Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid squad list to face Braga | UEFA Champions League
Real Madrid gear up to host SC Braga in matchday four of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League tomorrow night at the Santiago Bernabeu.
A win against the Portuguese club would guarantee the Merengues’ progression to the knockout stages of the competition.
Ahead of the contest, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has released the squad list of players he will have at his disposal for the contest.
And, in a huge positive, star midfielder Jude Bellingham features on the list even though there were some doubts about his availability due to a shoulder issue.
It does not, however, guarantee that the 20-year-old will take the field against Braga, but his inclusion on the squad list confirms that the possibility is not out of the question.
Arda Guler once again makes it to the list, for only the second time since joining Real Madrid in the summer and could finally make his debut tomorrow.
Nico Paz is another young talent to watch out for on the squad list and the Castilla prospect could also get some minutes if things go Madrid’s way.
📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados para el partido 🆚 @SCBragaOficial! #UCL pic.twitter.com/khJpAZ8fDh
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) November 7, 2023
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”.
mcMillee
November 8, 2023 at 10:24 am
I don’t know how, But I want this to get to vini jnr or the board of real Madrid that, he’s a very good footballer with no doubt in my mind BUT BUT,he needed to focused more on the game than always listening to the fans and he should also be more feasible with the ball when he’s in control and never try to always fall with a very slighers push from the defenders. I think he should watch he’s idols and people or predecessors who used to play same position as he’s occupying now. Please please this should get to him.