news-engine

Real Madrid News Mourinho’s curious relationship with Malaga in focus ahead of key Real Madrid clash Real Madrid will be looking for their third consecutive win in La Liga as they host Malaga at the Bernabeu this afternoon. Los Blancos have made a perfect start under Jose Mourinho, following up a 2-1 win over Espanyol with a 4-1 thrashing of Real Sociedad. It promises to be an interesting game for the Spanish giants, even more so considering the history Mourinho has with the opposition. A spicy history with Malaga As reported by MARCA, Malaga’s visit to the Bernabeu brings back plenty of memories from Mourinho’s first spell in Spain. It was at La Rosaleda that Mourinho first dropped Iker Casillas, a decision that would go on to become one of the defining sagas of his time in the capital. His first visit there was also marked by controversy, after it emerged that then-Malaga coach Jesualdo Ferreira had reportedly branded Mourinho a “donkey” in comments made in Portugal. Then there was his rivalry with Manuel Pellegrini, the man he replaced at Real Madrid. Constant comparisons between the two projects led Mourinho to deliver a pointed message, insisting he would never manage Malaga if Real Madrid ever sacked him. The Casillas controversy Of all those incidents, it is the Casillas saga that continues to resonate most to this day. During the 2012-13 campaign, Mourinho dropped Casillas for a match against Malaga, with cameras famously capturing Florentino Perez’s surprise upon discovering live on television After all, his captain and goalkeeper had been benched in favour of Antonio Adan. The gamble did not pay off, with Real Madrid losing the game 3-2. Mourinho publicly framed it as a simple technical decision, but the passage of time suggested there was far more to the story. Although the current Malaga side, back in the top flight for the first time since 2018, poses a very different challenge, Mourinho will be keen on avoiding an unfortunate result this afternoon. Real Madrid News Real Madrid shut down La Liga rivals’ loan approach for young forward – report Real Sociedad paid a visit to Real Madrid earlier this week, and their visit did not go very well as they faced a difficult defeat after an inspired performance by the hosts. As reported by journalist Ruben Canizares (h/t Defensa Central) now, however, the Basque side had a second objective on their trip to Madrid as they were hoping to secure the arrival of Endrick on loan this summer. The visiting team’s administration took the opportunity to meet with Real Madrid’s hierarchy and discuss the transfer of the young Brazilian, but that objective did not go well for them either. Real Madrid reject the proposal Just as Real Madrid did with last-minute interest from Arsenal and Liverpool in Endrick, they shut down all doors to the player leaving and informed Real Sociedad that the operation would not work out. The reason for them rejecting the deal, however, are surprising as they are seemingly not linked only to the player being in Jose Mourinho’s plans. Instead, Real Madrid refused the loan of Endrick to La Real as it did not make sense to them financially. The proposal, after all, involved them paying a big part of his salary which and they saw the conditions to be poor. Set to return soon Endrick has been out of Real Madrid’s matchday squads so far this season as he is nursing a fitness setback. He is closer than ever to a return, and Mourinho even confirmed that he will be back in action soon. From the Portuguese manager’s standpoint, Endrick remains an important player whom he counts on and sees as a vital player to add to the bench strength. Carlos Espi’s arrival does indeed add depth to the centre-forward department, but there is a sense of understanding that Endrick offers a very different profile and skill set. At this point, Real Madrid are not considering a departure for the Brazilian star. Mourinho will count on him and a decision will be taken in January based on his prominence and influence. Real Sociedad, thus, could well look to return in January in the player’s pursuit given that Real Madrid’s big objection was financial and not sporting.