Real Madrid News
Real Madrid duo on the radars of Juventus, contacts established between clubs
Real Madrid right-back duo Lucas Vazquez and Alvaro Odriozola have emerged as possible targets for Italian giants Juventus, as per reports from Gazzetta dello Sport (via AS). The Bianconeri have made contact with Los Blancos to explore the transfer of one of the two players.
Vazquez has morphed himself into a right-back in recent seasons and has done a solid job of providing cover to Dani Carvajal.
However, with the Merengues likely to sign a new player for the position and the Spaniard’s contract expiring next year, the possibility of an exit has come up, with Juventus showing interest.
As for Odriozola, the former Real Sociedad right-back struggled to get meaningful minutes this past season after enjoying a decent campaign on loan at Juventus during 2021/22.
Like Vazquez, Odriozola’s contract with Real Madrid also stands to expire next year. And the Spanish capital giants are looking to offload him in the upcoming summer transfer window, with Juventus taking note of the situation, having seen him closely during his time at Fiorentina.
Contacts have been established between the two clubs to discuss a potential transfer for either Vazquez or Odriozola.
However, apart from the two Real Madrid stars, the Old Lady are also looking at Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid as well as Leicester City’s Timothy Castagne as options to reinforce the right-back position.
So, it remains to be seen if the Italian heavyweights decide to go after one of Odriozola or Vazquez, or pursue the other names on their shortlist this summer.
Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho wants more attacking options at Real Madrid despite reaching 500-goal milestone
Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to become even more dangerous in attack, despite reaching a significant milestone during their 4-3 victory over AS Roma.
According to MARCA, it has come to light that Antonio Rudiger’s goal against Roma helped Mourinho’s Real Madrid reach 500 goals under his management.
However, the achievement has not changed the Portuguese coach’s desire to add more variety to his team’s attacking play.
In fact, Mourinho wants a side capable of controlling possession, launching rapid counter-attacks and creating danger from set pieces, all without losing the defensive discipline that defines his approach.
Mourinho targets attacking variety at Real Madrid
Real Madrid already have considerable firepower at their disposal, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Yan Diomande, Arda Guler, Carlos Espi and Endrick, giving Mourinho several attacking options.
On top of that, the injured Rodrygo would provide another high-quality alternative once available.
Hence, the challenge is not only to score more goals, but to make Real Madrid less predictable.
Mourinho wants his forwards to exploit their pace in transition while ensuring the team can also break down opponents through patient build-up play.
Set pieces are another important part of his plans, as combining those threats with defensive organisation would give the team more ways to control matches and punish different types of opposition.
Mourinho reaches 500 goals for Real Madrid
Rudiger’s strike against Roma carried added significance because it took Mourinho to 500 goals in 188 matches as Real Madrid manager.
That works out at an average of 2.66 goals per game, the best return among club managers who have overseen at least 50 matches.
La Liga accounts for the largest share, with Real Madrid scoring 345 goals in 122 matches.
They have added 92 goals in 38 Champions League games, 55 in 24 Copa del Rey matches and eight in four Spanish Super Cup fixtures.
Their biggest victory during this spell came in the 2010-11 Copa del Rey, when Madrid beat Levante 8-0.
This season, though, the team are averaging 2.5 goals per match.
Mourinho wants more from Real Madrid’s attack
The numbers underline Real Madrid’s scoring power, but Mourinho is looking beyond the milestone.
His ambition is to build a more versatile attack that can adapt to different opponents rather than rely solely on individual brilliance or quick transitions.
With Mbappe and Vinicius offering pace and penetration, and several other options providing different qualities, Madrid have the personnel to develop that flexibility.
Hence, the next step is making those strengths work together consistently.
