Real Madrid News
La Liga defender backs Real Madrid duo to become future Ballon d’Or winners
Ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga encounter against Sevilla later tonight, defender Alex Telles has claimed that Los Blancos duo Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes have what it takes to become Ballon d’Or winners in the future.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had claimed that both Vinicius and Rodrygo can win the Ballon d’Or like Karim Benzema did this year. And Telles, echoing the same sentiments, said (h/t AS):
“They have all the quality to get there. They can get what they want with work. They are young, fast and skilled, with very Brazilian characteristics. I know them well, I have to be prepared to face them, although not just the two of them, because Madrid has many stars.”
When asked if he had been in contact with the Real Madrid attacking duo since arriving in Spain last summer, Telles responded:
“They’re my siblings. I always talk to them in the Seleçao. They are world top, it will be nice to meet them again but there is no friendship on the field, it will be a fight and after finishing we will talk. I hope for the best in their games, but after Sunday.”
There had been a lot of controversy generated around Vinicius Jr’s ritual to celebrate his goals by dancing, with the Brazilian even being subjected to racist abuse. Giving his opinion on the matter, the Sevilla left-back said:
“With respect you can do what you want. We Brazilians like to celebrate with joy, to be happy. And the goal is the highest point in football. I think that Vinicius did not disrespect anyone.”
When asked about the daunting prospect of facing an in-form Real Madrid side at the Santiago Bernabeu, Telles said:
“If we are afraid we do not go out into the field. You have to go with passion, as we played the second half against Valencia and in various sections of the season. They are a very strong opposition but we are excited.”
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
