Real Madrid News
Liverpool on red alert as key midfielder flirts with potential move to Real Madrid – report
The future of Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai has become a hot topic lately, particularly after Hungarian coach Marco Rossi’s recent statements.
Rossi revealed that one of Szoboszlai’s biggest dreams is to play for Real Madrid, which comes at a time when the Hungarian international has turned heads with his performances for Liverpool.
Liverpool on high alert
According to Defensa Central, Rossi’s comments have put Liverpool on red alert, as the Premier League giants fear Szoboszlai could be a subject of interest for Real Madrid.
That is why the club have begun talks with the former RB Leipzig superstar regarding a potential contract renewal.
Liverpool are, in fact, willing to offer as much as €287,000 to tie the Hungarian down to a long-term contract. His current deal at Anfield expires in 2028.
Liverpool’s offer for Szoboszlai would represent a €150,000 from his current salary, but the report adds that the player is looking for a package of around €350,000.
The report further adds that Szoboszlai could, in fact, be on Real Madrid’s radar as the club are actively trying to find a new playmaker.
This is despite the fact that the club are set to bring back Nico Paz from Como following his brilliant spell in Italy.
This is not the first time Szoboszlai has turned up on Real Madrid’s radar, either, as the club had followed him even during his spell in Austria.
The player, for his part, would certainly be keen on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu and even though he is happy at Liverpool for now, if the chance comes to join the Whites, it is unlikely he will turn down the advances.
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”.
