Real Madrid News
Gonzalo Garcia talks Real Madrid, Spain U-21 captaincy, World Cup: ‘I dream of the greatest’
The FIFA Club World Cup was when Gonzalo Garcia announced himself to the world with a standout performance for Real Madrid’s senior team, and he has now become a mainstay.
Having the backing of the manager, he was chosen to stay at the club ahead of Endrick who was sent out on loan, and is now receiving minutes off the bench under Alvaro Arbeloa.
As a result of his improved prominence, he has now been called up to represent and lead the Spanish U21 national team.
Garcia’s interview
The Real Madrid star spoke to the media in a recent interview where he spoke on his experience at a young age and how he is living the dream now with a U21 national team call-up.
“I am lucky to have experienced a Club World Cup with Real Madrid, to be part of the first team, to be now with the U-21 [national team].”
“One tries to value it, but as it happens in a very short period of time, it sometimes impresses. It can even be difficult to manage,” he added on the pressure that comes with it all.
Garcia then spoke on how his environment helps him tackle and handle the pressure, saying,
“It is important to be well surrounded by a great family and friends who make everything easier and do not let me be the same kid as always.”
The striker then spoke about his ambition as a footballer and all he dreams of winning in the coming period.
“I consider myself a person with a lot of ambition. Like all young people, I dream of the greatest. I aspire to have a Champions League with Madrid, a World Cup with Spain.”
“My dream and I think I share it with everyone, is to play with the senior team and represent Spain in the World Cup and the Euro Cup,” he added.
The player then spoke on his current call-up with the youth Spain national team, on which he said,
“Coming here is a pride. Whenever I can play, I will always give my best and help the team with what I do best. In this case, scoring goals and following the coach’s plan as best as possible to help the team always.”
Speaking on what being the captain of the team means to him, Garcia said,
“Representing Spain is always a pride. Doing it as a captain is bigger. It’s a maximum pride.”
Finally, he opened up on his ambition to play the Olympic Games with Spain, saying,
“I would be very excited to play some Olympic Games. We have to do a very good European next year and be able to qualify.”
Source: AS
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
