Real Madrid News
Enrique Riquelme wants to bring Klopp and Haaland to Real Madrid; negotiations underway
While Florentino Perez wants to bring Jose Mourinho back to put Real Madrid back on track after two seasons without major titles, Enrique Riquelme has already decided who he believes can restore excitement.
The Spanish businessman will officially notify Real Madrid’s Electoral Board today of his intention to submit his candidacy for the presidency of the club.
Enrique Riquelme wants Klopp and Haaland at Real Madrid
Now, according to El Confidencial, Riquelme has sights set on making manager Jurgen Klopp and Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland the leaders of his project at Real Madrid should he win the election.
The Norwegian striker, considered one of the best forwards in world football, is the chosen figure for the candidacy that will challenge Perez.
The Manchester City striker’s agent has been contacted by those responsible for Riquelme’s sporting project in order to assess his willingness to join Real Madrid.
Any potential move would obviously depend on Riquelme being elected as the club’s new president. Haaland is also a player highly admired by a large portion of the Real Madrid fanbase.
Naturally, completing a transfer of that magnitude in a short timeframe would be extremely difficult. However, negotiations with the player’s entourage have already begun, and they have explored the possibility of him wearing the white shirt.
Talks also taking place with Klopp
As mentioned above, Riquelme’s chosen candidate to take charge of the Real Madrid bench is Klopp.
Riquelme has already held several meetings with representatives close to the current Global Head of Football at Red Bull, aiming to convince the German to become another cornerstone of the project.
After a couple of trophyless seasons and what many view as a clear sporting decline, Perez’s challenger understands that the club needs internationally recognised names capable of restoring enthusiasm among fans who have become frustrated with the team’s direction.
Klopp and Haaland are considered the two central pillars of Riquelme’s proposed sporting structure, figures with whom he hopes to persuade club members that the biggest club in the world needs fresh energy.
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.
