Real Madrid News
Barcelona midfielder calls Real Madrid the ‘most successful team in the last decade’
Ilkay Gundogan has played a key role in Germany’s Euro 2024 campaign so far and as Die Mannschaft gear up for a Round of 16 encounter against Denmark, the Barcelona midfielder was asked a critical question about mentality.
Gundogan was particularly about potentially playing against tougher opponents such as Spain, France and Portugal.
Gundogan praises Real Madrid’s mentality
While issuing his response, Gundogan mentioned Real Madrid and how the European Champions mentally approach games.
“First of all, we now have to deal with the situation that every 90 minutes could be the last. That is a lot of pressure, and mentality will play a big role,” he said during the interview with FAZ.
“If you look at Real Madrid, the most successful team in the last decade and even longer, how they never felt afraid and always kept their calm, this is amazing,” the midfielder added.
Regarded as one of the most important players in the German team, Gundogan is a seasoned veteran, who won absolutely everything during his time at Manchester City.
Currently plying his trade for Barcelona, Gundogan has not been shy in either praising the opponents or criticising his own team.
Gundogan’s lucid statements, though, have created controversy in Barcelona as not everyone has agreed with his clear assessment of his team’s deficiencies.
Nevertheless, adding to his assessment of how to navigate the challenge of a big opponent, Gundogan further stated, “You also have to recognise when the momentum is on your side and when you really have to punish your opponent. Otherwise, you will quickly be punished yourself.“
In the meantime, Gundogan will be focusing on Germany’s upcoming game on Saturday against Denmark, where he will notably take on his Barcelona teammate Andreas Christensen.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
