Real Madrid News
Guardiola speaks on Rodri’s Real Madrid links: ‘I understand his position’
Manchester City veteran Rodri has been linked with a move to Real Madrid for a few months now, and rumours accelerated once he openly spoke about the same a few weeks ago.
The player’s quality, age, experience, and contractual situation all make him a good target for Los Blancos, and they see him as an ideal option to help address their midfield deficiencies.
At the moment, however, the club have reportedly deferred their decision on Rodri until after the FIFA World Cup, although he remains one of their priority targets.
Guardiola speaks on Rodri
Speaking to the media in a recent interview, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola opened up on Rodri’s Real Madrid links and spoke on the delicate topic with great maturity.
“Rodri and Real Madrid? I know what the club wants. They informed me what they want for Rodri; stay, stay, and stay,” he began, making it clear the player has a door open to renew his deal.
Giving his verdict on the case, Guardiola then revealed that he expected the Ballon d’Or winner to stay at the club.
“I think he will stay. I have a positive feeling about that, but at the end, I don’t know.”
The legendary manager then explained that he understood Rodri’s situation and temptation to join Real Madrid and attributed the fact that the player was born there as an added factor that may propel the move.
“I don’t think there is any player who will turn down the chance to play for Real Madrid.”
“I understand Rodri. He was born in Madrid. My wish is that he stays here for very long,” he added.
Source: Fabrizio Romano
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.
