Real Madrid News
Real Madrid very attentive to €81 million centre-forward’s situation
Just when it seemed that Real Madrid desperately needed a new striker to cover for Karim Benzema, the Frenchman returned to his finest form. He now has seven goals in his last four games and is leading his side from the front.
Yet, it is difficult to turn a blind eye to the struggles Real Madrid have faced in his absence this season. Moreover, at 35 years of age, he does not have long left in his boots.
According to reports from AS, Real Madrid are very attentive to Dusan Vlahovic’s situation and want to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu. However, Juventus are very happy with the player and do not contemplate his sale at the moment.
“We have no doubts about Dusan as a crucial player for our present and future, despite the links and stories that are being published. We see how hard he works every day in training, that’s why we have confidence in him,” the Bianconeri director Francesco Calvo said bluntly when asked about Vlahovic’s future, thus closing the door to an exit.
Real Madrid eventually wish to replace Benzema with either Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe. Both stars, however, will not be available at least until the summer of 2024, and Vlahovic was seen as an optimal stand-in.
While the Italian club have closed the door with their statement, one knows the difficult financial situation Juventus are currently in.
Earlier this season, the Old Lady faced a 15-point penalty for their transfer dealing and inbuilt money laundering. Come June, they could be under pressure to sell.
The Serbian international, who joined Juventus in January last year in a deal worth €81 million, has scored eight goals and provided two assists in his 20 Serie A appearances this season. Further, he also has two goals and an assist to show in his five UEFA Europa League games so far.
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.
