Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder set to return to the starting lineup for France vs Spain
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni have both been instrumental in France’s FIFA World Cup campaign so far, but have both had their share of injury struggles.
The former has been less affected by setbacks but was still forced off the field towards the end of the team’s quarterfinal win over Morocco.
Didier Deschamps has cleared the player and assured that he is back to 100% ahead of the semifinal against Spain.
Tchouameni, meanwhile, has had a far more injury-riddled campaign so far. He missed the team’s group stage clash against Iraq through injury, returned against Norway and Sweden and once again missed the knockout game against Paraguay due to a setback.
A starter against Spain
While Tchouameni was back fit for the quarterfinal game against Morocco, Didier Deschamps did not hand the player a spot in the starting lineup given that he had missed the previous game.
In fact, he did not appear off the bench at all, thereby going a second straight game without a minute.
As relayed by RMC Sport, however, Tchouameni will be back for the game against Spain later tonight, and not just as a player off the bench.
The French midfielder is indeed expected to return to the starting lineup for the all-important clash against Spain, handing Deschamps’ side a massive boost.
After all, there is no denying that he is one of the world’s best in his position.
All signs thus point to him returning to the base of midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot for what will be a gruelling fixture, especially in midfield.
A battle for the ages
France enter the game against Spain as the clearly-proclaimed favourites, especially going by the form they have shown in the tournament so far.
What Spain do have, however, is game-handling maturity and guaranteed game-changers who will make it a far tighter clash than most expect.
Of all the departments, the battle in midfield will be particularly fascinating to follow, especially given the ridiculous technicality Spain possess in the department.
Going up against the likes of Rodri, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, Tchouameni and Co. will have a very difficult task come Tuesday night. The outcome of the midfield battle could well decide the overall result of the semifinal.
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.
