Real Madrid News
Real Madrid tie down La Fabrica gem compared to Raphael Varane until 2030
In recent weeks, Real Madrid have been taking measures to secure the future of the young prospects coming through the ranks at La Fabrica.
Having renewed the contracts of players such as Gabri Valero and Jorge Cestero, Los Blancos have moved to tie down another exciting talent to a new deal.
Javi Mena renews until 2030
Indeed, as confirmed by AS, Real Madrid have secured the future of one of the academy’s standout talents, Javi Mena, until 2030.
Mena, 18, is a centre-back standing close to 1.90 metres tall who can also operate at full-back and even in midfield.
Although his name has not attracted as much attention as some of his peers from the same generation, such as Jesus Fortea or Daniel Yanez, he is regarded as one of La Fabrica’s major projects.
Real Madrid have therefore decided to renew his contract until 2030.
Within Valdebebas, Mena’s size, physical presence and quality in building play from the back have led some to compare him with Raphael Varane, a club legend who won everything at the Bernabeu over the last decade.
Having previously been part of Atletico Madrid’s youth system, Mena stood out in the lower categories at Getafe CF, where Real Madrid signed him during his first year at youth level.
In just two and a half seasons at La Fabrica, he has established himself as a potential centre-back for the future of Real Madrid.
While his versatility is one of his main strengths, it is in the heart of defence where the young player excels.
Currently a part of the Juvenil A setup, there is strong belief within the club that his development will accelerate in the coming months as he continues to grow physically.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
