Real Madrid News
Man City manager jokes about resting key player vs Real Madrid, issues update on two stars
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City came into focus this weekend after the coach made wholesale changes to the team that faced Real Madrid in midweek.
Man City were able to secure a 5-1 victory over Luton, with the likes of Erling Haaland, Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku and Josko Gvardiol scoring goals.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola offered multiple fitness updates heading into the second-leg tie against Real Madrid.
Guardiola on Rodri being rested
Rodri was one of many first-team stars who were rested against Luton. When asked whether the midfielder was happy after being benched, Guardiola offered a rather sarcastic response.
“Absolutely. He will also rest on Wednesday against Real Madrid. Don’t you believe me?” he joked (h/t MARCA).
Rodri is more than likely to play a key role on Wednesday against Real Madrid. After a 3-3 draw in the first leg, Rodri will play a key role in neutralising the Real Madrid midfield, comprising stars such as Toni Kroos and Jude Bellingham.
Guardiola on Walker and Ake
Kyle Walker was the big absentee for Manchester City in the first leg against Real Madrid. However, many expect the Englishman to feature in the second leg on Wednesday.
When asked about his fitness Guardiola confirmed both him and Nathan Ake asked him to be benched against Luton Town.
“They wanted to be on the bench and I told them fine, let them be there,” said Guardiola, who is more than likely to use Walker’s services on Wednesday.
With Walker back, Manchester City’s defence will be hopeful of shutting down the Real Madrid frontline, which managed to score three goals in the first leg.
Ake, too, could be a useful defensive weapon for Guardiola, although Man City will likely bank on their offensive firepower to combat Real Madrid in this high-octane encounter.
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.
