Real Madrid News
Real Madrid priority target open to new challenge; will hold talks with current club after the World Cup
Michael Olise’s future is becoming one of the stories to watch as the World Cup progresses, with Real Madrid continuing to keep a close eye on developments surrounding the Bayern Munich attacker.
According to Jose Felix Diaz of Diario AS, the French international is planning to sit down with Bayern’s leadership after the tournament to discuss his current situation and his long-term ambitions.
While nothing has been decided, there remains a possibility that Olise could express an interest in exploring a new challenge elsewhere.
For Real Madrid, who have tracked the winger, the coming weeks could provide greater clarity on whether a market opportunity eventually emerges.
Olise to hold talks with Bayern
The Michael Olise Real Madrid links have refused to disappear, particularly given the player’s performances during the FIFA World Cup.
Although he is yet to find the back of the net, the Bayern Munich forward has been widely regarded as one of the standout performers of the competition.
In fact, according to the report, Olise wants to speak directly with Bayern Munich’s hierarchy.
For now, that meeting has not yet taken place, but it is expected to happen shortly after the tournament concludes.
At present, Bayern continue to insist publicly that the player is not for sale, although reports coming out of Germany suggest there is growing uncertainty over what the future may hold.
Real Madrid admire the French winger
Real Madrid’s admiration for Michael Olise is no secret.
For weeks, the Bayern Munich winger has been associated with a possible move to the Santiago Bernabeu, with many within the club viewing him as an ideal option to strengthen the right side of the attack.
Furthermore, the excellent relationship between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid has also fuelled speculation.
Herbert Hainer’s recent visit to the Bernabeu reinforced the strong connection between both institutions, and it was almost inevitable that Olise’s future would become part of the conversation.
However, reports regarding Real Madrid’s level of involvement remain mixed.
Some sources have claimed that Los Blancos are preparing an ambitious move, while others suggest the club has deliberately downplayed its interest to avoid increasing speculation around the player.
For now, there is no indication that formal negotiations have begun.
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.
