Real Madrid News
Report – Growing disappointment within Real Madrid towards superstar forward
Kylian Mbappe continues to be headlines in the Real Madrid spheres despite his absence from the team for last night’s 2-0 loss to FC Barcelona in the Clasico.
The Frenchman did not travel to Catalonia for the game as he pulled out of training due to discomfort on the day of, leading to his exclusion from the squad.
As already reported, some within the club suspected that the 27-year-old decided to pull out after learning that he would not start the match and would only be a substitute.
Disappointment with Mbappe grows
Now, according to The Athletic, there is a sense of growing disappointment with Mbappe across all levels within Real Madrid.
The Frenchman has not been on the field for Los Blancos since the 1-1 draw against Real Betis – his 100th appearance for the team, when he suffered a hamstring injury.
Things started to go downhill for the forward after that as a trip to Italy with his partner during recovery did not go down well inside the dressing room as well as the upper-levels of the club.
Following that, there was a lot of confusion about his availability for El Clasico throughout the last week, although the medical staff did not expect him to recover fully in time for the pitch.
The fact that he trained with the team on Saturday gave some hope, but his withdrawal due to discomfort on the day of the game led to frustration among the training ground staff.
While the team was playing at the Spotify Camp Nou, Mbappe made a post on Instagram supporting his teammates.
However, the fact that he posted it with Los Blancos were already trailing by two goals attracted some criticism from fans and was negatively received by the staff and his teammates.
It must be remembered that the 27-year-old France captain also had a training ground altercation with a member of Alvaro Arbeloa’s staff member leading up to the Real Betis game, which contributed to the negative atmosphere inside the locker room.
Now, the report cites a source from within the club who believes that Mbappe might not play again this season as he does not want to face the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu after already being booed and whistled at once this season.
As things stand, therefore, there is still no clarity about when Mbappe can recover and return, and if he will play any part before the season ends.
Some reports in Spanish media, however, affirm that the forward is fully committed and is working to recover quickly so he can be back on the field and help the team finish the season strongly.
Nonetheless, it seems like all is not well between Mbappe and Real Madrid.
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.
