Real Madrid News
‘Not many who have his quality’: Barcelona midfielder praises veteran Real Madrid star
Barcelona and Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan heaped praises on Real Madrid veteran Toni Kroos ahead of the latter’s return to the national team.
Kroos, 34, had announced his retirement from international football back in 2021. However, with the UEFA Euro 2024 set to be played in Germany this year, the Real Madrid star has decided to come out of retirement.
Kroos is in the Germany squad in the current international break and could be back playing for Die Mannschaft on Saturday when they face France in a friendly.
Ahead of the game, Gundogan, the captain of the German national team, praised his teammate, highlighting the Real Madrid ace’s quality and creative power.
As quoted by SPORT, the Barcelona midfielder said: “It’s a great feeling to have Toni by our side. There are not many players in European football who have his qualities.”
“I expect a lot from him. I think we will manage him very well,” he added.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann also spoke highly of Kroos after having convinced him to make a return to the national team fold.
“Toni is integrating very well. He doesn’t give you the impression that he has airs and graces. He doesn’t stand out in the group because he feels he is above the rest,” said Nagelsmann.
“He has an extraordinary ability to be a leader in a game. He makes a very good impression.”
Kroos has been enjoying a fine season with Real Madrid and continues to be a key cog in Carlo Ancelotti’s side despite his age.
Having already helped Germany boost their shirt sales, the 34-year-old will be hoping to turn things around for Die Mannschaft on the pitch heading into the Euros.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
