Real Madrid News
Real Madrid new signing has made a strong impact in the dressing room, everyone loves him
Players across the globe dream of a move to Real Madrid all their lives, but only a handful see it fulfilled. Of them, most succumb to the pressure of playing for such a prestigious club.
Given the weight of expectation and the pressure to play well from day one, it is quite rare for a new player to fit in seamlessly to Los Blancos’ system. That is what makes Aurelien Tchouameni’s adaptation at Real Madrid beyond impressive.
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, the new midfield signing has made a great impact in Real Madrid’s dressing room. The players and management are said to be extremely pleased with him.
Tchouameni has quickly become one of Ancelotti’s most important players this campaign, and the manager is said to constantly sing his praises to the board.
This speaks a lot about the youngster’s mentality and work ethic. However, one of the biggest factors contributing to his success is undoubtedly his consistent performance.
Tchouameni was expected to serve as a deputy to Casemiro in his first season at the club. However, the world turned upside down for him when the Brazilian decided to leave the club for Manchester United.
Having been thrown into the deep end, the youngster did not take long to learn his ways. He delivered world-class displays against Celta Vigo, Espanyol and Real Betis and instantly proved his worth to Ancelotti.
In four starts this season, he has produced over 14 defensive actions per game. Whilst being defensively sound, he has also shown the skillset of finding incisive passes and linking up in the attack.
The 22-year-old is expected to start as the defensive midfielder for Los Blancos against RB Leipzig midweek.
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.
