Real Madrid News
Real Madrid starlet pressing for a start against Liverpool after impressive form
It has been a hectic period for Real Madrid, who have lost sight of the race for the league title while the injury and fitness problems have had no end in sight.
The most recent victim was Aurelien Tchouameni, who had to be ruled out in the weekend encounter against CA Osasuna. The Frenchman was ruled out due to flu, whereas Toni Kroos missed the tie due to gastroenteritis.
With the German remaining a doubt for the upcoming Champions League game against Liverpool, a new report from MARCA suggests Eduardo Camavinga is pushing for a place in the starting eleven in Anfield this midweek.
This is mainly because of Camavinga’s own performances in the past few matches. He took control of the midfield exceedingly well in the game against Osasuna. Although he was lucky not to pick up a red, he controlled the game well and offered stability in the middle of the park.
This quality could come in handy against a team like Liverpool that likes to disrupt the flow of the opposition when they are not in possession.
Camavinga has been of great utility for Real Madrid throughout the course of the season so far. Despite concerns over him not fulfilling his potential at Santiago Bernabeu, the 2022 World Cup finalist’s versatility has been very useful to the team.
Earlier this year, Camavinga has already featured as a left-back, in order to deputise for the injured Ferland Mendy and David Alaba. His performances in central midfield has been impressive as well, potentially causing a selection dilemma for coach Carlo Ancelotti.
However, the report suggests it will not come as a surprise to see Tchouameni getting the nod ahead in the double-pivot against Liverpool. Ancelotti, after all, has heavily favoured the former AS Monaco starlet to operate in midfield and he could follow the same principle this midweek.
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.
