Real Madrid News
Real Madrid president, CEO to meet Ancelotti this week to discuss four key issues
It is safe to say that Real Madrid have made a solid start to the summer transfer window. The Merengues endured a shaky start to the summer, losing four forwards on free transfers in a span of days. Yet, their recovery has been remarkable.
Los Blancos have brought in serious quality to the midfield in the form of Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler. Moreover, Joselu also promises to be a solid option for the number nine role after a stellar run last season.
With preseason set to begin today, there is a lot on the plates of the Real Madrid administration.
And, according to reports from Jose Felix Diaz, Florentino Perez, Carlo Ancelotti and the club CEO Jose Angel Sanchez will meet in the coming days to discuss the various agendas on the table.
The topics slated for discussion include the planning of pre-season work and the current status of the squad. Further, there will be discussions over any possible departures from the squad and the need for new signings in certain positions.
On the departure front, one can expect Ferland Mendy, Jesus Vallejo, and Alvaro Odriozola to be the names discussed. The trio are seen as surplus to requirements and could be offloaded, although Mendy’s future would depend on whether another left-back can be signed or not.
Moving to arrivals, it is difficult to see any topic other than Kylian Mbappe being the elephant in the room. The Frenchman’s transfer saga has taken turns in all possible directions in recent days and does not appear to be moving satisfactorily.
It thus remains to be seen as to what comes out of the meeting, particularly over the forward situation. Will Los Blancos put all their eggs in the basket called Mbappe or look for other options this summer? Only time will tell.
Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho backed by FC Porto president to revive Real Madrid fortunes: ‘Still one of the best in the world’
Andre Villas-Boas has thrown his support behind Jose Mourinho, insisting the Real Madrid manager remains one of the best coaches in world football despite the difficult challenge facing him at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The former Porto manager, now the club’s president, believes Mourinho is well suited to the task of rebuilding Real Madrid after being appointed by Florentino Perez last summer.
Real Madrid are still searching for their first major trophy after two disappointing campaigns, while Barcelona have made an imposing start to the season.
Villas-Boas backs Mourinho at Real Madrid
Mourinho’s appointment was intended to bring a change in fortunes after Real Madrid endured two seasons without a major title.
His task, however, has become more complicated with Barcelona establishing themselves as a formidable force at the start of the campaign.
Villas-Boas nevertheless believes his compatriot has the experience and personality required for the challenge.
“Jose Mourinho is still one of the best in the world; I’ve always known that. And now he’s managing the best club in the world.
“It’s a shame that Barcelona are in this state. He’s taking over at a great time, just as he did when he left Inter.
“But these are the challenges Mourinho enjoys the most,” he said, according to AS.
Barcelona present Mourinho’s biggest challenge
Real Madrid’s task is made harder by Barcelona’s current form. Flick’s side have emerged as the early pace-setters, leaving Mourinho with little margin for error as he attempts to close the gap.
The Clasico on October 25, therefore, will inevitably become one of the defining fixtures of the season, but Real Madrid first need to establish greater consistency before they can challenge Barcelona across the campaign.
Mourinho was brought in precisely because of his experience of managing at the highest level, and Villas-Boas believes that experience can now be decisive.
Sneijder also backs Real Madrid boss
Villas-Boas is not the only former Mourinho associate to offer a strong assessment of his ability to change Madrid’s fortunes.
Wesley Sneijder, who worked with Mourinho at Inter and before playing for Real Madrid, has also backed the Portuguese coach to solve the problems at the Bernabéu.
“Mourinho is the only manager capable of turning Real Madrid’s fortunes around,” he had said.
Indeed, Mourinho is one of the finest coaches available to manage the current Real Madrid dressing room, but Barcelona’s current form has put pressure on the Portuguese to deliver instantly.
