Real Madrid News
Saudi Arabian giants eyeing move for mega-money Real Madrid flop
Eden Hazard has become an outcast of sorts at Real Madrid in recent years. Although the Belgian remains a well-liked figure within the club, no one in the camp believes he has what it takes to turn his fortunes around, following a forgettable start to his career at Santiago Bernabeu.
Hazard has indeed scored only seven goals in 73 competitive matches for Real Madrid, who spent around €115 million to secure his services in 2019.
With his contract expiring in 2024, Real Madrid are facing immense pressure to offload Hazard in the summer of 2023, knowing it will be their last chance to recoup some amount of the fortune they spent in 2019.
According to Foot Mercato, Real Madrid’s prayers might just be answered by Al Nassr next summer, as the Saudi Arabian outfit have shown the desire to sign the Belgian international.
After making headlines by signing Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr are ready to further enhance their team sheet in 2023. They have been linked with moves for Sergio Ramos, N’Golo Kante and even Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric.
But it appears they have now set their sights on Hazard, who has recently announced his retirement from international football following Belgium’s poor showing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Al Nassr head coach Rudi Garcia knows Hazard well, with the duo having worked together at LOSC Lille. Garcia even played a key role in helping the former Chelsea starlet make his professional breakthrough and it appears he is now ready for a reunion.
At the age of 31, Hazard still has a few more years under his belt and could form a formidable attacking partnership with Ronaldo at Al Nassr. And with his contract expiring in 2024, a summer move could make sense for all parties involved, including Real Madrid.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
