Real Madrid News
Man City superstar admits Mbappe’s absence could help beat Real Madrid: ‘Will be an advantage’
Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma shared his thoughts ahead of the team’s crucial showdown against Real Madrid in the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League.
City are preparing for a demanding night at the famous Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where the Spanish giants often produce memorable European performances.
Despite the difficulty of the task, Donnarumma believes his team is ready to face the challenge.
Mbappe’s absence
One of the main talking points ahead of the match has been the absence of Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe, who is unavailable due to a sprained left knee.
Mbappe’s absence removes one of Madrid’s most dangerous attacking threats, something Donnarumma admitted could slightly change the workload for a goalkeeper.
Speaking during a press conference, the Italian goalkeeper reflected on the impact of Mbappe missing the match while also wishing the French forward a quick recovery.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play with Kylian, and he’s one of the best players in the world. As a goalkeeper, not having Kylian in front of you can be an advantage.
“You have less work to do. But we’ll still be up against great players. I’m friends with Kylian and I hope he can be back for the second leg, because he deserves it,” he noted.
Despite Mbappe’s absence, Donnarumma made it clear that facing Real Madrid in the Champions League remains one of the biggest challenges in European football.
“Real Madrid are undoubtedly one of the favourites, history speaks for itself, but they will be facing a team that is eager to surprise, that is hungry.
“We know the atmosphere we will encounter at the Bernabeu and it is important to know how to manage our emotions,” he added.
UCL unpredictability
Donnarumma also pointed out how unpredictable the Champions League can be, reminding reporters that unexpected teams often make deep runs in the competition.
“There are a number of teams that can win the Champions League, many strong teams.
“If we look at last year, before the round of 16, no one thought PSG could win the competition, but everything can change,” he said.
The Manchester City goalkeeper also took time to praise Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whom he considers one of the best in the world.
“I have an excellent relationship with Courtois. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and I have admired him for a long time. I have everything to learn from a goalkeeper like him,” he said.
Praise for Real Madrid
Finally, Donnarumma dismissed the idea that Real Madrid might lack motivation this season.
Instead, he emphasised that playing for the Spanish giants already demands a strong mentality.
“I don’t think Madrid lacks hunger. Playing for Madrid is not something just anyone can do. You deserve to be here, to wear this shirt. I don’t think they lack hunger.
“It’s been a season of ups and downs, but we know that in the Champions League, they’re a different team. We’re ready.
“We know we’ll be facing a young team, but one that’s eager to take Madrid all the way. It’ll be a tough game.
“We have to prepare well, but we have to control our emotions. Playing here isn’t easy. We have to manage situations,” he concluded.
Source: AS
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
