Real Madrid News
Guti believes Portuguese managerial candidate is past his prime amid Real Madrid return links — “There are better coaches”
The race to find Real Madrid’s next manager has generated significant debate in recent weeks, with Jose Mourinho’s name among the most frequently mentioned candidates to take over at the Bernabeu this summer.
However, not everyone is convinced that a return for the Portuguese would be the right move, and one former Real Madrid favourite has made his position very clear.
Guti casts doubt on Mourinho
Speaking during DAZN’s broadcast of Friday’s match between Betis and Real Madrid, former midfielder Guti gave a brutally honest assessment of the Portuguese tactician.
“Mourinho is a great coach, but I think his prime is over, in the sense that he comes from Fenerbahce, he caught Benfica at a very bad time and I think there are coaches in better form than Mou that I would sign before him,” he said (h/t The Touchline).
It is a perspective that will resonate with a section of the Real Madrid fanbase that, while nostalgic about Mourinho’s trophy-winning stint between 2010 and 2013, has reservations about whether he can still deliver at the very highest level on a consistent basis.
Guti, therefore, suggests that there are better options available elsewhere. Real Madrid, to that end, have already been linked with quite a few of them.
Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is one of the names being considered, due to his experience of working in England and Spain.
Massimiliano Allegri is another option for Los Blancos and one liked by club president Florentino Perez due to his ability to rule with an iron fist.
Jurgen Klopp remains the undisputed favourite, but there are no indications the German would want to leave his current role at Red Bull right now.
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.
