Real Madrid News
Benzema on his decision to leave Real Madrid: “It was time for a new challenge”
Karim Benzema has enjoyed a strong start to the new season in Saudi Arabia. Since his move to Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid earlier this year, the Frenchman has made seven appearances in the Saudi Professional League.
He already has three goals and two assists to his name in the competition and averages a stunning 2.6 key passes per game.
Benzema revealed why he left Real Madrid
Speaking in a recent interview with the Saudi Pro League’s official media, the former Real Madrid striker spoke about why he left the club of his dreams in the summer and opted to move to Saudi Arabia.
“After achieving everything I did at Real Madrid, I thought it was time for me to try a new challenge,” he said.
The initial period after Benzema’s departure was not simple for the Spanish leaders. They looked far and wide for a new high-quality No. 9 signing but bailed out in the end, opting to wait for Kylian Mbappe.
There is still a tangible void in the number 9 role at the club. Yet, Bellingham’s phenomenal start to the new season has helped Los Blancos get through unscathed.
Only one striker
The Ballon d’Or winner’s departure from Real Madrid leaves the manager with just one option as a number nine for the ongoing season – Joselu.
The Spanish striker joined Los Blancos earlier this summer on loan from Espanyol. He has not been an undisputed starter, although he has played from the opening whistle in five of his nine appearances.
Joselu has scored five goals in La Liga and provided two assists in that duration for the men in white. Needless to say, his impact has been tangible and Ancelotti will hope he can keep his good run of form going.
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”.
