Real Madrid News
Real Madrid 17-year-old starlet could make it to the squad for FIFA Club World Cup
Joan Martinez was one of the main novelties of the pre-season for Real Madrid last summer. But the young La Fabrica talent suffered an ACL injury right after the US tour, ruling him out of action for a prolonged period.
It was a significant setback for the youngster considering that he was likely in for a first-team spot this season with manager Carlo Ancelotti rating him very highly.
Having undergone surgery and completed his rigorous rehabilitation over past eight to nine months, Martinez is now back in training with the Real Madrid Juvenil A outfit, reports AS.
A Club World Cup spot beckons?
In fact, the report even states that Martinez making it to the Real Madrid squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer is a possibility, even if it is a difficult one.
The teenager is back and training normally with Arbeloa’s Juvenil A side. He had been seen resuming ball work a few weeks ago, but now he is fully integrated into the team dynamic. The next step is clear: to gain minutes on the pitch in a competitive setting.
With the regular season over, Juvenil A are now focused on the Copa de Campeones, a tournament featuring the champions of all the División de Honor groups (and the two best runners-up). At most, it consists of only three matches.
Then there is Raul Gonzalez’s Castilla side, who are short on central defenders in their playoff battle and could use someone of Martinez’s talents.
Santiago Solari to hold the key
As for the FIFA Club World Cup with the Real Madrid first-team setup, it is seen as a truly difficult target, but not impossible for Martinez.
If Ancelotti were to remain in charge, the teenager’s chances would increase significantly as the Italian manager has shown a clear preference for the young defender.
However, as previously reported, the plan is for Ancelotti to step down after the league campaign, with Santiago Solari expected to lead the team in the Club World Cup while waiting for Xabi Alonso to take over.
Solari is well acquainted with the entire academy and could include Martinez, even if only with limited chances to play so as to support his ongoing integration into the first team.
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”.
Hala_Madrid
May 7, 2025 at 6:50 pm
With Ancelotti out of the picture the young revolution will commence. Let’s bring back meritocracy, hunger, tactics , preparation and exciting football back in Madrid! Hala Madrid!!