Real Madrid News
La Liga president hits back at Arbeloa over referee criticism – ‘One day he says one thing, then another’
Earlier today, during a media interaction Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, responded to criticism of referees made by Alvaro Arbeloa, coach of Real Madrid.
The Merengues have been long critical of the refereeing in La Liga, with their grievances growing stronger after their previous league game against Girona, where they felt that a clear penalty was not awarded to the team.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Alaves game, Arbeloa stated that “situations” such as those in the match against Girona help explain why Real Madrid have won fewer league titles than European trophies in recent times.
Tebas’ response to Arbeloa
Now, Tebas has hit back at Arbeloa, claiming that the Real Madrid manager keeps complaining about the referees, pointing out to the former defender’s comments from last week after the elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich.
“The other day, he said the same thing about the referee in the Bayern Munich match. It was the same line of argument, but not regarding Bayern Munich, because the referee was Slovenian,” countered Tebas, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
“One day he says one thing, then another, then something else,” the La Liga chief said, before urging Arbeloa and Real Madrid to try and mount a comeback in the title race.
“Real Madrid must try to keep competing. There are still La Liga matches to play, and enough points up for grabs,” Tebas noted.
“Barcelona aren’t going to win everything, far from it. I’m convinced of that. There are still points to be fought for,” he concluded.
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.
