Real Madrid News
Manchester City heavyweight moves away from Real Madrid – report
With Jose Mourinho returning to the helm of affairs at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid’s defensive rebuild is beginning to take shape this summer.
Los Blancos have already secured deals for as many as three new defenders in Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and Marc Cucurella, although only the latter one has officially been confirmed.
But the Portuguese manager remains intent on bringing in one more centre-back this summer, with Los Blancos showing a strong interest in Manchester City and Croatia mainstay Josko Gvardiol.
No move for Gvardiol
However, according to AS, Gvardiol is no longer viewed as a key target at the Spanish capital club.
The Croatian defender had been considered an attractive option because of his versatility. Capable of playing both as a left-sided centre-back and a left-back, he fit the profile Mourinho wanted when assessing areas of the squad that required strengthening.
However, circumstances have changed. The addition of Cucurella has addressed the left-back position, while other defensive signings have reduced the urgency for further investment at the back.
Combined with the financial demands involved in any potential deal, Gvardiol’s chances of moving to Madrid have significantly diminished.
Renewal on track
Manchester City also have little interest in letting Gvardiol leave. Despite speculation surrounding changes at the club following Pep Guardiola’s departure, the Premier League giants remain determined to keep him as part of their long-term plans.
While injuries limited his involvement last season, including a lengthy spell out with a tibia fracture, City continue to view him as a central figure in their future project.
As such, the Cityzens are working towards extending his contract, even though he is already tied to the club until 2028, with a breakthrough just around the corner.
Therefore, for now, Real Madrid appear focused elsewhere, with Cucurella’s arrival and other defensive additions making a move for Gvardiol increasingly unlikely.
New midfield addition seen as priority
Indeed, Los Blancos are making the signing of a new midfielder a top priority in the coming days, with the club planning to fast-track a move for Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernandez.
Once that operation is done, Real Madrid could enter the market for another defender, but Gvardiol is seemingly off the table.
Names like Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund and Tomas Araujo of SL Benfica could become genuine options.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
