Real Madrid News
Two key Real Madrid players need to be careful in order to not miss UCL clash vs PSG
The UEFA Champions League returns to action this week after a long hiatus. The biggest clash in the round of 16 fixtures is undoubtedly Real Madrid’s face-off against Paris Saint-Germain.
While both teams have dominated their respective domestic leagues, they will have to fight tooth and nail when they meet next week.
However, Carlo Ancelotti has a problem on his hands. Casemiro and Ferland Mendy are both just a booking away from being suspended. This implies that if either of them is booked in the first leg at Paris, they would be unavailable for the second leg at the Bernabeu.
Casemiro has been part of one of the world’s best midfield combinations alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kross over the past seasons. The trio continues to dominate the game even today, and the Brazilian’s absence would come as a big blow to Ancelotti’s plans.
Given his delicate situation, one could expect Ferland Mendy to start on the bench in Paris. This would not only enable Marcelo to play the first leg but keep Mendy fresh and raring for the second leg.
Real Madrid and PSG are contenders to win the competition but have both strayed off-track in recent weeks. The hiccup from Los Blancos was minor as they tied Elche and lost to Athletic Club in successive games. Against Granada, they struggled to create chances but eventually pulled away with a nervy win.
Meanwhile, PSG were eliminated from their domestic cup by OGC Nico before returning with a bang against OSC Lille. The Parisians scored five on the night as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe put up a masterclass.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
