Real Madrid News
Dumfries highlights the quality of the Real Madrid locker room: ‘Everyone’s at the highest level’
Real Madrid continued to present their summer signings this week in low-key ceremonies with only club president Florentino Perez, honorary president Pirri, and the players’ families attending the events.
After manager Jose Mourinho, the Merengues have presented three of their six new signings, with Denzel Dumfries being the latest one, having taken part in the official ceremony on Friday.
Dumfries proud to be a Real Madrid player
Dumfries spoke to Real Madrid TV after his official welcome as a Real Madrid player. The Dutch defender expressed his excitement at joining the club, saying:
“I’m very proud to be here. I’m very grateful and eager to start the season. I’m very happy to be here.”
He added: “I think playing for Real Madrid is a dream for everyone. Being here is a huge responsibility. We have our objectives, and I’m very happy and proud to be here. I’m ready to start.”
Talking about the club’s historic 15 Champions League trophies, the Dutch right-back noted:
“It’s an incredible feeling to see the Champions League trophies in person. It’s amazing. It makes me even prouder to be here and gives me even more desire to win.
“It’s incredible to be here with the president and see the trophies. Now the goal is to win more.”
Explaining what it meant for him to sign for Real Madrid, he added: “It’s a huge dream. I’m very happy and proud. When I was younger, I used to write things on my wall so I could see them every day and visualize the goal.
“I don’t know if I wrote about Real Madrid because it’s something so big, but I’m very proud of the career I’ve had and I’m very happy to be here.”
The Netherlands international was also effusive in praise of president Perez, saying: “It means a lot. He’s history. Everyone knows him and knows what he’s done for the club.
“I’m very proud to stand alongside him, shake his hand and be a Real Madrid player during his time at the club. It’s a great honor for me and my family. The goal is to make him proud.”
On the dressing room and his style
Dumfries joins a Real Madrid team filled with top players like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Thibaut Courtois, among others, while a world champion in Marc Cucurella has also signed this summer.
Highlighting the immense quality in the dressing room, the 30-year-old defender said: “I already knew some of the players because we’ve played against each other, but being here is incredible.
“Being in the dressing room with so many great players, with such a good coach and this coaching staff, is incredible. Everything is at the highest level. Our goal is to maintain that top level and win more trophies.”
Describing his style of play and what he brings to the table, Dumfries stated: “I’m a player who’s always hungry. I always want to win and fight. I’m a player who brings energy to the team.
“I’m a defender; I like to defend strongly so that the attacking players can shine. People can expect me to give everything in every match to achieve our objectives.”
The right-back also shared his excitement about playing at the Santiago Bernabeu, as he said:
“I played there once with Inter. The atmosphere, the fans and the huge stadium were already impressive. Now wearing the Real Madrid shirt is incredible. I’m very grateful, and it makes me really eager to get started.”
Discussing tonight’s La Liga opener against RCD Espanyol, Dumfries remarked: “It’s a very important match, as the first match always is, and of course we want to win.
“I’m happy to be able to make my LaLiga debut. I’m looking forward to the match and to starting this new journey with everyone. Let’s go.”
Concluding, Dumfries had a message for the fans, as he said: “I’m very happy to be here. Hala Madrid!”
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
