Real Madrid News
Just in – Real Madrid captain close to joining Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia
Just two weeks after Toni Kroos bid farewell to club football at Wembley, Real Madrid fans could be set for another heartbreak as Nacho Fernandez may also leave the club this summer.
The veteran defender’s contract expires at the end of the season. Despite leading Real Madrid to a double this past season, he remains undecided about his future.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti is determined to keep hold of Nacho owing to his leadership and the experience he brings to the table. The player, however, is inching closer to an exit.
Nacho close to joining Al Ittihad
As a matter of fact, Nacho Fernandez appears to be on the verge of joining Saudi Arabian giants Al Ittihad.
This is according to L’Equipe, which suggests that Al Ittihad have been desperately seeking defensive reinforcements for quite some time now and Nacho has emerged as the ideal bet.
A potential move to Al Ittihad could see Nacho reunite with his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema.
Nacho will also team up with the likes of Fabinho, Luiz Felipe and former Chelsea superstar N’Golo Kante.
What’s next for Real Madrid?
Should Nacho join Al Ittihad this summer, Real Madrid are likely to scale up their search for a new central defender in the market.
The club have long been linked with a move for LOSC Lille’s Leny Yoro. Although speculations have died down a little in recent weeks, Real Madrid may have no choice but to accelerate the pursuit of the Frenchman, in the event Nacho leaves.
Recent reports indicate Los Blancos are still the favourites to sign Yoro from Lille this summer. They are leading clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to sign the French defensive gem.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
