Real Madrid News
First Mourinho-Real Madrid disagreement emerges even before official unveiling
José Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid may not have been officially announced yet, but reports suggest the Portuguese manager has already experienced his first disagreement with the club’s hierarchy.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Mourinho was not in favour of Real Madrid’s recent €150 million bid for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
The blockbuster offer, which was swiftly rejected by Atletico Madrid, generated headlines across Spain and became one of the biggest talking points of the summer.
However, behind the scenes, the operation may not have enjoyed unanimous support within the club.
While there are conflicting versions of events regarding Mourinho’s level of involvement, both sides agree on one key point: the Portuguese coach was never convinced that Alvarez was the right signing for Real Madrid.
Mourinho did not back the Alvarez operation
According to the outlet, Real Madrid’s version of events is that Mourinho was informed about the club’s intention to submit an offer for the Argentine international.
However, despite being aware of the move, he allegedly did not support the operation.
The club’s leadership nevertheless proceeded with the proposal, ultimately seeing Atletico Madrid reject the €150 million offer almost immediately.
Sources close to Mourinho, however, present a different account.
What’s the story?
Those sources claim that the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager knew nothing about the offer before it became public.
In fact, Mourinho only discovered the situation when Real Madrid released an official statement confirming that Atletico Madrid had turned down the proposal.
Understandably so, Mourinho was unhappy with the way the situation panned out, particularly because he had not been consulted beforehand.
Regardless of which version is accurate, the common theme remains the same that Alvarez was not a player Mourinho was pushing the club to sign.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
