Real Madrid News
“It’s just a bit of a nuisance’ – Real Madrid manager provides update on injury scares against Sevilla
After a difficult campaign marked by pressure and criticism, Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa chose to focus on the positives following his side’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sevilla on Sunday evening.
The decisive moment came through Vinicius Jr., whose goal secured all three points away from home and ensured Madrid ended the night with a much-needed win after weeks of frustration around the club.
Speaking after the match, Arbeloa admitted that the season has fallen below the expectations set at the beginning of the year.
Praise for Vini and Mbappe
However, he still defended his squad’s commitment, especially the attacking stars Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe.
When asked which of the two forwards had impressed him more this season, the Madrid coach explained that he remains pleased with both players despite the club’s overall struggles.
“I’m very satisfied with everyone. We’re well aware that we haven’t met the targets we set ourselves and that we always want to improve.
“I’ve been here four months, and I think both of them have tried to give their best.
“They’re two of the five most game-changing players in the world, for sure. Real Madrid are lucky to have both of them.
“Today it was Vini’s turn to score a goal, but Kylian did a great job and it’s a shame he couldn’t score one too. Let’s see if he has better luck next weekend.”
Injury concerns before season finale
Despite the positive result, the night was not completely perfect for Real Madrid.
Arbeloa also confirmed that several first-team players are currently dealing with physical discomfort ahead of the final La Liga fixture against Athletic Club.
The manager revealed that Vinicius, Aurelien Tchouameni and Dean Huijsen all picked up knocks during the game.
“Yes… Vini has come off with a niggle. Aurelien Tchouameni wasn’t 100% either today. Dean Huijsen has taken a knock.
“Well, we’ll see how the week goes and if we can get them fit for the weekend.”
However, the Madrid boss quickly eased fears by insisting the injuries do not appear serious at this stage.
“Ah, no, no. I think it’s just a bit of a nuisance. And that there’s nothing particularly serious.”
Looking ahead to the final La Liga clash of the season, against Athletic Club, Arbeloa said, “It will be a day of farewells for some players and we must try to put in a good performance in front of our fans.
“We’re going to defend this shirt right up to the last second, and so will I.”
Source: AS
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
