Real Madrid News
Former presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme addresses Real Madrid refereeing complaints and Florentino Perez tension
Former Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has addressed the controversy surrounding his appearance at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano during Real Madrid’s derby defeat.
It must be remembered that Riquelme’s presence at the stadium reportedly created tension because of his history as a challenger to Florentino Perez in the club’s presidential race.
The Spanish businessman, though, played down the significance of the episode and insisted that the presidential election is now in the past.
His message was that fans and members of the club should remain united behind the team.
“I didn’t hear about the story until later, from the press. I mean, I was there – I was invited to go – and obviously, as a Real Madrid fan, and as I’ve said on several occasions, the elections are over, and now we all need to pull together.
“The Real Madrid family, at this moment, must stand united, with no turmoil or unnecessary fuss. The Real Madrid family must stand united, and that’s certainly how I’ll be acting,” he told COPE.
Riquelme wants Real Madrid united after presidential race
Riquelme’s comments were consistent with his position that the election campaign should not divide the club.
He also reflected on his previous proposals for Real Madrid, including his interest in players such as Erling Haaland and Rodri.
Both players subsequently enjoyed major success with their national team at the World Cup, something Riquelme pointed to when discussing his earlier plans.
Asked about people who miss the possibility of having Haaland and Rodri at Real Madrid, he responded:
“Well, as I said, the elections are over. My proposals were clear, they were out in the open, and they’ve had – as we anticipated – a brilliant World Cup.
“So now, I wish the Real Madrid players the best of luck and hope they bring us some trophies this year.”
Riquelme addresses Real Madrid’s refereeing complaints
The former presidential candidate was also asked about Real Madrid’s complaints surrounding refereeing decisions, particularly after the controversial derby defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Riquelme pointed to the subjective nature of football and the difficulty of achieving complete agreement over contentious decisions.
“The beauty of football is that, even for different teams, the same play can lead to completely divergent opinions, and both sides are convinced they’re right.
“Going back to the campaign, I think what happened with Barcelona and the referees at the time was a disaster, and I believe this is now more of a day-to-day occurrence.
“VAR is providing partial solutions and will surely continue to improve so that these controversies become less frequent,” he explained.
Riquelme is completely behind Real Madrid
Despite having challenged Perez during the presidential process, Riquelme made clear that his support for Real Madrid has not changed.
He intends to continue attending matches and supporting the team regardless of whether he is in Spain or travelling abroad.
“I hope, I’m confident, I hope, and I’ll be there to cheer them on at most of the matches, whether I’m in Spain or abroad; of course, I’ll go to support them just like any other member,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder uses the international break as a ‘pre-season’ to regain fitness and rhythm
According to AS, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has fully capitalised on the extended international break to regain his fitness and rhythm.
The French midfielder has been using the past two weeks to have the ‘pre-season’ he did not get during the summer with an injury.
There is still a third week to come, the one that is beginning now, and it will be the week when he gets the green light to complete his conditioning. But the signs have been excellent. In short, everything is going according to plan.
Tchouameni played in the derby against Atletico Madrid without being at his physical and sporting best. He was fully recovered from his injury, but lacked match rhythm.
After staying in Madrid during the international break, he has worked hard on what was missing. Now he is ready.
A key player for Mourinho
Tchouameni is a key player for the coaching staff, the player who is expected to provide stability to the team. He is important in the build-up and, above all, provides defensive strength.
That is inevitably a concern: Real Madrid have conceded nine goals in eight matches. The problem became bigger in the last two games as the Merengues let in two against Elche and two in the derby.
Tchouameni played in both the matches, but it was clear that he was short of training and needed more minutes.
And, France manager Zinedine Zidane decided to not call him up so that he can work on those things while staying back in Madrid.
A lot of hard work
These have been weeks of a heavy physical workload for Tchouameni with very few days off. While many of his teammates have been able to enjoy some time away, he has understood that these three weeks are about making up for lost time.
It is the specific preparation he could not do in the summer because of the injury he carried from the World Cup.
Inside Valdebebas, the message is that he has spent “hours and hours” working – many in the gym, many out on the pitch, combining sessions with his team-mates with individual, personalised work.
The focus has been on getting his physical condition back to where it needs to be.
Centre-back crisis
In the short term, the situation is serious. Villarreal are next for Real Madrid, and everything suggests that Tchouameni will start, possibly at centre-back.
Eder Militao is already working on the pitch but will not return until at least November. Dean Huijsen is suspended after being sent off in the derby, while Raul Asencio has just undergone surgery and will be out for at least three months.
And, Ibrahima Konate is being handled with caution after returning from the France camp with an injury.
Given the situation, Mourinho will have to choose between Tchouameni and a youth-team player such as Oscar Naasei, Joan Martínez or Mario Rivas to partner Antonio Rudiger.
That decision will come later. For now, Tchouameni is about making the most of the present. by going to Valdebebas, pushing himself, recovering his fitness, his confidence and his rhythm.
