Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope to attract lucrative offers for 28-year-old star in light of improved form
Real Madrid’s left-back position has seen a roller-coaster this season. From beginning the season with Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy as the two default starters to dealing with the latter’s injuries and even turning to Eduardo Camavinga, Carlo Ancelotti has had to remain very flexible with his position.
The manager’s current bet, as is evident through recent matches, is on Mendy. The Frenchman started against both Napoli and Granada in Real Madrid’s last two games, accumulating 177 minutes under his belt in the process.
Real Madrid hope to attract offers
Carlo Ancelotti is satisfied with the 28-year-old’s relentless shifts and impressive numbers in defence.
However, it has long been known that the left-back lacks the offensive aspect of his game.
The club look towards a new signing in the coming summer transfer window, possibly Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, and thus advocates the idea of selling Mendy come June.
The Frenchman’s improved form, thus, provides Real Madrid impetus to feature him more often and attract suitors, as revealed by AS.
Real Madrid have tried selling the defenders for two summers now, but to no avail, as they received no offers.
With his contract running out in 2025 and a renewal not in the club’s mind, the coming summer could well be Real Madrid’s final chance to extract a fee from his transfer.
A valuable resource
Earlier this month, reports stated that Real Madrid’s coaching staff saw Mendy to be a life insurance for the defence. A deep dive into the numbers reveals exactly why.
In seven starts for Real Madrid in La Liga, Mendy averages close to three defensive actions and 4.2 ball recoveries per game.
The men in white are unbeaten with him and have won all but one game with him on the field. Moreover, he has overseen three clean sheets in La Liga alone for the leaders.
As such, Real Madrid have hope that his growth in stature and improved form lead to lucrative offers for Mendy, for whom they shelled out nearly €50 million back in 2019.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
