Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder unlikely to start against Bayern Munich amid concerns over fitness
The recent defeat to Mallorca means Real Madrid would require no less than a miracle in order to clinch the La Liga title from the hands of Barcelona.
That leaves Los Blancos with nothing but the Champions League to play for, and that is why their next game against Bayern Munich is particularly important.
Real Madrid could seal a ticket to the semis if they can withstand the challenge of Bayern. And against a team of such quality, one would expect the club to field its strongest possible eleven.
That essentially means players such as Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Trent and Vinicius Jr. are likely to take centre stage in such a key fixture.
Jude Bellingham unlikely to start
However, according to OK Diario, Alvaro Arbeloa is unlikely to start Jude Bellingham against Bayern Munich this midweek, even though the Englishman is available.
This is largely on account of the midfielder’s lack of match fitness. Even though he has returned to matchday squads, the former Borussia Dortmund star is far from 100% right now.
It appears Bellingham’s lack of cohesion and rhythm with the rest of the squad is a major deciding factor behind Real Madrid’s decision, with the club feeling that other options could make a bigger impact.
This caps off a disappointing season for the Englishman, whose injury woes and struggle in getting used to the new system have led to a position where he is no longer the differentiator in the Real Madrid team.
On the flip side, Real Madrid coach Arbeloa is increasingly keen on rushing Eder Militao back into action following his impressive showing as a substitute against Mallorca.
In a major update, AS reports that former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has taken his first step towards starting his coaching career.
The former Germany international has told the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that he is interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers.
Real Madrid tried to bring Kroos back
It is no secret that Real Madrid considered bringing Toni Kroos back into the club’s structure after the end of the last season.
The club president, Florentino Perez, had wanted Kroos to have a daily presence at Valdebebas rather than making occasional appearances after his retirement.
Jose Angel Sanchez and Kroos spoke after Perez expressed his desire to see the German working at Valdebebas every day. However, they did not find the right moment, time or structure to give his return a clear form.
A comeback remains one of the possibilities most desired by Madrid supporters because of Kroos’ charisma and what he represents at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither side wanted him to return simply for the sake of it, so the door remains open for the future.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent, and both know that the opportunity to work together again will eventually come.
Taking it step by step
For now, Kroos continues to run the academy he established in Boadilla, enjoying the opportunity to help develop younger players.
After two years away from the competitive side of football, however, he is beginning to look towards the dugout as a possible next step in his career.
Kroos currently holds coaching qualifications that allow him to work up to the third tier of Spanish football.
This is possible because professionals with at least seven years of proven experience and significant involvement at the elite level can gain direct access to accelerated coaching courses.
That means Kroos could coach a team in Primera Federacion, but the German wants to take things gradually.
Kroos has already informed the RFEF that he would be interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers during the 2027/28 season.
The course taking place this season is not available to elite former players, with UEFA limiting each campaign to 20 places.
With his current qualifications, Kroos could work as an assistant coach, but he cannot yet take charge as a head coach in either the top flight or the Segunda División.
But completing that programme would allow Kroos to obtain the UEFA A licence, which would enable him to coach teams at any level.
