Real Madrid News
Man City defender on facing Real Madrid in UCL semifinals: “We will try to take revenge”
The UEFA Champions League has not disappointed this season. The competition has delivered on every aspect that it promised, from the drama to the nail-biting action and enthralling comebacks.
Now, only four teams remain in the race for European glory. The semifinal stage of the competition is set to kick off early next week and it is clear that the world’s focus will be more fixated on one semifinal than the other.
Inter Milan and AC Milan contesting a derby in the final-four stage makes up for a special storyline. Yet, one cannot help but view the game between Manchester City and Real Madrid as a clash between the two best clubs in the world.
Earlier this week, Aymeric Laporte spoke about the opposition his side face in the Champions League next week. It was clear that the Machester City defender did not forget the painful defeat at the hands of Real Madrid last season as he said:
“In the Champions League, we face another big team in Real Madrid and we will try to get our revenge from last year.”
Pep Guardiola’s side looked to have sealed a spot in the final of the prestigious competition last year and even had a two-goal lead on aggregate heading into the 90th minute of the second leg.
Two clutch goals from Rodrygo in two minutes, however, downed the confidence of the English champions and forced extra time. Karim Benzema had the pleasure of inflicting the final blow on the night as City collapsed out of the competition.
This time, however, the Blues appear to be a rung higher in terms of quality. The addition of Erling Haaland makes them a formidable side in attack, while Kevin De Bruyne’s return from injury gives Guardiola a close-to full-strength squad.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men will thus have to play at their very best if they are to advance to the next round.
Source: ManCity.com
In a major update, AS reports that former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has taken his first step towards starting his coaching career.
The former Germany international has told the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that he is interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers.
Real Madrid tried to bring Kroos back
It is no secret that Real Madrid considered bringing Toni Kroos back into the club’s structure after the end of the last season.
The club president, Florentino Perez, had wanted Kroos to have a daily presence at Valdebebas rather than making occasional appearances after his retirement.
Jose Angel Sanchez and Kroos spoke after Perez expressed his desire to see the German working at Valdebebas every day. However, they did not find the right moment, time or structure to give his return a clear form.
A comeback remains one of the possibilities most desired by Madrid supporters because of Kroos’ charisma and what he represents at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither side wanted him to return simply for the sake of it, so the door remains open for the future.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent, and both know that the opportunity to work together again will eventually come.
Taking it step by step
For now, Kroos continues to run the academy he established in Boadilla, enjoying the opportunity to help develop younger players.
After two years away from the competitive side of football, however, he is beginning to look towards the dugout as a possible next step in his career.
Kroos currently holds coaching qualifications that allow him to work up to the third tier of Spanish football.
This is possible because professionals with at least seven years of proven experience and significant involvement at the elite level can gain direct access to accelerated coaching courses.
That means Kroos could coach a team in Primera Federacion, but the German wants to take things gradually.
Kroos has already informed the RFEF that he would be interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers during the 2027/28 season.
The course taking place this season is not available to elite former players, with UEFA limiting each campaign to 20 places.
With his current qualifications, Kroos could work as an assistant coach, but he cannot yet take charge as a head coach in either the top flight or the Segunda División.
But completing that programme would allow Kroos to obtain the UEFA A licence, which would enable him to coach teams at any level.
