Real Madrid News
Elche boss reveals plan to challenge Real Madrid: ‘Will do some of the things Getafe did’
Elche manager Eder Sarabia has shared his thoughts ahead of his team’s difficult trip to face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The match comes shortly after Real Madrid’s impressive 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, a performance that has further boosted confidence within the Spanish giants.
Despite the challenge ahead, Sarabia believes his team must approach the match with ambition and confidence.
“Our mindset and goal is to win. We’ve struggled more on the road, but maybe this is the day our luck turns.”
A tough challenge
Sarabia acknowledged that facing Real Madrid at the Bernabeu is one of the toughest challenges in football, especially with Madrid coming into the game after such a strong European performance.
“To do that, we’ll have to do a lot of things right against one of the best teams in the world, in one of the toughest stadiums, and after they’ve just played their best game of the season.”
However, the Elche manager remains optimistic and believes studying Madrid’s recent matches has helped his team prepare.
”I’m optimistic. We have watched many of their recent matches and learned from many of their opponents.”
He also recalled the earlier meeting between the two teams this season, when Elche managed to compete strongly for long periods.
“We’re going to need to be at our best, but we believe in ourselves.
“In the first leg [where Elche held Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw], for long stretches, we were the better team, and we’re going all out. There’s no doubt about it.”
Taking inspiration from Getafe
Sarabia pointed to Getafe as an example of how Real Madrid can be challenged.
Getafe recently secured a league victory against Madrid, and the Elche coach believes there are lessons to take from that performance.
“What Getafe did wasn’t a fluke. They put in a spectacular defensive performance, their goalkeeper was one of the best, and Madrid missed a lot of chances, but it wasn’t a fluke.”
He explained that Elche must remain fully convinced about their tactical plan if they want to compete.
“We have to be absolutely convinced of what we want to do. We’ll have to defend our area a lot, and we’ll try to do it less often than Getafe did.”
Still, Sarabia understands that Real Madrid’s attacking quality can push any team deep into defence.
“It’s Madrid, and they can force you into that situation. We’ve also learned from Getafe, and we want to do some of the things they did there.”
Analysing Arbeloa
The coach also noted that his staff have closely analysed recent matches played by Madrid under manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
“We have focused more on Arbeloa’s recent performances. Madrid has also shown tactical depth. We’ll look at their fullback options, whether Gonzalo plays or not.”
Another factor could be Real Madrid’s busy schedule and the physical effort they put into their Champions League clash.
“Maybe if they hadn’t played that great game, they wouldn’t be so mentally strong. We’re going to see a Madrid team with energy after the City match.
“Even with injuries, they’ll field a great team. We have to steer the game where it benefits us.”
Praising Real Madrid
Sarabia also highlighted the quality of Madrid’s key players, particularly Federico Valverde and Thibaut Courtois.
“If there’s one thing Arbeloa knows, it’s what it means to be a Madrid fan. He grew up with it. He knows that Valverde embodies those values.”
“I’m still a die-hard fan and I’m picking the best starting XI in the world. I’m still putting Valverde and Courtois in because they’re among the best.”
He also emphasised the depth of the Madrid squad.
“But it’s not just them. Vinicius, the young guys who are playing… That’s Madrid.
“If he gives anyone a rest, another good player will step up. We have to be ready for the highest level of competition.”
Finally, Sarabia spoke about the challenge of dealing with Vinicius Jr., one of Real Madrid’s most dangerous attacking players.
“Vinicius is getting more involved in the play from the inside out. He’s not always wide open.
“From there, it might be up to a wingback or a centre back to mark him. Pedrosa, Petrot, Tete, or Buba can defend him well,” he concluded.
Source: AS
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid impressed by midfielder’s role with national team, believe Mourinho can replicate it
According to journalist Anton Meana on SER Deportivos, Eduardo Camavinga’s role with the French national team is attracting attention inside Real Madrid.
The midfielder has not enjoyed his best spell in a Real Madrid shirt and has come under scrutiny for his recent performances, particularly his display against Bayern Munich, which many felt contributed to the club’s elimination from last season’s Champions League.
Although Camavinga has not been one of Jose Mourinho’s most frequently used players since the new season began, his situation could now change, particularly after his performances during the latest international break.
Camavigna impressed with France
During the international break, Camavinga earned a recall to the French national team under new manager Zinedine Zidane.
And the 23-year-old starlet made the most of his chance, impressing in the two starts he made against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League.
The France coaching staff is understood to have been very pleased with the midfielder, and now, it seems that those at Real Madrid have taken pointers from the development.
“At the club, they are happy with the role that Zinedine Zidane, Florentino Pérez’s favourite coach, has given Camavinga with France,” Meana explained.
Real Madrid want to see more of Camavinga on the ball
At Real Madrid, there is a belief that the version of Camavinga seen with France is particularly valuable.
He has been active both with and without the ball, operating in midfield and playing more as a number six than a deeper holding midfielder.
The club believe that this version of Camavinga gives France a great deal and that Mourinho could replicate the approach at Real Madrid.
The club’s midfield department continues to generate doubts, with none of the players making the starting spots their own.
Tthe names of Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva have all been considered, but there remains a feeling inside Real Madrid that the midfield lacks enough creativity and control.
Camavinga could therefore have an important role in addressing that problem, particularly if he can reproduce the performances he has delivered under Zidane with France.
“It is an alternative that the club views favourably after what they have seen from Zidane’s France during this international break, with the idea that Eduardo Camavinga should have more involvement in the team’s possession,” Meana concluded.
Camavinga, for his part, is aware that he has been unable to live up to his full potential at Real Madrid so far. Having shown signs of regaining form and confidence, he will be gunning to build on it once he returns to the club.
