Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran needs a ‘miracle’ to be ready for CL quarterfinal second leg vs Bayern Munich
Earlier this month, Real Madrid were dealt a major blow as they lost key superstar Thibaut Courtois to a muscle injury.
The 33-year-old Belgian goalkeeper sustained the injury during the game against Manchester City in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, and had to be replaced by Andriy Lunin at half-time.
It has been suggested that Courtois will be out of action for close to six weeks – with the veteran star now ten days into his recovery period.
Courtois unlikely to be ready for Bayern Munich
Courtois has already missed the game against Atletico Madrid just before the international break, while he will also be unavailable to face Mallorca next week.
And, according to journalist Rodra of ESPN, it would be a ‘miracle’ if the Real Madrid goalkeeper made it back in time for the second leg of the CL quarterfinal.
The former Chelsea ace is also ruled out of the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich as well as the subsequent league game against Girona.
The second leg will be played on 15 April away at the Allianz Arena, at which point Courtois will only be four weeks into his six-week recovery period.
So, for him to be ready in time for the trip to Germany, well ahead of his anticipated recovery time, it will take a miracle.
In Andriy Lunin, Real Madrid have a reliable backup goalkeeper, who has proven himself on the biggest stage in the past.
However, the Spanish heavyweights will be hoping to have an experienced and clutch performer like Courtois back at the earliest possible.
Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho backed by FC Porto president to revive Real Madrid fortunes: ‘Still one of the best in the world’
Andre Villas-Boas has thrown his support behind Jose Mourinho, insisting the Real Madrid manager remains one of the best coaches in world football despite the difficult challenge facing him at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The former Porto manager, now the club’s president, believes Mourinho is well suited to the task of rebuilding Real Madrid after being appointed by Florentino Perez last summer.
Real Madrid are still searching for their first major trophy after two disappointing campaigns, while Barcelona have made an imposing start to the season.
Villas-Boas backs Mourinho at Real Madrid
Mourinho’s appointment was intended to bring a change in fortunes after Real Madrid endured two seasons without a major title.
His task, however, has become more complicated with Barcelona establishing themselves as a formidable force at the start of the campaign.
Villas-Boas nevertheless believes his compatriot has the experience and personality required for the challenge.
“Jose Mourinho is still one of the best in the world; I’ve always known that. And now he’s managing the best club in the world.
“It’s a shame that Barcelona are in this state. He’s taking over at a great time, just as he did when he left Inter.
“But these are the challenges Mourinho enjoys the most,” he said, according to AS.
Barcelona present Mourinho’s biggest challenge
Real Madrid’s task is made harder by Barcelona’s current form. Flick’s side have emerged as the early pace-setters, leaving Mourinho with little margin for error as he attempts to close the gap.
The Clasico on October 25, therefore, will inevitably become one of the defining fixtures of the season, but Real Madrid first need to establish greater consistency before they can challenge Barcelona across the campaign.
Mourinho was brought in precisely because of his experience of managing at the highest level, and Villas-Boas believes that experience can now be decisive.
Sneijder also backs Real Madrid boss
Villas-Boas is not the only former Mourinho associate to offer a strong assessment of his ability to change Madrid’s fortunes.
Wesley Sneijder, who worked with Mourinho at Inter and before playing for Real Madrid, has also backed the Portuguese coach to solve the problems at the Bernabéu.
“Mourinho is the only manager capable of turning Real Madrid’s fortunes around,” he had said.
Indeed, Mourinho is one of the finest coaches available to manage the current Real Madrid dressing room, but Barcelona’s current form has put pressure on the Portuguese to deliver instantly.
