Real Madrid News
Real Madrid president and manager furious, dressing room surprised after missing out on Barcelona-bound midfielder
According to El Periodico, Rodri’s decision to reject Real Madrid in favour of Barcelona was not well received by the club’s hierarchy.
The disappointment was particularly evident at the top, with both Florentino Perez and Jose Mourinho reportedly left deeply frustrated after seeing a deal they believed was within reach slip away.
According to the report, Florentino’s anger at missing out on the Spain captain matched Mourinho’s own frustration at losing a player he viewed as a major reinforcement for his squad, only to see him join Madrid’s biggest domestic rivals.
From rejected target to priority signing
Ironically, Rodri had not always been viewed as a priority target by the Real Madrid president.
At one stage, Florentino had little intention of pursuing the midfielder, particularly after Rodri’s name became linked to Enrique Riquelme’s presidential campaign during the club’s elections.
However, both Jose Angel Sanchez and Juni Calafat continued to push for the move, insisting there was an agreement in place with the player and highlighting that an opportunity to sign him had existed well before the summer.
Rodri’s outstanding World Cup performances ultimately convinced the president to approve the operation.
Internal doubts remained
Despite that shift, there was still one influential voice inside the club urging caution. According to the report, Anas Laghrari, Perez’s close financial adviser, remained opposed to the transfer throughout the process.
His concerns centred on Rodri’s age, now 30, as well as the knee injury that had affected him in recent seasons. In the end, Florentino gave the green light, only to see the player choose Barcelona at the last moment.
The timing also proved particularly frustrating, with Rodri’s decision overshadowing both the arrival of Yan Diomande and the renewal of Vinicius Jr.
Mourinho left without his preferred reinforcement
If Florentino was disappointed, Mourinho was even more frustrated. The Portuguese coach is said to have struggled to believe the news when informed that Rodri had rejected Real Madrid’s offer and chosen Barcelona instead.
His frustration became clear during conversations with club executives, who also informed him that no further midfield signings are currently planned, as the club does not believe suitable options are available at the right price.
As things stand, Mourinho will have to rely on the midfielders already at his disposal.
Surprise inside the dressing room
The disappointment was not confined to the boardroom. The report suggest Real Madrid’s players had also expected Rodri to arrive this summer and were surprised to learn that not only had the move collapsed, but he now appeared destined to for.
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.
