Silva has chipped in as a handy option to feature in the deep midfield, the club still lacks a controlling and creative option who can glue the team together.
In that sense, there is a clear lacuna that Real Madrid need to address and Defensa Central brings to light that the club have opened up to a potential target.
Zubimendi emerges as a target
Indeed, the player in question is Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi who the club have seen as a target for a long time, and Real Madrid could even go on to sign him in January.
The Spanish international has not started off the new season well under Mikel Arteta and has primarily featured as a substitute. He does, thus, see a move to Madrid with good eyes in every sense.
Real Madrid, for their part, have not ruled out his signing as was reported in recent months and there is even a chance they seriously pursue him in the winter transfer window as a mid-season fix.
The possible fee
The Spanish outlet also add that Zubimendi’s move to Real Madrid could be completed for a fee similar to what Arsenal paid for the player for his transfer from Real Sociedad – €70 million.
Mourinho’s insistence on making a new midfield signing is no secret, and with a clear target now in mind, the board could well back him with the player he wishes.
Notably, however, even Chelsea are seriously interested in his signing.
So far, Federico Valverde has been Real Madrid’s mainstay in midfield, and Aurelien Tchouameni’s return will change the team’s dynamics in the department.
Neither player, however, offers the control and distribution skill set that the team direly lack.
A big part of whether or not the club pushes for Zubimendi, however, will depend on how the Valverde-Tchouameni combination plays out in the coming months. It is, after all, the manager’s first-choice combination for big games.
