Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid star gives vote of confidence to Mourinho: ‘Everything is magnified’
It is no secret that things are not going well at Real Madrid. The team is already staring at problems that have haunted them in the past two years, including a dysfunctional dressing room.
New coach Jose Mourinho has not been able to steady the ship just yet and is yet to bring out the best in certain individuals, including Vinicius Jr., who looks like a shadow of his former self.
Despite so much pessimism, former footballer Fernando Morientes remains hopeful that Real Madrid will come back and has given his vote of confidence to Mourinho.
Morientes backs Mourinho
The former striker urged patience, pointing to Mourinho’s history of turning things around after slow starts.
“The players would give Mourinho some leeway. I’ve seen Real Madrid write him off in November many times, then they bounce back and end up winning the Champions League,” he said (h/t Defensa Central).
He acknowledged the intense scrutiny that comes with the club, but remained confident the team will click into gear.
“Everything is magnified, for better or for worse,” he said, while backing them to eventually compete for major honours, including the Champions League.
The international break a blessing
Morientes also believes the timing of the international break could work in Real Madrid’s favour, despite arriving on the back of a derby defeat.
He described it as “fantastic” for the club and “a welcome relief,” allowing Mourinho to work with the players who remain at Valdebebas.
The former striker feels the break will help the squad “clear their heads and return with a renewed mindset, as this time will provide a bit of a boost.”
For Morientes, the biggest challenge for Mourinho is getting his players to block out the criticism and whistles they have faced.
He pointed to Carlos Espi’s late goals against Espanyol and Elche as evidence the team believes until the very end, though he admitted that fighting spirit was missing in the derby.
The comments come amid wider concerns at the club, with reports even suggesting some players are out of shape.
Nonetheless, Morientes insists this Real Madrid side remains very much alive and capable of lifting the Champions League, provided they rediscover their belief and break free from their current negative spiral.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
