Real Madrid News
Real Madrid youngster receives praise from Barcelona midfielder: “Similar to Mesut Ozil”
Speaking in an interview with Turkish outlet AA SPOR, Barcelona and Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has claimed that Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler reminds him of Mesut Ozil and has a bright future in the game.
Guler joined Real Madrid this past summer, arriving from Fenerbahce. The 18-year-old could very well have become Gundogan’s teammate at Barça, but Los Blancos beat their arch-rivals to his signing.
However, injuries have meant that the teenage prodigy is yet to make his debut for the Merengues, but he continues to be held in the highest regard within the football community.
Gundogan speaks highly of Guler
Germany, led by Gundogan, are set to take on Turkey in an international friendly later this week.
If fit, Guler would have been part of the Turkey squad, but his injury has meant that he was not called up for the upcoming matches.
And Gundogan was asked about his opinion of the Real Madrid starlet, to which he said: “I talked to Rüdiger, he likes Arda very much. Yes, he had physical issues and because of injuries he couldn’t start the season. But he is very talented.
Not stopping at that Gundogan went on to add that Guler was very similar to former Real Madrid and Germany midfielder, Mesut Ozil.
“Arda Guler is similar to Mesut Ozil. Even Ozil said the same thing. Arda’s future is bright,” he added.
That is steep praise coming from one of the best midfielders in Europe, who led Manchester City to a treble last season.
When will Guler return?
Since joining Real Madrid in the summer, Guler has succumbed to three injuries, the latest one coming earlier this month.
Given his recurring fitness issues, Real Madrid have decided not to take any risks and have not set a specific return date for the 18-year-old.
But it has been suggested that the Turkish prodigy could make a comeback after the mid-season Christmas break.
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”.
