Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid manager exposes key weakness that hurt the club this season
When Fabio Capello speaks about Real Madrid, people tend to listen, and this time, his assessment was as direct as it gets.
Appearing at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, the former Real Madrid boss was inevitably asked about the club’s current struggles.
With results falling below expectations and performances lacking consistency, Capello didn’t try to soften the situation.
Fabio Capello’s reflection
Reflecting on the pressure that comes with managing or playing for Madrid, he pointed out the reality of the club’s standards, saying,
“It’s a difficult time, because at Madrid, when you’re not winning, you struggle,” he began.
He continued: “It’s a team that doesn’t have the midfield it used to have.
“They have very good forwards, but the midfield they had before, with the quality it possessed, was spectacular.”
What is lacking at Real Madrid?
For years, Real Madrid’s dominance was built around control in midfield, a unit that dictated games, managed tempo, and provided balance.
Now, according to Capello, that foundation is no longer as strong.
Notably, he didn’t stop there. Expanding on what the club currently lacks, Capello made it clear that replacing that level of quality is easier said than done.
Drawing comparisons with other elite teams, he explained, “They need to sign good players, but there aren’t many out there.
“Look at City; since Rodri has returned to action, they’ve started playing well again and winning. They’re key players.
“They need to find players like Modric and Kroos, who are vital because of their quality and tactical awareness – that’s what’s been missing a bit this year,” Capello concluded.
The mention of Rodri highlights exactly what Madrid are lacking – a player who brings structure and control.
And when Capello references figures like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, it shows just how high the bar has been set.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid News
Arsenal in contact with Real Madrid forward’s camp over potential transfer – report
Doubts about Rodrygo Goes’ long-term future at Real Madrid having been growing for some time.
The Brazilian’s situation had become uncomfortable over the past couple of seasons as he experienced a sudden decline in form. And, just when it seemed like he was about to turn things around, an ACL injury ruled him out in March earlier this year.
With Rodrygo now facing an extended spell on the sidelines, his recovery will be crucial. He is expected to return in December or January, and the club will monitor how he responds physically before determining what role he will play under Jose Mourinho.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Rodrygo
Now, according to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Arsenal are in contact with Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential future move.
The report states that the Gunners had already attempted to sign the Brazilian before his injury, and their interest has now resurfaced ahead of a possible move in the summer of 2027.
The Premier League champions had also explored the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid this past summer, before he signed a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, their attention seems to have switched Vinicius’ fellow Brazilian forward who is closing in on his return from the ACL rupture.
Real Madrid want to keep Rodrygo until the summer
As already reported, Rodrygo will not leave Real Madrid in January. The intention is for the winger to regain full fitness and become available to Mourinho for the second half of the season.
Real Madrid are not considering selling the former Santos wonderkid during the January transfer window.
Instead, the club intend to reassess his situation next summer, once he has had the opportunity to recover and demonstrate his form on the pitch.
The plan is to have the Brazilian fit and available for the second half of the campaign before making a final decision at the end of the season.
Rodrygo’s performances after returning from injury, together with Mourinho’s assessment of his role in the squad, will help determine what happens next.
Depending on those factors, Real Madrid could consider allowing him to leave or decide that he still has an important future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains a possibility to watch, but Real Madrid are focused on Rodrygo’s recovery rather than negotiating a January departure.
