Real Madrid News
Mourinho believes he can help Real Madrid imminent new signing return to his best
Real Madrid are currently navigating a difficult period both on and off the pitch. With club president Florentino Perez having called elections amid growing institutional pressure, attention has also turned to rebuilding a squad that has struggled in recent seasons.
The defence, in particular, has become a major concern. The departures of David Alaba and Dani Carvajal have left significant gaps in the backline. Eder Militao’s injury woes make the situation even more precarious.
As such, Real Madrid are looking at the possibility of signing two centre-backs in the summer, along with a right-back as well.
In that regard, reports earlier today confirmed that Los Blancos are on the cusp of signing Ibrahima Konate, with a verbal contract agreement already finalised.
Jose Mourinho approves Konate move
Now, according to Cadena SER, incoming Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has given his approval for the signing of Konate.
Although Konate’s most recent season was not his strongest, Mourinho believes a full pre-season under him would allow the Frenchman to return to the level he previously showed when he was an important figure in Liverpool’s Premier League-winning campaign.
Moreover, the Portuguese and Real Madrid value Konate’s physical profile. Standing at 1.94 metres and weighing around 95 kilograms, he fits the mould of a dominant central defender capable of imposing himself in both penalty areas.
While he is not renowned for his technical elegance, his strength, power and defensive presence are viewed as major assets.
Salary structure and competition
As already reported, Konate is expected to sign a four-year contract at Real Madrid as a free agent, with an option for an additional season.
Furthermore, Los Blancos are prepared to place him in the second tier of the club’s salary structure, similar to the earnings of Konate’s former Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, who also arrived as a free agent last summer.
Real Madrid are hoping to complete the signing of Konate, as well as right-back Denzel Dumfries, before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
