Real Madrid News
Roberto Carlos talks Vinicius, Courtois, Madrid derby, Ballon d’Or – ‘Very sure he’s going to win it’
Speaking at a public appearance earlier today, Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos gave his two cents about the controversial El Derbi last night between his former team and Atletico Madrid as well as Vinicius Jr.’s fight against racism.
Last night’s derby at the Civitas Metropolitano was marred with controversy as some fans of the home team threw objects at Thibaut Courtois, leading to the game getting suspended briefly.
Meanwhile, fans, donning masks to hide their identities, hurled vile abuse at both the Belgian as well as Vinicius during the match.
Carlos on the derby controversy
Giving his thoughts on what went down, Carlos insisted that the incidents do not paint La Liga in a good light and that Spanish football deserves better.
“What worries me most is the image of Spanish football. We are going to wait for the Federation to take the necessary decisions so that this situation of stopping a match for 20 minutes doesn’t happen again,” he said.
“I have lived in Spain for many years and this cannot happen. It was a shame. It’s time to put this right.”
On what steps can be taken to stop from such events occurring in the future, the Brazilian great remarked:
“The people responsible must do what they have to do. I don’t care about the club, what I want is for Spanish football to do well.”
As to the matter of fans showing up wearing masks and hoodies to conceal themselves and shout abuses at players last night, Carlos said:
“Yesterday was very sad. I have a lot of affection for the Atlético fans but what happened yesterday is not normal. The image is brutal.
“I think I’ve seen it in Mexico. To see an image of the hooded men makes an impression on me. They were already prepared for something, it was very strange.”
On Vinicius Jr.
Roberto Carlos also spoke in depth about Real Madrid talisman Vinicius Jr. and his recent statements about racism in Spain.
The Merengues’ legend insisted that Spain was not a racist country, but called for efforts to be made to root out the evil of racism.
“Vinicius may have said some phrases but it was an interview and if he makes a mistake I’ll pull his ears. Vinicius has to be treated with affection,” he said.
Continuing, he added: “I don’t think Spain is a racist country. I went to the pitch to enjoy myself and when I got the ball I expected people to get fed up.
“The Vini thing is over, the insults for being black. I am black and I have that joie de vivre for being black. And when we go, we all go down there. We have to put an end to racism.”
Further commenting on Vinicius, Carlos tipped him to win the Ballon d’Or saying: “Vini is super calm. He knows he is very close to being the best in the world.
“He played some great games last season and this year we are trying to make him more relaxed with the crowds and the Ballon d’Or is there. I’m very sure he’s going to win it.”
On Simeone and Thibaut Courtois
Following the match, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone took a shot at Thibaut Courtois, claiming that the Belgian was guilty of provoking the fans after Real Madrid scored.
When asked about the Argentine tactician’s statements, Carlos refrained from commenting on the Atleti boss’ opinions, saying:
“Everyone has their own opinion. I could comment if Ancelotti had said something because he is the coach of my team. Simeone is not from my team. I have the utmost respect and the utmost affection and it is normal that he defends his colours.
“We know what the world of football is like. Simeone is a great coach but in the end, yesterday was a bad image.”
As to whether he felt Courtois was in the wrong last night, the former left-back said: “Everyone knows when they are wrong. I think they are a bit wrong because Courtois didn’t return the lighters to the stands either. He didn’t make any gestures or insult anyone.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
After a month into the new season, Aurelien Tchouameni is finally back in action for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season for the Merengues last night against Inter Milan after recovering from the muscular injury that delayed his campaign.
His return to fitness had raised questions over where he would fit into Mourinho’s plans.
Tchouameni has been a regular in Real Madrid’s midfield for several seasons under different managers, but the end of last season was far less straightforward.
His confrontation with Federico Valverde, combined with speculation over his future at the club, created uncertainty about his position. His lack of a proper pre-season also appeared to put him behind other midfield options.
Bernardo Silva had established himself as an important figure, while Eduardo Camavinga was also ahead of Tchouameni in terms of match fitness.
With Real Madrid looking for greater creativity in midfield, there were questions over whether the Frenchman would still be a first-choice player.
Key for Mourinho
According to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), however, Mourinho has no such doubts. Tchouameni remains a key player for the Portuguese coach and is expected to be a starter.
Mourinho sees the French international as a midfielder without a direct replacement in the squad.
For Jose, Tchouameni provides something that none of the other midfielders in the squad do – a more defensive and positional presence, combining his tactical discipline with considerable physical strength.
His ability to shield the defence and provide balance could be particularly important for a Real Madrid side that want to defend aggressively and attack quickly in transition.
For that reason, his absence at the start of the campaign has not changed the manager’s view of his importance.
Mourinho faces a midfield selection problem
The challenge for Mourinho now is finding a way to fit all the pieces together.
If Tchouameni is guaranteed a starting position and Valverde is considered untouchable as captain, the obvious consequence is that Bernardo could find himself starting from the bench.
The summer arrival had been given an important role in helping Real Madrid control and distribute possession from deeper positions.
However, with Tchouameni and Valverde both occupying midfield places, Mourinho cannot accommodate everyone in the same lineup.
How the Portuguese coach manages that competition will be interesting to see in the coming weeks.
