Real Madrid News
Villarreal boss weighs in on Ancelotti’s exit and Alonso’s Real Madrid appointment – ‘A natural fit’
Villarreal manager Marcelino recently spoke with AS and opened up about Real Madrid’s transition from Carlo Ancelotti to Xabi Alonso.
The coach did not hold back his admiration for the Italian, and at the same time, showed full respect for Madrid’s new direction under Alonso.
Marcelino admitted feeling personally saddened by Carlo Ancelotti’s departure from La Liga.
He described Ancelotti as someone who brought dignity to the coaching profession and stressed how the veteran Italian served as a positive example for others in the game.
“He’s the coach with the most titles, and his personality and behaviour are a clear example for everyone, and specifically for me,” said Marcelino.
“I’ve experienced Ancelotti’s departure with personal sadness. Sad because I believe he’s a coach who dignifies the profession.
“It’s a shame that a person, a coach, who conveys so many positive qualities, is no longer in our league,” he noted.
Xabi Alonso the right choice for Real Madrid
With Ancelotti moving on, all eyes are now on Xabi Alonso, and Marcelino believes Real Madrid have made the right call.
The Villarreal boss pointed out that Alonso has already shown his class by winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, something few have done, considering Bayern Munich’s usual dominance.
Marcelino believes that Alonso’s deep knowledge of Madrid’s culture, combined with his winning mentality and calm leadership, could make him a strong and steady hand at the helm.
“Xabi’s arrival feels like a natural fit,” he said. “He played at Real Madrid, he understands the demands of a top club, and he knows what it means to win as both a player and coach.
“I wish him the best. I think he’s a good solution for Real Madrid,” he added.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €40 millon-rated goalkeeper as potential Thibaut Courtois replacement
Real Madrid boast one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the form of Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Belgian is already 34 and his current contract at the club expires at the end of the season.
Although Real Madrid are keen on extending his contract, they are preparing for the possibility of life beyond the veteran goalkeeper as well.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are already keeping tabs on the market and monitoring potential replacements, with Diogo Costa emerging as one of the options.
Real Madrid interested in Diogo Costa
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Costa is among the goalkeepers Real Madrid are interested in, as they look for potential replacements for Courtois.
The Portuguese international is regarded highly and has been endorsed personally by the club’s new goalkeeping coach, Nuno Santos.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be playing a key role in driving the club’s interest in Costa, who currently plies his trade for FC Porto.
At age of just 26, Costa has established himself as the firm number one for the Portugal national team, having already won almost 50 caps.
€40 million for Costa?
Acquiring the services of Diogo Costa, though, won’t be a walk in the park for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international is valued at around €40 million, which the club might see as steep.
But given the experience and the quality Costa offers, Real Madrid do indeed see him as the ideal candidate to replace Courtois, if necessary.
Given that he is also liked by Mourinho and Santos, there is no reason why Real Madrid will be against paying that premium for the goalkeeper, especially if Courtois ends up leaving the club.
Real Madrid, though, are also open to finding an in-house replacement for Courtois, with Javi Navarro, in particular, making a lot of waves in the lower divisions.
That being said, everything indicates Courtois will sign a new contract so there shouldn’t be any immediate need for a replacement.
