Real Madrid News
Mourinho has big plans for last season’s breakout star as Real Madrid await injury return
Thiago Pitarch could be set for a significant opportunity under Jose Mourinho, as the Real Madrid manager is keen to take a closer look at the academy graduate once he completes his recovery from injury.
According to reports from Defensa Central, Mourinho is paying particular attention to Pitarch’s development and wants to observe how the youngster performs in both training and competitive matches before making a decision on his role in the first-team setup.
It is to be remembered that Pitarch emerged as one of Real Madrid’s breakout performers last season, successfully making the step up from the academy and playing an important role under former manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
His progress, however, has been temporarily halted by a right knee injury suffered towards the end of July.
The midfielder has now been out for around six weeks, and he is believed to be entering the final stages of his recovery.
That could allow Mourinho to assess a player who has already shown he is capable of attracting attention at Valdebebas.
Mourinho keeping close eye on Pitarch
Mourinho has always placed importance on identifying and developing talented young players within the academies of the clubs he has managed.
That approach appears to be continuing at Real Madrid, with sources suggesting the Portuguese coach is receiving regular updates on several promising players coming through the club’s system.
Pitarch is one of those players attracting particular attention, and the fact that the Portuguese blocked his move to the Premier League is the perfect example.
It is said that Mourinho is interested in seeing whether Pitarch can adapt to the demands of his tactical plans.
Simply put, the manager does not want to keep Pitarch around the senior squad. Rather, he wants to give him a meaningful role if his performances justify it.
Naturally, though, much will depend on how he can regain full fitness.
Real Madrid have faith in their midfield options
Pitarch’s return comes at an interesting moment for Real Madrid’s midfield.
The club is not expected to make further moves during the final days of the transfer window, as there is confidence in the players already available.
Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler and Federico Valverde are among those trusted to provide quality and balance in the centre of the pitch, while there is hope that Pitarch could offer another internal solution.
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.
