Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ace left national team due to captaincy snub, says coach: “Surprised & shocked”
The big news from the Belgian National Team earlier today was Thibaut Courtois’ sudden withdrawal from the camp. The goalkeeper started and played all 90 minutes against Austria at the weekend but has left the dynamics from immediate effect.
It did not take long for rumours about Courtois’ departure to make the rounds. The most backed theory of all was that the Real Madrid star was disappointed with the internal decisions taken over the team’s captaincy.
Belgium National Team manager Domenico Tedesco spoke to the media earlier today and confirmed that the vice-captain would play no part in the game against Estonia midweek. Further, he revealed the exact reason for the shot-stopper’s disappointment as revealed by Reuters.
“We decided together that Lukaku will captain against Austria & Courtois tomorrow. After last game, Courtois suddenly wanted to talk to me & told me that he was going home because he was disappointed & felt insulted.”
Tedesco then went on to explain how the decision was not one made on the spot but the result of elaborate discussions that took place months ago.
“I repeat it: I am surprised and shocked. We didn’t expect something like this to happen. In March we decided that De Bruyne would be captain and Lukaku and Courtois on an equal footing at the rank of vice-captain.”
The manager also went on to call the Real Madrid star the ‘best in the world’ and appeared to convey to the player that the decision was not made of any personal favouritism.
“From the beginning, I tried to show him the appreciation he deserves. In my eyes, he is the best goalkeeper in the world. I love him as a goalkeeper but also as a human being. I am shocked.”
Finally, the coach was asked to comment on whether the misunderstanding could mean the end of Courtois’ involvement with the National Team. Tedesco dodged the question, however, and understandably did not wish to make any public statements.
“It’s not the right time to say anything about that, because we have an important game tomorrow. The next games are in September and we will see then.”
There had been reports of Courtois walking out of the Belgian national team camp because of an alleged injury, but Tedesco flat-out declined those claims, stating that he was not injured.
“I wish I could say it’s an injury but I can’t lie,” the coach said. “I always try to protect players but that’s impossible in this situation. I tried to tell him to hold on for two more days.”
Given that the game against Austria was one with more competitive significance, it is possible the Real Madrid star felt hard done by being handed the captaincy against the easier team. After all, he is senior to Lukaku in terms of age.
The sudden turn of events is likely to mark the end of Courtois’ season, for a return to the national team for the ongoing window is unlikely. He is expected to return to training under Carlo Ancelotti on July 20th and could even face new competition at the club level next season.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
