Real Madrid News
Real Madrid president has already spoken to Valverde, Tchouameni; working on taking action – Romano
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has personally stepped in to address the escalating crisis at Valdebebas following a second physical altercation between midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
The president’s direct intervention signals the gravity of the situation, which has left the squad in disarray just days before El Clasico.
Talks held with Tchouameni, Valverde
Indeed, according to Fabrizio Romano, Perez held urgent individual talks with both Tchouameni and Valverde today after the repeated “bust-ups” that have rocked the club.
Tensions between the pair first flared during Wednesday’s training session, but the situation turned violent today in the dressing room. The confrontation was severe enough to require medical attention for Valverde, who suffered a facial injury.
Given how things have gone down, Perez has made it clear that there will be serious consequences for their conduct.
Real Madrid’s disciplinary department is already working on sanctions for both Valverde and Tchouameni, which could include heavy financial fines and potential suspensions.
It seems like the club’s leadership is determined to send a message that no individual -regardless of their importance to the starting XI – is bigger than the institution’s values.
The timing of this civil war is catastrophic for Los Blancos. With Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad already fractured by a lack of communication between the manager and senior players, this latest incident has forced the board to take control.
While the players had previously requested the cancellation of Friday’s training to avoid further friction, the club is now focused on restoring a semblance of order before the team travels to Barcelona.
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.
