Real Madrid News
Real Madrid not in negotiations with ‘fan’ Serie A winger – Fabrizio Romano
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is one of the innumerable players linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer. The Georgian International has publicly admitted to being a big fan Los Blancos’ legend Guti, and it was reported earlier today that he wished to follow his footsteps in Spain.
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, there are no negotiations between Real Madrid and the Serie A midfielder for the time being. Kvaratskhelia was indeed a Real Madrid fan in his childhood, but the reality is that a move to Santiago Bernabeu is unlikely right now.
The youngster has been one of the Italian league’s best-performing players this season since his move from Dinamo Batumi. Napoli signed him for a mere €8 million in July 2022, and he took off immediately with stunning numbers.
Kvaratskhelia has quickly become a regular starter for the Serie A leaders and is one of the biggest reasons behind the Naples-based side’s 18-point lead on the table.
In 22 league appearances for Napoli, the 22-year-old has scored 11 goals and provided nine assists. His six appearances in the UEFA Champions League have not been underwhelming either, as he has pitched up with two goals and four assists so far.
Earlier this month, Real Madrid icon Guti was surprised to know that he was the protege’s idol. He offered to send a special shirt to Kvaratskhelia if he joined Real Madrid, fuelling the talks of a transfer. However, there are a number of practical hurdles that render his transfer impossible.
For starters, Kvaratskhelia plays in the same position as Vinicius Jr. His arrival would thus create a conflict over the starting position, for the Brazilian is one of the team’s best-performing players.
Additionally, Napoli do not wish to part ways with the forward and have slapped a base price tag of €100 million. With Real Madrid planning Jude Bellingham’s signing, such a large transfer fee would be impossible to match.
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.
