Real Madrid News
Celta Vigo coach urges Real Madrid to have patience with Xabi Alonso – ‘He’s going to do a spectacular job’
Real Madrid will play the first of their last three league matches of the year as they play hosts to Celta Vigo on Sunday.
It is a must-win game for a Real Madrid team looking to keep up with Barcelona at the top of the league table.
The Spanish giants are coming on the back of a promising 3-0 win over Athletic Club in midweek and will look to continue that moment. But Celta Vigo won’t be an easy nut to crack.
Speaking ahead of the crucial La Liga encounter, Celta Vigo coach Claudio Giraldez talked about Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid’s form and the fitness of his own players, among other stuff.
What Giraldez said ahead of Real Madrid match
Despite some recent criticism leveled at Real Madrid’s performances, Giraldez was not shy in praising Xabi Alonso. He urged the Madrid hierarchy and fans to trust the process.
“I think he’s one of the best in the world, both as a player and now as a coach. He’s a brain, someone who has very clear ideas. He’s bringing a lot of variety to game situations in attack and defence, looking to find the best version of his team,” he stated.
The Celta Vigo coach went on to laud Alonso’s coaching abilities and backed him for success at Real Madrid in the years to come.
“I think if they have patience with him, he’s going to do a spectacular job at Real Madrid. Personally, I wish him all the best. From the little time I’ve spent with him, he seems like a fantastic person, very polite, very humble,” he said.
“I would like to match the track record of the Real Madrid coach and achieve everything he has already achieved in his coaching career,” he added.
Giraldez went on to warn that Real Madrid are becoming a complete team, highlighting the tactical nuances that make them a threat.
“The natural inclination of Real Madrid, given the players they have, is to break games open with their speed. It’s intelligent of them to do so at many points.
“They’re also managing possession effectively, varying the position of their full-backs to create attacking opportunities with three players,” he said.
Knowing the challenge that awaits, Giraldez warned his players that they must be tactically astute to survive the pressure from Madrid’s physical midfield and attack.
“We will need to understand very well what is happening in the game. We will need to defend very well in a low block and have personality to be able to get out of the pressure of the opponent, who this year is taking it even more in pairs with very physical players,” he said.
Finally, Giraldez touched on his own team’s struggles with consistency, calling for unity and patience within the club.
“We’re still in all three competitions and doing a lot of things well. I think we need to be patient, try to all be on the same page, be positive, and help each other.
“Last year, when we doubted each other, we were weaker as a club, as a team. Hopefully, we can all continue on the same path. I know what we want to be and I know what we need to improve,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
