Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defensive mainstay will not leave amid Al-Ittihad rumours – Romano
With Eder Militao out of action for Real Madrid, David Alaba has become the leader of the Merengues’ defence.
The Austrian international is part of Carlo Ancelotti’s first-choice centre-back pairing alongside Antonio Rudiger and has been rock solid so far this season.
Recently, however, rumours of Alaba’s departure from Real Madrid began making the rounds. Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad were said to be interested in procuring the defender’s services and reportedly prepared an offer worth €40 million for him.
Further, they are said to be willing to offer him an annual salary of €25 million.
Fabrizio denies the news
Now, the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano relays that the rumours of Alaba’s move to Saudi Arabia are completely off the mark.
He adds that the Austrian international is committed to Real Madrid, loves the club and does not contemplate a change of scenery.
Even a crazy bid with an out-of-the-world salary cannot lure him away from Los Blancos this summer. After all, he is a guaranteed starter for the entirety of the season.
Ever reliable as always
The 31-year-old has started all four of Real Madrid’s games so far this season and played every single minute for the team.
In that duration, he has overseen two clean sheets and averages 1.2 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, three clearances and wins one duel per game. Further, he has already racked up one assist for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
It is safe to say that the Merengues’ defence is in safe hands as it stands with Alaba and Rudiger, although the duo still need to work on their chemistry on the field.
Nacho Fernandez is the manager’s first choice backup while Castilla’s Marvel has also caught Ancelotti’s eye.
In any case, Alaba’s departure would be a massive blow for Los Blancos that they will probably struggle to bounce back from. As such, it is a possibility that is not being considered by the player or the club.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
