Real Madrid News
Real Sociedad icon looks back on failed Real Madrid transfer move: ‘It was a serious option’
Former Real Sociedad striker Darko Kovacevic has an interesting history with Real Madrid, not least because he once came close to wearing the white shirt himself.
The former Serbian striker was involved in negotiations with Madrid in 1999 during his first spell at Real Sociedad, but the deal dragged on, and he eventually accepted an offer from Juventus instead.
He would later become something of a thorn in Madrid’s side after returning to Real Sociedad.
Kovacevic scored 10 goals against Los Blancos in total, including a brace in Sociedad’s memorable 4-2 victory in 2003 and another goal in a remarkable 4-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu the following year.
In an interview, as quoted by AS, Kovacevic spoke about his failed move to Madrid.
“It was a serious option. We spoke for several months, but the signing was not completed, time passed, and Juventus appeared with very strong interest,” he said.
Kovacevic compares his story to Rodri
Asked whether his situation resembled Rodri’s decision to choose Barcelona after Madrid showed interest, Kovacevic agreed.
“It could be very similar to what I experienced. If what I read and hear is true, Madrid had been interested for some time, there were doubts, they did not close it earlier, and then Barcelona appeared at the end,” he said.
Kovacevic also described Rodri’s transfer to Barça as “the signing of the summer internationally”.
He also felt that the €75 million fee for a 30-year-old was justified when the player has the pedigree that Rodri does.
“Clubs think a lot about age and how much football a player has left, but if he gives you four or five good years, for me the investment is already justified,” he explained.
Every team has extra motivation against Madrid
Kovacevic scored 10 goals against Real Madrid during his career, but insisted there was never any bitterness over the move that failed to happen.
“Against Madrid, every team has extra motivation because the big clubs force you to give your maximum. Everyone wants to beat them because those victories have huge impact,” he said.
He also addressed Madrid’s midfield needs after missing out on Rodri.
“Madrid wanted Rodri and could have gone for Zubimendi a year ago, but Mourinho is the one who has to decide whether he needs that type of player,” Kovacevic explained.
Diomande and Espi get his backing
On Yan Diomande’s enormous transfer fee, Kovacevic was measured.
“He is a great player and has a fantastic future ahead of him. Madrid have made a big investment in him, and time will tell whether he is worth that money,” he said.
He was far more certain about Carlos Espi.
“I like that kid. He has present and future. He is the type of striker big teams always need. Madrid did very well with Joselu, and I think they will do very well with Espi too. He looks like a great signing,” Kovacevic elaborated.
He was also asked who he would sign for Madrid if they had an unlimited budget, and his answer was interesting.
“I would try for Lamine Yamal,” he concluded.
Another ‘what could have been’ story
Looking back, Kovacevic’s story remains one of those fascinating Real Madrid “what ifs”.
A powerful, prolific No. 9 who eventually became so effective against Madrid could easily have been scoring those goals in white instead.
There is also some irony in how things developed. Madrid missed out on Kovacevic and then repeatedly suffered at his hands after he returned to Spain.
More than two decades later, the story has repeated itself with Rodri, and Los Blancos will hope that the Barça midfielder does not subject them to the same kind of performances in the coming seasons.
Real Madrid News
Real Sociedad boss impressed by Mourinho’s new-look Real Madrid: ‘You can clearly see a different structure’
Real Sociedad are set to visit the Spanish capital tomorrow to take on Real Madrid in what will be Jose Mourinho’s second La Liga game this season.
Los Blancos secured a late 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their opening encounter and will hope to keep the momentum against the Basque club.
In the pre-match press conference, Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo praised the early impact of Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.
Speaking ahead of the Basque club’s visit, as quoted by AS, Matarazzo was asked for his assessment of the “new Real Madrid”.
Matarazzo sees a more organised Madrid
The Sociedad manager made it clear that he already sees a very different team with a distinct identity under Jose.
“It is very clear that they are a top team with several new signings, impressive signings and a new coach,” Matarazzo said.
The Sociedad boss then pointed to the structural changes Mourinho has introduced.
“With the new coach, you can clearly see a different structure, whether in the pressing, where they are more organised, or in their counter-pressing, where you can see a different intensity compared to recent seasons,” he explained.
This is an assessment that would make Mourinho happy, as he has repeatedly reiterated the need for intensity and physical preparation since his return to the club.
Clear ideas in attack
The praise was not limited to Madrid’s work without the ball.
“In attack you can also see clarity in what they want,” Matarazzo added.
That is particularly relevant given how much attention has surrounded Mourinho’s attempts to fit Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande into the same attacking structure.
The 4-2-3-1 has increasingly looked like the base system, with Madrid trying to create clearer roles around those attacking stars.
Diomande may not yet be starting games for Los Blancos, but it will not be long before Jose has to find a way to field all four attacking superstars in the same XI.
Sociedad still believe in themselves
Matarazzo nevertheless made clear that Sociedad are not travelling to Madrid simply to contain Mourinho’s side.
“Of course, it is a challenge for us, but at the same time we believe in our quality, in our strengths, and we approach the game with that conviction,” he concluded.
The Basque club have consistently been capable of troubling top teams in Spain in recent seasons, and Matarazzo will want to do the same at the Bernabeu tomorrow.
For Real Madrid, the focus has to be on putting in a more convincing performance against Sociedad than they did against Espanyol.
If they do that and manage to get the three points, that will represent a step in a positive direction, and it remains to be seen how Jose Mourinho sets his team up for the game.
