Real Madrid News
Serie A coach reveals he could have joined Real Madrid – ‘Had to make a decision overnight’
AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has made a surprising revelation that he came close to taking charge of Real Madrid in 2021.
Speaking ahead of the Milan derby, the Italian coach opened up about a moment in his career that until now had remained private, admitting he had three major offers on the table at the same time.
Allegri explained that the decision came suddenly, just when he was preparing to re-enter management after two years away from the bench.
He recalled the night he had to choose between the three clubs, saying, “The year I returned to Juventus, I had to make a decision overnight – go to Juve, go to Inter, or go to Real Madrid.”
What did Real Madrid do?
In the end, after two years of rest and reflection, Allegri felt that his heart was pulling him back to Juventus, the club where he had enjoyed great success in his earlier spell.
As such, passion, familiarity and the chance to rebuild pushed him to make the choice that many did not expect at the time.
While Allegri chose Juventus, it is to be noted that Real Madrid turned to a familiar face.
The club, as it turns out, brought back Carlo Ancelotti, who went on to deliver one of the most successful periods in the modern history of Los Blancos.
During his second stint with the club, Ancelotti won a long list of trophies, including two La Liga titles, two UEFA Champions League crowns, a Copa del Rey, two Supercopa de Espana triumphs and two UEFA Super Cups, to name a few.
His return proved to be a masterstroke, reaffirming his status as one of the most reliable managers in club football before he moved to coach the Brazil national team and was replaced by Xabi Alonso at Santiago Bernabeu.
Source: AS
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
