Real Madrid News
Mourinho welcomes plan to keep struggling Real Madrid star; could be given iconic number next season
Real Madrid’s upcoming rebuild under Jose Mourinho is expected to bring major changes across the squad, especially in defence.
New signings are likely to arrive, veteran players are heading towards the exit door, and several uncertain futures are slowly becoming clearer behind the scenes.
One of the names now benefiting from that shift is Raul Asencio, reports AS.
Only a few months ago, the academy graduate’s long-term future at the club appeared far from guaranteed.
Injuries, internal tensions and falling out of favour had placed him in a difficult position during one of the most frustrating periods of his young career.
Now, however, the situation has changed dramatically to the extent that he would gladly inherit the iconic number 4 shirt that David Alaba will leave behind.
The expected arrival of Mourinho has strengthened Asencio’s standing, with the Portuguese coach said to be a strong admirer of the defender’s aggressive playing style and physical approach on the pitch.
Difficult season for Asencio
It is known that Real Madrid are preparing for a major defensive reshuffle this summer.
Alaba’s departure has already been confirmed, while concerns continue surrounding the physical condition of other senior defenders, such as Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger in the squad.
Those circumstances are now creating fresh opportunities for the La Fabrica defender.
Asencio’s season has been complicated from the beginning. Several injuries disrupted his rhythm and prevented him from building on the strong momentum he had generated the previous year.
Matters became even more difficult following tensions with Alvaro Arbeloa, which damaged his place in the manager’s plans for a significant period.
Still, the defender never completely disappeared from the picture.
There is hope under Mourinho
Despite all that, Mourinho values several aspects of his profile, particularly his intensity in duels, physical competitiveness and ability to play direct long passes from deep areas.
The Portuguese coach has historically preferred defenders with aggression over purely technical profiles, which may explain why Asencio is now viewed differently inside the club.
With Alaba leaving and defensive depth becoming increasingly fragile, Asencio’s importance has quietly grown.
The player himself has also made his intentions clear to the club that, despite the difficult months he endured, he wants to remain part of Real Madrid’s long-term project.
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.
