Real Madrid News
Courtois, Alexander-Arnold react after Real Madrid 3-0 Man City – ‘Many expected us to get thrashed’
Real Madrid \delivered one of their strongest performances of the season as they defeated Manchester City 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
After the match, the Belgian goalkeeper spoke to the media to reflect on the victory and also looked ahead to the difficult challenge waiting for the team at the Etihad Stadium.
Courtois made it clear that despite the strong result, the job is not finished yet.
“We played a great game, but the return leg is going to be difficult. We have to play with confidence, they will come out very strong,” said the Belgian goalkeeper.
“The Bernabeu has been incredible. After the Celta game, I asked them to be like this and they have gone even further.
“I’m very happy to have been able to return the favour with a great game, I hope for the same on Saturday,” he said.
Real Madrid still believe in La Liga race
During the interview, Courtois was also asked about the team’s chances in La Liga this season.
The goalkeeper remains confident that Real Madrid can still compete for the title, even though the challenge in the league is very different from European competition.
“Yes, we can, we’ve proven it. You can’t compare the league with the Champions League.
“Some teams play more openly, we find more space and we’re better. In LaLiga, they defend a little lower and that’s where we struggle.”
Courtois praises Valverde’s impact
Another important talking point from the match was the outstanding performance of Federico Valverde, who scored all three goals for Real Madrid.
Courtois highlighted how dangerous the Uruguayan midfielder can be when he runs into space behind the opposition defence.
“Very happy. He’s very fast, very strong, and shoots well. We practised that a bit and it worked out really well. And the third goal was beautiful.”
Finally, Courtois highlighted his assist by stating, “I’m looking for assists. Looking behind the defence, Fede is lethal and he’s done very well.”
Alexander-Arnold reacts to big win
Real Madrid full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold also spoke after the game and addressed the doubts that surrounded the team before the match.
The English defender admitted that many people expected Manchester City to dominate the game, especially considering the recent form of both sides.
However, he praised the mentality shown by the Real Madrid players on such a big stage.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid full-back, said that many people expected them to be “thrashed,” but that “at this club there are no excuses and, whoever we’re up against, we have to win.”
Speaking after the final whistle, Alexander-Arnold reflected on the strong team performance at the Bernabéu.
“We played a great game. There has been a lot of noise in recent weeks because of the way we have been playing.
“Many people expected us to get thrashed, but we showed great mentality. This competition means a lot to this club. We executed our plan perfectly.”
The defender also pointed out that despite Manchester City being seen by many as favourites before the match, Real Madrid never doubted their ability to compete.
“A lot of people said they were favourites, and given the way we had been playing, that might have been true, but this is the Champions League, and anyone can win.
“At this club, there are no excuses. You have to win. It doesn’t matter who you’re up against, you have to win.”
Lastly, Alexander-Arnold also had strong words of praise for Valverde after his incredible performance.
On Valverde, who scored all three of Real Madrid’s goals, Alexander-Arnold described him as “the most underrated player in the world. When you play with him, you can see that.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid News
Ex-Real Madrid presidential candidate wanted to bring Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta as manager
The presidential election at Real Madrid this summer was something unprecedented but despite the best efforts of Enrique Riquelme, he couldn’t do much to dethrone Florentino Perez.
That being said, some of Riquelme’s ideas have now become more relevant than ever, including his pitch to sign Jurgen Klopp as the new manager, instead of Jose Mourinho.
However, Riquelme wasn’t always in favour of Klopp and in fact, had initially pitched Mikel Arteta as the next manager for Real Madrid.
Riquelme had favoured Arteta
According to The Athletic, Riquelme had identified Arteta as a potential successor to then-coach Alvaro Arbeloa as part of his election campaign.
The context came amid Arteta’s own contract situation at Arsenal, with the Spaniard having just signed a new four-year deal following the club’s Premier League triumph.
The report notes that Real Madrid were the biggest club searching for a new coach at the time, and Riquelme saw Arteta as an appealing candidate.
Ultimately, though, Riquelme’s campaign shifted towards Klopp, while Perez, who won the election, opted to bring back Mourinho.
As a result, Arteta’s name never progressed beyond an early consideration, and the Spaniard remained fully committed to Arsenal, where he continues to build on his growing legacy.
Arteta has consistently dismissed interest from elsewhere, including links to Barcelona in 2024.
Mourinho has his work cut out
While Real Madrid ultimately chose Mourinho, the early signs suggest the Portuguese has a significant task on his hands.
Los Blancos have endured a stuttering start to the season, already sitting well behind runaway leaders Barcelona in La Liga.
Performances have been inconsistent, with the team lacking intensity and cohesion, and reports have even pointed to unrest within the dressing room.
That has inevitably led to questions over whether a different appointment, such as Arteta or Klopp, might have offered a smoother transition.
Arteta, in particular, has proven his credentials by ending Arsenal’s long wait for a Premier League title, doing so against a dominant Manchester City.
For now, Mourinho must find a way to turn things around and justify Perez’s faith. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the pressure is already building.
