Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s defensive solution closing in on Liverpool return
Real Madrid’s injury setbacks are of two types – some for the short term and others for the long term.
The likes of Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are out for the season and are also likely to miss the opening phase of the next season. Others, meanwhile, hope to return in the coming weeks.
One such player gunning for a return at the earliest is Aurelien Tchouameni who suffered an ankle injury against AC Milan and was forced off the field at half-time.
Close to a return
As revealed in a recent update by AS, Tchouameni is ruled out for the team’s game against Leganes this weekend but is pushing to play against Liverpool at Anfield next week.
The player is indeed far from certain for the game against Arne Slot’s side who are currently at the top of the UEFA Champions League table. However, he is working hard to ensure that he can recover from the crucial game and aid the team in defence.
The player was initially expected to be out of action for a month but could well make his return in just 22 days if everything goes to plan. After all, Carlo Ancelotti direly needs Tchouameni’s services once more.
The Frenchman has not yet begun training with the group but is feeling positive about his chances. Once he returns, he will no longer operate as the defensive midfielder but as the team’s first-choice central defender alongside Antonio Rudiger.
So far this season, the 24-year-old has made 10 appearances for Los Blancos, averaging over ten defensive actions per game and completing 93% of his passes. While he has usually played in midfield, he has already featured a fair share in central defence as well.
Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho wants more attacking options at Real Madrid despite reaching 500-goal milestone
Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to become even more dangerous in attack, despite reaching a significant milestone during their 4-3 victory over AS Roma.
According to MARCA, it has come to light that Antonio Rudiger’s goal against Roma helped Mourinho’s Real Madrid reach 500 goals under his management.
However, the achievement has not changed the Portuguese coach’s desire to add more variety to his team’s attacking play.
In fact, Mourinho wants a side capable of controlling possession, launching rapid counter-attacks and creating danger from set pieces, all without losing the defensive discipline that defines his approach.
Mourinho targets attacking variety at Real Madrid
Real Madrid already have considerable firepower at their disposal, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Yan Diomande, Arda Guler, Carlos Espi and Endrick, giving Mourinho several attacking options.
On top of that, the injured Rodrygo would provide another high-quality alternative once available.
Hence, the challenge is not only to score more goals, but to make Real Madrid less predictable.
Mourinho wants his forwards to exploit their pace in transition while ensuring the team can also break down opponents through patient build-up play.
Set pieces are another important part of his plans, as combining those threats with defensive organisation would give the team more ways to control matches and punish different types of opposition.
Mourinho reaches 500 goals for Real Madrid
Rudiger’s strike against Roma carried added significance because it took Mourinho to 500 goals in 188 matches as Real Madrid manager.
That works out at an average of 2.66 goals per game, the best return among club managers who have overseen at least 50 matches.
La Liga accounts for the largest share, with Real Madrid scoring 345 goals in 122 matches.
They have added 92 goals in 38 Champions League games, 55 in 24 Copa del Rey matches and eight in four Spanish Super Cup fixtures.
Their biggest victory during this spell came in the 2010-11 Copa del Rey, when Madrid beat Levante 8-0.
This season, though, the team are averaging 2.5 goals per match.
Mourinho wants more from Real Madrid’s attack
The numbers underline Real Madrid’s scoring power, but Mourinho is looking beyond the milestone.
His ambition is to build a more versatile attack that can adapt to different opponents rather than rely solely on individual brilliance or quick transitions.
With Mbappe and Vinicius offering pace and penetration, and several other options providing different qualities, Madrid have the personnel to develop that flexibility.
Hence, the next step is making those strengths work together consistently.
