Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid star Joselu backs Mourinho appointment: ‘They need more discipline in the dressing room’
Former Real Madrid striker Joselu believes Jose Mourinho’s return could provide the authority and discipline the club’s dressing room needs after a difficult season.
Speaking on Iker Casillas’ podcast Bajo los Palos, the Spain international shared his thoughts on Madrid’s current situation and why he believes Mourinho could make a difference.
Mourinho the right man for Joselu
Having been part of the Real Madrid squad until recently, Joselu said Mourinho possesses exactly the type of personality required to restore order within the team.
“Mourinho is a coach with a lot of character, with ideas that Madrid needs because it needs a change, and he’s a coach who has what it takes to put people in their place,” the former Spain striker said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
His comments appeared to suggest that internal egos have become an issue within the squad over the past season.
When asked whether Mourinho is the right appointment, Joselu admitted only time will provide the answer, but he had no doubts about one thing.
“Could it be the best option? We won’t know that until the months go by,” Joselu noted.
Need for a change
However, he was far more emphatic when discussing the atmosphere inside the dressing room.
“Does Real Madrid need discipline, especially in the locker room? Yes, one hundred percent,” the striker remarked.
Joselu concluded by stressing that a club of Real Madrid’s stature cannot afford to endure another disappointing campaign.
“A club like Real Madrid can’t afford to go two years without winning a title,” Joselu concluded.
Real Madrid’s issues
Last season was marred by internal problems and issues inside the locker room at Real Madrid.
There was a divide within the squad under Xabi Alonso, which eventually led to the manager’s sacking mid-season. Things did not improve a great deal under Alvaro Arbeloa either.
If anything, the situation got only worse as the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Alvaro Carreras, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Federico Valverde were all involved in behind-the-scenes altercations in the locker room.
Given the situation, Joselu believes Mourinho’s leadership and strong personality could be crucial in restoring standards as Real Madrid look to bounce back next season.
Real Madrid News
Nico Paz’s message to Real Madrid after historic Champions League night: ‘I made the right decision’
Como had a night to remember in the history of their football club, taking part in the Champions League for the first time.
The Italian side’s rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable, and under the astute guidance of Cesc Fabregas, they have reached the biggest competition in club football.
Como faced RB Leipzig on their Champions League debut, securing a 4-1 victory to mark the occasion, with Nico Paz starring for the Italians.
He delivered another reminder of his development away from Real Madrid, and the 22-year-old has become a star in his own right.
Paz shines on historic night for Como
The former Madrid academy attacking midfielder produced two assists as Como secured the win against the Bundesliga side.
As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Paz made it clear that he has no regrets about choosing to continue his career in Italy.
“It was a historic night. We played an incredible match. We were really looking forward to playing this game. I think we approached it in the best possible way. We are happy with the match we played,” Paz said.
Paz had already established himself as an important player in Serie A. Performing with similar influence in the Champions League is another test entirely, and he passed it with flying colours.
The Argentine also addressed his decision to remain at Como rather than return to Real Madrid.
“I thought this was the place where I was going to grow the most, and I think I made the right decision. I am very happy with my decision,” he said.
At Madrid, Paz would have entered an extremely competitive midfield and faced uncertainty over regular minutes.
At Como, he has responsibility, continuity and now the opportunity to develop through Champions League football.
The 22-year-old believes evenings such as the victory over Leipzig demonstrate why staying was the correct choice.
The road not taken ft. Nico Paz
Paz is one of the biggest examples that the conventional path to stardom is not the only way for young players in their footballing careers.
Many starlets are guilty of moving to big clubs earlier than they are ready and then seeing their development stagnate because of a lack of minutes.
Paz, on the other hand, has consistently veered away from this. Despite coming through Castilla, he has built a career for himself in Italy.
There is absolutely no doubt who the star of this Como team is, and the 22-year-old gets more responsibility at a young age than he would have at a club like Madrid.
The Serie A side is proving to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in Europe, and Madrid fans in particular will be curious to see how Paz fares over the course of the campaign.
