Real Madrid News
Mallorca defender reveals plan to stop Real Madrid forward: ‘I will ask Pablo Maffeo’
Real Madrid’s upcoming trip to Son Moix will be of extreme importance for Los Blancos in the La Liga title race.
In that regard, Mallorca defender Antonio Sanchez has made it clear that the hosts are ready to challenge the Spanish giants with all their might.
Speaking in a recent interview with AS, Sanchez shared his thoughts on facing Real Madrid, a fixture that arrives at a demanding point in the season for the visitors.
Preparing for the Real Madrid clash
The 28-year-old defender pointed towards the timing of the match as a potential advantage.
With Real Madrid juggling multiple competitions, including European commitments, Sanchez believes his side could capitalise.
“It’s both challenging and exciting to play against Madrid, and if there’s ever a time to take them on, though you never know if that’s a good or bad thing, it’s now, with a week off for us and a Champions League match for them.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how the game plays out because I feel like we can give them a run for their money.”
How to stop Vinicius Jr.
One of the biggest threats Mallorca will have to deal with is Vinicius Jr., who is unlikely to start against Mallorca, owing to excessive fatigue.
In any case, the Real Madrid winger has consistently been a difference-maker, and Sanchez admitted that containing him is no easy task.
“If that situation were to arise, which I don’t know, the first thing I’d do is ask Pablo Maffeo, who’s done very well when he’s had to, or Mateu Jaume for some advice, because they have more experience with this.”
Lastly, Mallorca’s preparation for the match has also been intense under new manager Martin Demichelis.
The team has used the break to focus on physical and tactical readiness, aiming to be fully prepared for the challenge.
“It’s been tough. We’ve been working hard, which is good, but it’s been a solid week of training,” he concluded.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
