Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s stance on Michael Olise summer transfer – Romano
Real Madrid have already strengthened several areas of their squad this summer, but the club is not done yet.
Even with Bayern Munich insisting that Michael Olise is not for sale, the Spanish giants are continuing to monitor one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents in case the transfer landscape changes.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have not made a formal move for the French international yet because Bayern’s position is pretty clear.
However, the club is prepared to act immediately if there is even the slightest indication that negotiations could become possible later in the transfer window.
For now, though, the transfer remains unlikely rather than impossible, with Real Madrid choosing patience over unnecessary pressure.
Florentino Perez sees Olise as the next Galactico
Few players have captured Florentino Perez’s imagination quite like Michael Olise.
The Real Madrid president is said to view the Bayern Munich attacker as a footballer capable of fitting perfectly into the club’s long-standing Galactico philosophy.
That admiration explains why Real Madrid continue to follow his situation despite Bayern’s repeated insistence that the player is not available.
Romano reports that the coming weeks could provide greater clarity.
Once the World Cup concludes, Olise is expected to sit down with Bayern Munich officials to discuss his future, a meeting that Madrid will watch closely for any indication that the player’s plans differ from those of the German champions.
At this stage, however, Bayern’s message has been consistent. The Bundesliga giants regard Olise as a cornerstone of their sporting project and have no intention of opening negotiations this summer.
So what now?
Right now, it is said that if the French international signals complete commitment to the Bundesliga champions, Madrid are unlikely to pursue the operation further this summer.
If, however, there is any indication that Olise is open to a new challenge or Bayern’s stance softens, the Spanish club is expected to position themselves at the front of the queue.
For now, Fabrizio Romano describes any potential deal as “difficult and complicated,” due to the number of factors that would need to change before serious negotiations could begin.
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.
