Real Madrid News
Real Madrid managerial target wanted by a German club – report
Real Madrid could be in for a change of managers in the summer with Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the club far from certain. And club legend and current Castilla head coach Raul Gonzalez has been identified as a contender for the job.
But as per reports relayed by Mundo Deportivo, FC Schalke 04 are also keeping tabs on Raul’s situation and want to rope him in as their manager.
Raul spent some time at Schalke as a player after leaving Real Madrid and is a well-respected figure at the German club.
Schalke are currently languishing second-bottom in the Bundesliga table and could be in for a change in the summer in case current boss Thomas Reis is unable to guide them to safety.
And Raul has emerged as a candidate for the job, with Schalke understood to be monitoring his situation at Real Madrid Castilla.
The German outfit had already tried to sign Raul back in October last year after they had gotten rid of Frank Kramer. But the Real Madrid legend had knocked back their approach as he wished to continue at Castilla in hope that he can one day succeed Ancelotti as the first-team boss.
As things stand, Raul is in the mix to replace Ancelotti should the Italian leave at the end of the season. However, reports suggest that he is behind other candidates such as Mauricio Pochettino, Zinedine Zidane, and Xabi Alonso in the race.
Raul has done a fine job with Castilla and has them pushing for promotion to La Liga 2. But if Real Madrid opt to go with someone else to replace Ancelotti, it will be interesting to see if he continues with the second team or decides to try his luck elsewhere.
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.
