Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid gem called up to replace legendary figure in Brazil national team
The first international break of 2025 is just around the corner and players have already begun receiving call-ups to their respective national teams.
Brazil NT coach Dorival Jr. also announced his squad list for the hiatus and the list only included the names of two Real Madrid stars – Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr.
Also included in the list of forwards were the likes of Barcelona’s in-form Raphinha and icon Neymar Jr. The latter, however, is now ruled out through injury and the door has opened for another Real Madrid star.
Young gem called up
As announced officially by the Brazil national team, Real Madrid’s Endrick has been called up as Neymar’s replacement for the upcoming international break and will thus join Vinicius and Rodrygo in the national team camp.
The teenage sensation, after all, is no stranger to playing and shining under pressure. His opportunities under Carlo Ancelotti may indeed be limited this season but he has proven his mettle every time he has taken to the field.
Further, Endrick has played for the Brazilian national team several times before. At just 18 years of age, he has 13 appearances for the Selecao and has even scored three goals.
Endrick last played for Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers in October last year and was omitted from the squad in November as the manager cited he did not have enough playing time at the club level.
Needless to say, it comes as a massive relief to the player and the Real Madrid administration that Endrick has been called once more and that he will have chances to feature against Argentina and Colombia in the upcoming international break.
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”.
