Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend remains fixated on top national team job despite recent links
As Real Madrid start to scour the market for a potential replacement for Xabi Alonso, Zinedine Zidane is one of their fantasy picks.
The Frenchman has managed Real Madrid twice and is a great man-manager, making him an ideal replacement for Alonso, who has struggled to hold the dressing room together.
Zidane is currently a free agent and it is clear that Real Madrid are interested in his services. However, the Frenchman has shown no signs of returning to Santiago Bernabeu.
Zidane still fixated on France job
According to Fabrizio Romano, there has been no movement surrounding Real Madrid’s pursuit of Zinedine Zidane.
Despite the recent speculation, the French footballing legend remains keen on coaching the French national team.
After waiting for years, Zidane is widely expected to replace Didier Deschamps after the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Although nothing is concrete yet, there is a clear ascension plan within the French national team to soon fast-track him as the new coach.
Real Madrid, therefore, have little to no chance of hiring Zidane anytime soon and will have to look at other alternatives. The club were also interested in bringing in Jurgen Klopp, but the German tactician is also not looking to leave Red Bull right now.
Recently, Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Davide Ancelotti, who has recently been sacked by Botafogo.
However, even Ancelotti has been ruled out as the 36-year-old has decided to join hands with his father Carlo Ancelotti as part of Brazil’s support staff for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Alvaro Arbeloa, therefore, seems like the best bet for Real Madrid right now, should they decide to sack Xabi Alonso in the coming weeks.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
