Real Madrid News
Raul talks Benzema, Lewandowski, Barcelona, El Clasico, managerial future
Ahead of the first El Clasico of the 2022/23 season, Real Madrid legend and Castilla manager Raul Gonzalez has heaped praise on Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski.
Real Madrid and Barcelona lock horns against each other later this week at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the top spot in the La Liga table on the line.
The game will also see two of the most prolific strikers in Europe come face to face as Real Madrid captain Benzema locks horns with Barcelona ace Lewandowski.
While Benzema won the Pichichi Award for most goals scored in La Liga last season, Lewandowski has emerged as the early favourite for the trophy in the ongoing campaign.
And ahead of their meeting on Sunday, Raul has stated that the two are the best strikers in the game currently, along with Manchester City superstar and Real Madrid target Erling Haaland.
“They are possibly the best strikers, along with Haaland. They are the ones who have the most scoring ability and contribute the most to their teams,” Raul said (h/t SPORT).
Raul further hailed Lewandowski, claiming that he was a great signing for La Liga as a whole. However, he added that he hopes Benzema comes out on top in the battle between the two on Sunday at the Bernabeu.
“Lewandowski is a great signing for La Liga, he is showing his quality. But I hope that the battle of scorers on Sunday will be won by Benzema,” he added.
Talking about the forms of both teams heading into the Clasico, Raul said that Barcelona’s injuries were a cause for concern in defence, although he insisted that they were doing a good job with the players they have.
As for the importance of the game, he said: “I see it as a very exciting game, as always . They both arrive with the same points. Too early, because it’s in October. Whoever wins will be able to come out stronger mentally.
“It will be a very demanding game and Real Madrid, playing at home and being with their people, they could be the favourites,” Raul said.
“All the players are good, they are international. I think they have top squads with high-quality players. We are all looking forward to Sunday, but first there is the Champions League , which are two important games that they have before,” he added.
On his favourite El Clasico memory, Raul said: “I have been lucky enough to play many and score goals. Possibly I would keep the first of my career, with Valdano in 94. We won 5-0 after months before It was the other way around.
“On a personal level, I’ve had good performances , also average or bad. They are always special games that a player is always looking forward to.”
Talking about the iconic image of the silencing gesture he made to the Camp Nou crowd after scoring, Raul said: “These are things that happened at that time. Many Madridistas are very happy with that image. I’m happy but within codes of respect that have always been there.”
Opening up on his relationship with Barcelona and their players in the past, the Castilla manager stated:
“The relationship I have always had with Barcelona players and with the club has been very good. They are part of what football is, of what that moment of tension is and of wanting to do things well. It is an image that will remain for history.”
On his desire to coach Real Madrid in a fixture like El Clasico, he added: “I would like to but now I am very happy where I am, working with my boys.
“I am happy and I am going to enjoy it as a fan, with the desire that we get those three points that will not define anything but will give more confidence and morale to the winner.”
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.
