Real Madrid News
Boost for Real Madrid as key defender spotted in training ahead of RB Leipzig clash
Real Madrid will lock horns with German outfit RB Leipzig on Wednesday in their second Group F encounter in the UEFA Champions League.
Los Blancos started their European campaign with a 3-0 win over Celtic last week, but that victory came at an expense as both Karim Benzema and Eder Militao picked up injuries in the game.
The duo missed the weekend La Liga encounter against RCD Mallorca and were expected to be unavailable for the clash against Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
However, in a boost for Carlo Ancelotti & co., defender Militao has returned to training with the rest of the team a day before the RB Leipzig match.
Indeed, the Brazilian centre-half was spotted being put through his paces with the rest of the team during Tuesday’s training session, as reported by journalist Jorge C Picon.
Along with Militao, fellow defender Alvaro Odriozola, who was also a doubt for the Leipzig clash, was spotted training with the entire squad. However, Benzema and Lucas Vazquez, who picked up a knock against Mallorca over the weekend, were absent as expected.
Also spotted with the group were Real Madrid Castilla players Luis Lopez, Marvel and Carlos Dotor Gonzalez.
Militao’s potential return comes as a major boost for Real Madrid, considering that Antonio Rudiger did not look all too assured in the game against Mallorca.
Having the Brazilian back against a dangerous RB Leipzig attacking unit comprising Christopher Nkunku and Timo Werner will come as a major confidence booster for the reigning champions of Europe.
Real Madrid have kept just two clean sheets so far in all competitions (vs Eintracht Frankfurt and Celtic) this season, with manager Ancelotti reportedly unhappy with the lack of solidity at the back.
Leipzig have not been in the best of form at the start of the season and have already changed a manager, replacing Domenico Tedesco with Marco Rose. However, they have an attacking unit that can be deadly if it gets going.
With Militao returning to training, it will be interesting to see if Ancelotti decides to name him in the squad for the clash against Leipzig or holds him back for the derby against Atletico Madrid at the weekend.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
