Real Madrid News
Real Madrid can sign Borussia Dortmund defender for €60 million
Nico Schlotterbeck seemingly put an end to the speculation around his future with a renewal with Borussia Dortmund until 2031, handing suitors including Real Madrid a definitive answer on his stance.
Los Blancos eyed the defender as a possible target for the summer to reinforce the centre-back position and saw him as one of the best possible options for the department.
His renewal, however, seemingly closed the doors for any such move although an interesting option did come up in the days following his contract extension.
A release clause
As reported by MARCA in a recent report, the German international has a release clause set at €60 million that could facilitate his departure in the summer.
While the player did indeed renew, one of the primary reasons a departure is still being considered is that the player does not have a good relationship with the fans.
He was greeted by loud boos in his team’s defeat to Bayer Leverkusen recently and there is tension regarding his relationship with the fans and the club’s board.
Los Blancos are very attentive to his situation, and the situation of Borussia Dortmund given that Schlotterbeck’s release clause may be further brought down if they do not qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.
Dortmund, for their part, wish to convince the player that he is desired at the club and not to doubt his decision to renew. The circumstances, however, leave matters in a grey area.
So far this season, Schlotterbeck has made 23 league appearances for Dortmund and has scored four goals and has one assist to his name. He has overseen nine clean sheets and averages over ten defensive actions per game.
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.
