Real Madrid News
Mourinho to meet Florentino Perez next week to finalise Real Madrid return
With the end of the season almost upon us, things are picking up pace at Real Madrid with regard to their new managerial appointment.
It has been very clear that Alvaro Arbeloa would not continue beyond this season, even more so given all the dressing room issues that have surfaced in recent weeks.
And the Spanish capital club have turned to the ‘Special One’, Jose Mourinho, to restore order and discipline in the locker room from the coming season onwards.
Key meeting set next week
Now, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Mourinho will meet with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez next week to finalise his return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The former Chelsea boss, currently in charge of Benfica, already confirmed earlier this week that he was offered a new contract by the Portuguese giants but had not studied it yet.
Now, the report states that he has already informed some members of the Benfica hierarchy that he will be leaving at the end of the season.
So much so that Benfica have already begun their search for a replacement manager, with Fulham’s Marco Silva emerging as a target.
Perez driving the manager search
Unlike last summer when Real Madrid appointed Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti, when he had listened to his advisors, Perez himself is driving the search and the appointment of the new manager.
And even though Real Madrid considered names like Mauricio Pochettino, Jurgen Klopp, Massimiliano Allegri, and Didier Deschamps, Mourinho has emerged as Perez’s preferred candidate.
Everything is now in place for the ‘Special One’ to return to Real Madrid, where he won three domestic titles between 2010 and 2013.
It is expected that Mourinho will be signing a two-year contract with the club until 2028.
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.
