Real Madrid News
Bellingham talks Trent, Jobe, Jota, Nico Williams ahead of Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are set to face off later today in the quarterfinal of the FIFA Club World Cup and the game will be one to look out for.
The German side, after all, are on a decent run of form while Los Blancos are also just beginning to adapt to life under the new manager Xabi Alonso.
Kylian Mbappe’s return is a massive boost for the men in white ahead of the critical game, but as the manager stated in his press conference, it is unclear if the Frenchman will start.
One player who will undoubtedly be on the field and have a special night, however, is Jude Bellingham as he faces his former club in the novel event.
Bellingham’s pre-match interview
Speaking to the media ahead of Real Madrid’s game against Borussia Dortmund, the young midfielder opened up on a number of topics ranging from why it was a special game for him to the FIFA Club World Cup.
He began by elaborating on how it felt to play against his former club Borussia Dortmund after all that he had achieved with them.
“I respect Borussia Dortmund and its people very much, I have very good memories and a great respect for that entity. We almost won the league in my last season there, it was a shame.”
“They have changed coaches again and I think they have improved a lot. Even so, I hope we can dominate them during the game and win,” he added.
He then stated that he expected a complicated game and that he backed Real Madrid to come out on top.
“I look forward to a tough match in another stadium and in other playing conditions. They have changed coaches and have improved a lot.”
“We expect a good game, we want to dominate it and win,” he added.
Speaking on last season, the team’s poor run and how they have improved in the FIFA Club World Cup, Bellingham said:
“This season was a little weak, with only two titles, and not the ones this team needs. It’s a great opportunity to win an important title.”
“The weather in Miami was difficult, but I’m enjoying it after a long season. It’s a nice experience and sometimes you don’t spend so much time with your colleagues. It’s a positive experience,” he added on the weather in the United States.
Further explaining his thoughts on the novel event, the former Dortmund star said,
“We really want to play the World Cup of national teams and we are really enjoying it. The stadiums and the fans are very good and it’s nice to see the field full when Madrid plays.”
Tonight’s game was expected to be a special one for the Bellingham family as both brothers were set to face each other on the night.
After all, Jude’s brother Jobe currently plays for the German side. Unfortunately, it will not happen as the younger sibling faces suspension for an accumulation of cards.
“He told me that he had no idea, I think it has happened to us more than once and it’s a shame,” Bellingham said on the same.
“For our family, it would have been something very special, but, well, there will surely be another opportunity. That’s what football is like,” he added.
Towards the end of his interview, the player was asked how Trent Alexander-Arnold was taking the Diogo Jota news, and how it was a devastating blow for football.
“Very hard, it was a very difficult day to process everything. He was a teammate of Trent for five years, I think he is trying to take it in the best possible way.”
“From the club, we send a lot of love to his family, Trent needs time. This tells us how beautiful life is,” he added.
Finally, Bellingham was asked about Nico Williams’ decision to reject Barcelona this summer, to which he simply said,
“It’s something I don’t care about.”
Source: AS
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €40 millon-rated goalkeeper as potential Thibaut Courtois replacement
Real Madrid boast one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the form of Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Belgian is already 34 and his current contract at the club expires at the end of the season.
Although Real Madrid are keen on extending his contract, they are preparing for the possibility of life beyond the veteran goalkeeper as well.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are already keeping tabs on the market and monitoring potential replacements, with Diogo Costa emerging as one of the options.
Real Madrid interested in Diogo Costa
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Costa is among the goalkeepers Real Madrid are interested in, as they look for potential replacements for Courtois.
The Portuguese international is regarded highly and has been endorsed personally by the club’s new goalkeeping coach, Nuno Santos.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be playing a key role in driving the club’s interest in Costa, who currently plies his trade for FC Porto.
At age of just 26, Costa has established himself as the firm number one for the Portugal national team, having already won almost 50 caps.
€40 million for Costa?
Acquiring the services of Diogo Costa, though, won’t be a walk in the park for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international is valued at around €40 million, which the club might see as steep.
But given the experience and the quality Costa offers, Real Madrid do indeed see him as the ideal candidate to replace Courtois, if necessary.
Given that he is also liked by Mourinho and Santos, there is no reason why Real Madrid will be against paying that premium for the goalkeeper, especially if Courtois ends up leaving the club.
Real Madrid, though, are also open to finding an in-house replacement for Courtois, with Javi Navarro, in particular, making a lot of waves in the lower divisions.
That being said, everything indicates Courtois will sign a new contract so there shouldn’t be any immediate need for a replacement.
