Real Madrid News
Real Madrid consider the ‘main part’ of their transfer window done
The FIFA World Cup is the grandest of stages in the world of football and it simply does not get bigger than the premier competition.
The competition’s results and player performances at the event often impact transfer valuations and inflation in the associated transfer windows, and we expect the same after the ongoing event.
Several players have risen to prominence after their wonderful performances at the event, including Ayyoub Bouaddi, whom even Real Madrid are pursuing. For others, the competition has either boosted or dipped their transfer valuation based on performances.
Real Madrid are unperturbed
As reported by MARCA, Real Madrid are unfazed by the progression of the World Cup and its impact on the transfer window.
From the club’s internal offices, the message remains that they have completed a major chunk of their job. They believe that the ‘main part’ of their transfer window is now done and that they do not have much to chase after the competition concludes.
In that sense, Los Blancos have been observing the World Cup from a distance without paying much attention to the impact it has had on player valuations.
Four massive signings
Real Madrid’s stance on the transfer market is understandable considering that they have had one of the most productive runs in the initial stage of the window.
Los Blancos worked incessantly last month to close key signings even before the World Cup began, and added three defenders and a midfielder to their ranks in the process.
Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate have already arrived as defensive recruits while Bernardo Silva is the team’s new midfield signing.
Jose Mourinho, on that front, has already secured the signings of most of the players he saw as pillars to his project, and now only demands a second central defender and a midfielder for this summer.
The links to Michel Olise, moreover, will keep Real Madrid in the transfer loop for a few weeks at the very least. They may be past the ‘main part’ of their objective, but there is enough to keep them relevant in the coming weeks.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
