Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender fighting for Mourinho’s trust and wants to honour club legend
Raul Asencio’s future at Real Madrid may still be a one of the big talking points, but the defender has no intention of giving up on his place in the squad.
According to AS, the Real Madrid academy graduate is determined to convince Jose Mourinho that he deserves to remain part of the new project.
Regardless of what is said in the media recently, the outlet assures that his approach since returning from his summer break has impressed the coaching staff, while his recovery from the muscle injury has moved faster than initially expected.
Right now, there is still uncertainty surrounding Asencio’s fitness and his longer-term future, particularly with a lingering tibial problem and increased competition following Ibrahima Konate’s arrival.
Asencio impresses Mourinho
Asencio has already experienced plenty of change despite being at an early stage of his senior career.
The defender made his Real Madrid debut under Carlo Ancelotti and later worked under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa before Mourinho took charge.
Every managerial change brought a fresh challenge, and the Portuguese coach’s arrival was no different.
With Real Madrid strengthening their defence, there had been suggestions that Asencio could become one of the players considered for a departure.
Konate’s arrival increased the competition at centre-back, but the Spanish defender responded in the best possible way.
From the moment he returned from his holidays, his focus was on earning Mourinho’s trust.
AS reports that the coaching staff was impressed by his discipline and commitment in training.
That effort, however, also came at a cost, as a muscle injury ruled him out of the final four pre-season matches and Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Espanyol.
Asencio has since worked intensely with the club’s physiotherapists and rehabilitation staff, reportedly bringing his expected recovery forward by a week.
The defender participated in part of Monday’s training session at Valdebebas and could be fully integrated with the group by Thursday.
If everything continues to progress as planned, we could see him available for next Sunday’s league match against Malaga.
Asencio requested Carvajal’s No. 2
One of the more interesting details surrounding Asencio’s tenure at Real Madrid concerns his choice of shirt number.
According to the report, the defender requested Dani Carvajal’s iconic No. 2 shirt as a tribute to one of his biggest role models and another product of the Real Madrid academy.
Carvajal’s journey from the youth ranks to becoming a major figure at Real Madrid is one that Asencio has admired, having followed a similar route through the club’s academy
Hence, wearing the No. 2 would be a personal way of honouring that connection.
Furthermore, it also fits Asencio’s versatility. Although primarily a centre-back, he has previously played at right-back for Real Madrid.
That flexibility could become valuable to Mourinho, although it is unlikely that the manager would use him here, especially now that the club has two specialist right-backs.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
