Real Madrid News
Real Madrid coaching staff convinced returning defender can become key starter again – report
According to a report from Defensa Central, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho and his assistant Sami Khedira are convinced that Eder Militao can return to a starting role if he completes his recovery without further setbacks.
The Brazilian has resumed training at Valdebebas after being given a week away from the squad.
As such, his return comes around five months after undergoing surgery following a hamstring rupture suffered in April.
As a result of these developments, Mourinho’s coaching staff see Militao’s recovery as one of the most significant developments Real Madrid could have heading into October.
Militao’s return could change Mourinho’s defence
Militao has been working alongside players who remained in Madrid during the international break, as well as teammates returning from minor fitness problems such as Kylian Mbappe and Ibrahima Konate.
His presence has reportedly lifted the mood around the training ground, particularly because his physical condition appears to be progressing better than expected.
Furthermore, footage of the centre-back jogging at Valdebebas has offered another encouraging indication that his comeback is moving closer.
For what it is worth, Real Madrid have several reasons to welcome his return because Militao’s pace allows the team to defend with a higher line, while his strength in aerial challenges and one-on-one situations gives Mourinho another defensive option.
Real Madrid could have Militao for the Clasico
Real Madrid face Barcelona at Camp Nou on October 25 in the first Clasico of the season, which remains a major target for the Brazilian if his rehabilitation continues without complications.
Defensa Central describes his return as potentially the club’s biggest piece of positive news in October, particularly with Real Madrid needing to close a six-point gap to Barcelona.
Indeed, there is still plenty of work to complete before Militao can be considered ready for competitive action, but his progress gives Mourinho an additional option at a position where the squad has faced several complications.
Militao faces competition from Konate and Huijsen
For now, Konate and Dean Huijsen have emerged as Mourinho’s preferred centre-back pairing, while Antonio Rudiger has struggled for continuity following his knee surgeries.
Raul Asensio has also been unable to make his debut because of physical problems, leaving Militao’s eventual return potentially important for the manager’s rotation plans.
The Brazilian will not necessarily walk straight back into the XI, but his qualities give Mourinho something different from his current options.
In a major update, AS reports that former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has taken his first step towards starting his coaching career.
The former Germany international has told the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that he is interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers.
Real Madrid tried to bring Kroos back
It is no secret that Real Madrid considered bringing Toni Kroos back into the club’s structure after the end of the last season.
The club president, Florentino Perez, had wanted Kroos to have a daily presence at Valdebebas rather than making occasional appearances after his retirement.
Jose Angel Sanchez and Kroos spoke after Perez expressed his desire to see the German working at Valdebebas every day. However, they did not find the right moment, time or structure to give his return a clear form.
A comeback remains one of the possibilities most desired by Madrid supporters because of Kroos’ charisma and what he represents at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither side wanted him to return simply for the sake of it, so the door remains open for the future.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent, and both know that the opportunity to work together again will eventually come.
Taking it step by step
For now, Kroos continues to run the academy he established in Boadilla, enjoying the opportunity to help develop younger players.
After two years away from the competitive side of football, however, he is beginning to look towards the dugout as a possible next step in his career.
Kroos currently holds coaching qualifications that allow him to work up to the third tier of Spanish football.
This is possible because professionals with at least seven years of proven experience and significant involvement at the elite level can gain direct access to accelerated coaching courses.
That means Kroos could coach a team in Primera Federacion, but the German wants to take things gradually.
Kroos has already informed the RFEF that he would be interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers during the 2027/28 season.
The course taking place this season is not available to elite former players, with UEFA limiting each campaign to 20 places.
With his current qualifications, Kroos could work as an assistant coach, but he cannot yet take charge as a head coach in either the top flight or the Segunda División.
But completing that programme would allow Kroos to obtain the UEFA A licence, which would enable him to coach teams at any level.
