Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward reminisces heroics vs Chelsea ahead of UCL tie: “My career took off”
At the young age of 22, Rodrygo finds himself to be one of Carlo Ancelotti’s favourite weapons at Real Madrid. The Brazilian international is capable of playing as a winger, striker, and false-nine based on the team’s system and his versatility only pumps up his value.
In 24 La Liga appearances this season, the forward has scored five goals and provided seven assists. Notably, he scored once and provided two assists in his most recent outing against Real Valladolid, which also happened to be his 149th game with the club.
Rodrygo gave an interview about his milestone where he spoke about his development and growth as a player amongst other topics. Here are the snippets from his interview as revealed by AS.
The Real Madrid star was first asked about his feelings about reaching 150 games for the club, which he will do against Barcelona. Speaking on his achievement and special number, he said:
“Those who have known me since I was a child know that I always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid, so to reach 150 official games in this shirt is something I could never have imagined. I’m still as excited as I was on my first day and I’m looking forward to many more”.
The youngster has adapted his game to suit the manager’s requirements time and time again this season and operates as one of the team’s most versatile options. He then spoke about his growth at the club and the difference between the Rodrygo of 2019 and now, saying:
“This one is much more mature, stronger in the head to make decisions, better in everything. Every year I approach it with the decision to improve on the previous one and I’m working on it.”
Rodrygo has already surpassed his record for the most goals in a season this term and is equal to his highest-ever assists in a season. Yet, he showed the hunger he had to improve and succeed and paid no heed to his achievements so far.
“I want to increase my goals and assists. Improve, improve and improve.”
Real Madrid play Chelsea later this month in the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League. Last season, it was Rodrygo’s winner that took Los Blancos past the London-based side and the Brazilian revealed that his special goal against Chelsea was the moment that changed his life.
“For me it’s a very special duel, because I always say that last year’s quarter-final was a turning point for me. From then on, my career took off. To be able to face Chelsea again in the same round is something very special. I hope I can score and help as much as possible,” he said.
Finally, the youngster spoke about his path and goals ahead and gave a brief overview of his performance last season, saying:
“Last season was very special for me, as everyone knows. But I want more, to surpass even those moments. I continue to work together with my teammates to win as many titles as possible.”
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
