Real Madrid News
Real Madrid uninterested in renewing forward despite his willingness to reduce salary
Real Madrid are gearing up for a summer of change in 2023. With multiple players set to run down their contracts at the end of the season, the club have their task cut out in their bid to keep hold of those stars.
However, not every one of them will be retained, with players such as Mariano Diaz and Dani Ceballos looking at an uncertain future at Santiago Bernabeu.
A recent report from ABC Deportes (h/t Madrid Xtra) has offered an update on the future of Diaz. The forward, whose current contract at the Bernabeu expires at the end of the season, has fallen out of favour under Carlo Ancelotti, with very little role in the first team.
Diaz has indeed featured in a total of just 20 minutes of league football this term even though Real Madrid had gotten rid of Luka Jovic in the summer. He has fallen behind the likes of Karim Benzema, Rodrygo, and Marco Asensio in the pecking order.
The report suggests Diaz is looking for a contract extension with Real Madrid despite his apparent struggles. It appears the forward’s agents have tried multiple times in the past to convince Los Blancos to hand him a renewal.
The player is even willing to take up a significant salary cut in his bid to remain at Santiago Bernabeu and fight for his place in the Real Madrid setup.
However, the club have been swift in turning back those attempts. They are clear about their intention of not renewing the contract of Diaz, who might be even available for sale in the upcoming January transfer window.
With his contract expiring in the summer, this will be an excellent opportunity for Real Madrid to cash in on Diaz and generate some amount of revenue.
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”.
