Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye swoop for 15-year-old Atletico Madrid prodigy
While Real Madrid’s academy may not have flourished much under Carlo Ancelotti in terms of enjoying promotions to the first team, the situation is expected to change with the impending change in management.
Xabi Alonso, the man poised to come in as Real Madrid’s new coach, has always been one to push forward young talents and it thus makes increasing sense for Los Blancos to invest in young talents.
As relayed in a recent update by AS, Real Madrid have once again set their eyes on a young talent in Spain who also happens to play for a team in the Spanish capital – Atletico Madrid.
A prodigal right winger
It is Ruben Gomez, Atletico Madrid’s prodigious 15-year-old talent, who Real Madrid have set their sight on in recent weeks and the player’s situation makes him a great target for the men in white.
After all, Los Blancos have made quite a few signings from Atletico Madrid’s academy in recent times despite the tension between the two clubs.
Con 15 años y debutante en la Youth League 💪
— Atleti Academia (@AtletiAcademia) December 11, 2024
¡Enhorabuena, Rubén, a seguir trabajando duro! 👏 pic.twitter.com/wAJsg2Hy1m
Gomez is seen as one of the nation’s finest young attacking talents known for his dribbling prowess and lethal left foot. He plies his trade on the right wing and loves to cut in, dribble and create chances – much like Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
Given his age, however, Los Rojiblancos face a serious problem as they cannot legally extend his contract or hand him a professional contract until he is 16.
His situation has attracted interest not only from Real Madrid but also from Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig in Germany.
Atletico Madrid are thus looking to negotiate an agreement with the teenager to ensure he stays and all signs point to him being willing to continue with the Colchoneros.
After all, he is a vital part of their youth circuit and has even trained under the orders of Diego Simeone on several occasions with the first team.
It thus remains to be seen how Florentino Perez and Co. go about his signing and whether or not they can pull it off. Given his contractual situation, the best time to push is now.
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.
