Real Madrid News
Report – The main reason behind Real Madrid’s defensive signings
Real Madrid have had an intense summer in the transfer market. One of the areas that has undergone the biggest overhaul is the defence, which has essentially been rebuilt through a series of reinforcements.
Two full-backs and a centre-back have arrived, continuing the club’s strategy of strengthening the backline.
Ibrahima Konate joined as a free agent after his contract at Liverpool, while Real Madrid paid Denzel Dumfries’ €20 million release clause to sign him from Inter Milan. Marc Cucurella, meanwhile, was brought from Chelsea for a fee of €55 million.
Manager Jose Mourinho returned to the Spanish capital with particular concerns about the defence, which is why he requested three new additions.
According to MARCA (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Mourinho asked the club’s directors for a squad with greater physical capacity. All three defenders provide precisely that.
A Defence made by Mourinho
Real Madrid’s transfer activity has been closely linked to the Portuguese coach. Every signing has either received his approval or been directly requested by him.
Ibrahima Konate was given the green light by Mourinho, while Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella were also the manager’s personal choices.
Beyond the fact that the signings make considerable sense given the squad’s situation and needs, all three reinforcements share one important characteristic – strong physical presence.
Physical power across the backline
Konate’s main strengths as a centre-back are his speed and physical presence, allowing him to defend aggressively and recover quickly thanks to his ability to cover space.
Dumfries is also an exceptionally athletic full-back. His ability to cover the entire flank and drive forward with the ball are among his biggest strengths.
Finally, Cucurella offers another strong physical profile. His intensity and ability in duels make him extremely difficult to beat, both offensively and defensively.
Together, the three signings reflect Mourinho’s desire to build a more physically powerful Real Madrid.
The Real Madrid manager remains keen on another defensive addition – a left-footed centre-back in particular, but the club are not in a position to make any new signings until there are any departures.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
