Real Madrid News
Liverpool manager tight-lipped on Real Madrid target’s future – ‘Can’t tell you anything’
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential transfer to Real Madrid, clarifying that he currently has no updates on the situation.
“No. I can’t tell you anything about that,” he began by saying as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
Upon being asked what’s happening with the full-back’s contract, he noted, “Same question, same answer, there will always be talks and it is normal that you asked.”
What’s the latest with TAA?
The interest from Real Madrid in Alexander-Arnold is well known, and recent reports suggest there is a strong possibility that the Liverpool defender could make the move to the European champions as soon as January.
The urgency for Liverpool arises from their lack of progress regarding a contract extension for the player, whose current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2025.
The club is keen to avoid the scenario of losing such a valuable player for free when his contract ends. With that in mind, Liverpool have recognised Alexander-Arnold’s worth and has made multiple attempts to secure a new agreement.
Real Madrid in advanced position
Despite their efforts, no substantial progress has been made in negotiations. The ongoing situation has put Liverpool in a position where they may have to consider the option of selling the right-back during the January transfer window.
At present, the dynamics of the situation appear to favour Real Madrid. They are keen on signing him in January, and the transfer could be completed at a relatively low cost since Liverpool would prefer to receive something rather than lose him for nothing.
Should a January transfer not come to fruition, Real Madrid may have the option to secure Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer in the summer of 2025.
With the current state of negotiations and the player’s contract situation, it remains to be seen how this story will unfold. Liverpool are facing a crucial period, as they seek to retain one of their most important players amid growing interest from Real Madrid.
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”.
