Real Madrid News
Former star points out the real problem at Real Madrid – ‘It’s not Mbappe’
Real Madrid are gearing up for a high-stakes encounter against Bayern Munich tomorrow night, where they have to overcome a one-goal deficit at the Allianz Arena.
Things could be tricky against the mighty Bayern, especially at their home turf. So naturally, Real Madrid would expect all their top players to showcase their absolute best.
Unfortunately, the team’s star player and highest goalscorer, Kylian Mbappe, has been struggling with form and has not been able to adapt to Alvaro Arbeloa’s system.
Alvaro Benito points out the real problem
But amid criticism over Mbappe’s performances, former Real Madrid footballer Alvaro Benito has pointed out the real problem.
“Mbappe has come to a Real Madrid that has nothing to do with the one of years past. Madrid’s problem isn’t that Mbappe doesn’t sacrifice himself defensively; the problem is everything else,” he told SER (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
Benito’s comment comes at a time when Mbappe has been under fire for his apparent lack of defensive work in the first line of press.
Benito, though, defended the Frenchman, labelling him as one of the best players in the world, who can make a difference on his day.
“Mbappe is, precisely, a top-level player. One of the few players on the squad that you can say is indisputable. He is one of the best in the world, if not the best in the world, in his position,” he added.
Finally, the Spaniard, who played for Real Madrid’s first team between 1995 and 2002, claimed that Los Blancos simply do not have the quality to win the Champions League, implying that it is unfair to single out Mbappe.
“I think Mbappe’s problem at Real Madrid isn’t Mbappe himself, but what’s around him. I think Real Madrid doesn’t have a squad that aspires to be Champions League winners. They could be, but I think there are three or four better teams,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona best placed to sign Man United gem as total cost could exceed €10-15 million
Things seem to be heating up with regard to the future of wantaway Manchester United prodigy JJ Gabriel.
Real Madrid are one of the clubs pursuing the teenage wonderkid, who has made it clear that he does not wish to continue with the Premier League club.
Apart from Los Blancos, other top European clubs like FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain also remain keen on the English starlet.
Real Madrid, Barcelona best placed
In a major development, Sky Germany now reports that Real Madrid and Barcelona have emerged as the clubs best positioned to sign Gabriel.
The teenage attacking midfielder is understood to be giving preference to a move to Spain despite Bayern Munich intensifying their pursuit.
Real Madrid are understood to be in active negotiations with Gabriel and his camp, while his representatives continue to talk with multiple other clubs before a final decision is made.
But his preference to move to Spain gives Los Blancos an advantage, along with Barcelona.
However, there could be some issues in the deal going through smoothly because of the financial aspects of the operation.
€10-15 million total package
According to the German outlet, the total package to sign Gabriel, including transfer fees, wages, and bonus payments, among others, could end up costing in excess of €10-15 million.
Previous reports suggested that Manchester United would seek a training compensation of €300,000, while the player’s camp was said to be seeking a seven-figure salary.
But, if the aforementioned report is to be believed, the total cost of the operation seems to be coming out much higher at around €10-15 million.
Such a figure for a player who has just turned 16 a week ago could be seen as excessive despite the potential and talent he possesses.
It will be interesting to see how things evolve in this transfer saga as Gabriel remains determined to leave Manchester United and is angling a move to Spain, putting Real Madrid and Barcelona in the driving seat.
