Real Madrid News
Out-of-favour Real Madrid forward hoping to earn a new contract with the club
With the World Cup just around the corner, Marco Asensio would undoubtedly have liked to be a bigger part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans at Real Madrid heading into the second month of the season.
Be it for his contractual issues or the availability of better options, he has faced a serious dearth of minutes this season.
However, according to reports from AS (h/t Madrid Xtra), the Spaniard is not fazed by his situation at the club. Rather, he still hopes to earn a spot, prove his worth and fight for a contract extension with Real Madrid this year.
Earlier this week, Asensio spoke out about his situation and said that a new contract was not in his hands. “Renewing at Real Madrid does not depend on me, it depends on many factors. I hope it can happen,” he had said.
Moreover, he was vocal throughout the interview about his desire to represent Los Blancos and be an integral part of the manager’s plans.
Asensio is in the final year of his contract with Real Madrid and will be a free agent come June. Surprisingly, Barcelona are on the list of parties interested in his signing alongside Manchester United and AC Milan.
This season, the winger has stayed on the bench in four of the team’s six league games. In the remaining matches too, he has just come on as a substitute for the closing minutes of the game.
Given Ancelotti’s long list of forward options, it is probably in the best interest of both parties to part ways. Yet, one knows that Asensio can be a great asset when in form and that he deserves to play for Real Madrid if he can prove himself.
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.
