Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho rejected Portugal job in favour of Real Madrid return – report
all the new entries at Real Madrid in the summer, the appointment of Jose Mourinho was one of the earliest moves the club had made in an attempt to usher in a new era.
Mourinho was deeply involved in Real Madrid’s squad planning over the summer, with the team spending a fortune on new players in the transfer market.
However, the Real Madrid team could have looked very different, as Mourinho was also in contention to become the coach of the Portuguese national team.
Mourinho rejected Portugal for Real Madrid
According to AS, Mourinho turned down the chance to manage his national side in order to answer Real Madrid’s call.
The timing came in the weeks leading up to the World Cup, following Portugal’s debacle at the World Cup and the subsequent sacking of Roberto Martinez.
The search for a new coach initially pointed towards Mourinho, who had spoken with the Federation’s directors and even discussed certain circumstances as a starting point for an agreement.
It was at that moment, though, that Florentino Perez intervened. The Real Madrid president asked the then-Benfica boss for help.
Perez repeated the formula used previously with Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti, bringing back a coach who had already proven successful at the club.
Mourinho did not hesitate, answering Real Madrid’s call and leaving Benfica after his buyout clause was paid. Portugal, meanwhile, understood the situation and instead turned to Jorge Jesus.
A tough start at Real Madrid
Mourinho’s second spell at Real Madrid, though, hasn’t started smoothly at all.
Real Madrid have already fallen six points behind runaway leaders Barcelona, having suffered defeats to Real Betis and Atletico Madrid.
Performances have been inconsistent, with the team lacking intensity and cohesion, and reports have suggested there are once again problems within the dressing room.
That has left Mourinho facing mounting scrutiny, with former player Poli Rincon recently among those to criticise the Portuguese, going as far as to call for his dismissal.
For Mourinho, the challenge now is to justify Perez’s faith and steady the ship when the season resumes.
Real Madrid face a demanding run of fixtures after the international break, including El Clasico, and the Portuguese will be desperate to prove that his return can deliver the success the club craves.
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.
