Real Madrid News
Real Madrid youngster arrives in peak condition for future-defining pre-season under Mourinho
Gonzalo Garcia’s future at Real Madrid could be decided over the coming weeks.
Amid interest from several clubs across Europe, Jose Mourinho has chosen to keep a close eye on the academy striker during pre-season before making a decision on his future.
And, according to AS, Gonzalo has returned to pre-season training this week in outstanding physical condition.
Indeed, the 22-year-old has reported back looking stronger than ever, showing the intensity and fitness of a player determined to earn his place in the squad after the summer break.
A turnaround in situation
At the start of the transfer window, Gonzalo appeared destined to leave. With Endrick returning from a successful loan spell at Lyon and expected to remain with the first team, both the academy graduate and his representatives were open to considering offers.
Whenever clubs enquired, Real Madrid made their valuation clear, placing a €60 million price tag on the striker.
The figure reflected Gonzalo’s impressive rise over the past year. After finishing as the top scorer at the Club World Cup and scoring eight goals in 1,471 minutes between the first team and Castilla, he had established himself as one of Spain’s brightest young forwards.
He also became the first-choice striker for Spain’s Under-21 side, further increasing his value.
Everything changed once Mourinho assessed his attacking options. The Portuguese coach believes his squad lacks a classic centre-forward capable of leading the line.
While Kylian Mbappe offers speed and versatility across the front three and Endrick can operate both centrally and from wider positions, Mourinho feels Gonzalo provides a different profile that the squad currently lacks.
Rather than approving a sale, the new manager decided to halt any transfer discussions and evaluate the academy graduate himself during pre-season.
Making a strong first impression
So far, Gonzalo has made the most of that opportunity. Coaches have been impressed by his physical development, with the striker arriving noticeably stronger and sharper than at the end of last season.
Aware of what was at stake, he spent the summer preparing specifically for this moment. His performances in training have already reinforced Mourinho’s belief that he deserves a serious opportunity.
The first public test will come on August 1, when Real Madrid face Fiorentina in Klagenfurt, Austria, where Gonzalo is likely to lead the attack.
After all, Endrick is not expected to feature, with the Brazilian only due back from holiday on July 27 alongside Vinicius Jr., while Mbappé will still be away following his extended summer break.
With several more friendlies planned before the start of the season, Gonzalo will have multiple opportunities to convince Mourinho that he deserves to remain part of Real Madrid’s plans.
The coming weeks could prove decisive for one of La Fabrica’s most promising forwards.
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.
