Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid midfielder confident Alonso will succeed as a coach – ‘I believe in him’
Former Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder has reflected on his brief but eventful time at the Santiago Bernabeu, admitting it was a mix of highs and lows.
The Dutchman, who spent two seasons at the Spanish giants between 2007 and 2009, acknowledged that various factors impacted his ability to establish a lasting legacy at the club.
“It was a mixture of things,” Sneijder said in a recent interview as quoted by MARCA.
“My personal life, injuries, changes in management and the club taking a different direction. I had some great moments there, but it wasn’t the right time for a prolonged stay.”
Despite the turbulence, Sneijder remains proud of his contributions during his time in Madrid.
He played a key role in helping the team secure the La Liga title in his debut season and brought creativity to the midfield when fit and focused.
Backs Xabi Alonso
When asked about Real Madrid’s decision to appoint Xabi Alonso as the club’s new head coach, Sneijder offered full support. He was quick to highlight his former teammate’s intelligence and leadership qualities.
“Xabi is very intelligent. You could see that even when we were playing together,” he explained.
“I think he’ll do well at Madrid. He knows the club, the pressure, and has fresh ideas. I believe in him after what he did with Leverkusen.”
Sneijder also addressed the challenge of managing a star-studded dressing room, something Alonso will have to navigate in his new role. “Only if egos are not managed well,” Sneijder warned.
“Great players need structure and sacrifice. If they play for the team, not for themselves, they can be unstoppable. But it’s up to the coach to make it work.”
With high expectations and a squad packed with talent, Alonso faces a huge task. But if Sneijder’s belief is anything to go by, Madrid might have found the right man to lead them into a new era.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
