Real Madrid News
Injury update: Real Madrid trio doubtful for Manchester City clash
Real Madrid are a hair’s breadth away from sealing the La Liga title. If Barcelona slip up, Los Blancos require only one win to be crowned champions.
With the domestic competition sealed, Real Madrid now turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League, where they lock horns with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side pulled off sensational comebacks against both PSG and Chelsea to earn a spot in the semifinals of the prestigious competition. However, the road ahead only gets tougher.
Pep Guardiola’s side are the losing finalists of last season and will look to make it all the way this time around. They are touted as the best team in Europe, and will hope to make life hell for the record winners.
All is not well at the Madrid camp with three days to go for the first leg. According to reports from Javier Herraez, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Casemiro are all doubts about the game at the Etihad stadium.
Of the three players, Mendy is said to have the highest chance of playing on the night as he feels comparatively better. Yet, the Frenchman’s presence is no guarantee either.
As for Alaba, the Austrian will have an MRI scan tomorrow to decide his availability.
If the three players are deemed unavailable for the clash in England, Carlo Ancelotti will have some big decisions to make.
Alaba has been one of the most vital players for Real Madrid this season and has often single-handedly held the back-line together. Given City’s high and ruthless pressure, he will be sorely missed if not given the green light.
He is likely to be replaced by Nacho Fernandez, while Mendy’s absence would force one of Dani Carvajal or Marcelo to start at left-back. Yet, that is not as worrying as the Spaniard has covered well in his new position in recent games.
Meanwhile, Casemiro is expected to be replaced by one of Eduardo Camavinga or Federico Valverde on the night.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
