Real Madrid News
Spanish legend reveals he had discussions ‘for a couple of years’ to go to Real Madrid
Real Oviedo’s long-awaited return to La Liga brings with it a special fixture, as their first home game at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium will be against none other than Real Madrid.
At the centre of attention is veteran midfielder Santi Cazorla, who at 40 years old continues to play an important role for his boyhood club.
Cazorla recently appeared on the Spanish radio programme El Larguero to discuss the upcoming clash, reflect on his past, and share stories from his career.
Almost joined Real Madrid
He admitted that facing Madrid is always something special, especially after almost signing for them earlier in his career.
Speaking about the importance of the match, he said: “It means a lot of things. I watch a lot of videos on social media from years ago, and we were playing against Real Madrid C. When Barça or Atlético come … It’s always nice to face them.
“For a couple of years, I had contacts to go to Real Madrid. It’s an incredible club, the best in history, but things happen or don’t happen depending on the circumstances.
“A particularly good memory against Real Madrid? Málaga’s goal at the Bernabéu, then also one I scored at La Cerámica, they are special matches that will stay with you.”
Reunion with Xabi Alonso
The match also brings a reunion with Xabi Alonso, now in charge of Real Madrid. Cazorla spoke warmly about his former national teammate, recalling the respect he has for him as both a player and coach.
“All I ask is for the team to win and for me to be able to participate, so if I can accompany him, all the better. I spoke to him recently because we had a video call when he was still the Leverkusen coach.
“He’s a role model for me, and he’s going to be a great coach, as he’s already showing. We did talk about Real Madrid during the video call, but the bastard didn’t say anything.
“I couldn’t put my cards on the table either, but Xabi always comes out of these things very well. Our duo at Euro 2008 were the ones who came off the bench.
“For me, he was a role model because he was a proven player. He helped me a lot, and playing with him has been a privilege.”
Facing Real Madrid
Looking ahead to the match, Cazorla acknowledged the strength of the opposition. “You expect a very difficult match from Real Madrid.
“They have differential players in all areas and all positions. We are with our people, we have to be strong, make it a difficult match against a team like Real Madrid.
“Xabi Alonso has always been a reference teammate and as a coach, he has shown me that he is going to be one of the best in the world. I wish him the best because he is incredible,” he concluded.
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”.
