Real Madrid News
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez sends letter to injured Barcelona star Gavi
Journalist Melchor Ruiz has reported that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez sent a letter to Gavi on behalf of the team to express encouragement and support to the young midfielder in this delicate moment of his career.
Gavi, 19, suffered a torn ACL while on international duty with the Spanish national team, prompting him to miss the remainder of the season.
Perez, known for his leadership both on and off the field, chose to keep the professional rivalries between the two teams aside by personally reaching out to Gavi, as a sign of Real Madrid’s support, as he begins his long road to recovery.
Joselu sent his regards as well
While it is a recurring debate that injuries have increased this season owing to international breaks, one cannot underline if it is going to have any effect in the immediate future.
Perez is certainly not the only Real Madrid representative who sent his regard to the midfielder. Yesterday, 33-year-old forward Joselu took to Instagram to share his wishes to the youngster, saying, “We are with you Gavi. You will come back stronger than ever.”
Dani Carvajal, too, has sent his well-wishes to the injured Barcelona youngster on social media.
As for Real Madrid, they have suffered due to the break as well, with some of their key players expected to be out for a considerable amount of time.
This includes star striker Vinicius Jr, who will be out for just over two months. On the other hand, Eduardo Camavinga will be out at least until the start of January 2024 as well.
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.
