Jurgen Klopp
January 2026
Klopp said he was genuinely surprised by Madrid’s decision and rejected any suggestion he is a candidate to replace Alonso. He framed the sacking as proof of extreme expectations and short time horizons at Madrid, saying the situation did not trigger any desire to return to management.
Vinicius Jr
January 2026
Vinicius and Simeone exchanged words on the touchline when the Real forward was substituted during Madrid’s Super Cup semi-final win over Atletico in Saudi Arabia. TV audio captured Simeone taunting Vinicius about Florentino Perez. Simeone later downplayed it, saying what happens on the pitch stays there while stressing respect for Madrid players.
Nico Schlotterbeck
January 2026
Real Madrid are reportedly stepping up interest in Nico Schlotterbeck after their priority target Dayot Upamecano moved closer to a new Bayern contract, forcing a change of plan for centre-back recruitment. With a free-transfer route fading, Madrid have turned to Schlotterbeck despite his 2027 contract. Dortmund are said to want at least €50m, with some reports pushing the price nearer €70m.
Kylian Mbappe
January 2026
Real Madrid ruled Kylian Mbappe out of the entire Spanish Super Cup due to a left-knee sprain, opting not to take him to Saudi Arabia, while Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to the travelling squad. Madrid’s medical staff and hierarchy chose a conservative plan after Mbappe played through the issue in recent weeks, deciding he will only return when fully fit and not for a short-term final.
Jude Bellingham
January 2026
Gordon Strachan defended Jude Bellingham and said both Xabi Alonso and Thomas Tuchel need to protect him amid ongoing criticism around his behaviour for England. The midfielder has become a focal point for scrutiny at international level. Strachan echoed Ian Wright’s stance that controversy is being manufactured around Bellingham, and argued leadership from club and country must shield him while keeping standards high. The message is that the noise should not be allowed to define him.
Luka Modrić
January 2026
Luka Modrić has named Jose Mourinho as the toughest manager he worked under, claiming Mourinho’s intensity once reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears in the Real Madrid dressing room. Modrić described Mourinho as the strictest coach of his career. Modrić recalled arriving at Real in 2012 under Mourinho and experiencing a demanding environment despite a squad packed with stars. He contrasted that period with later trophy-heavy seasons under other managers, but singled out Mourinho’s edge and pressure as unmatched.
Kylian Mbappé
January 2026
Kylian Mbappé has been diagnosed with a left knee sprain and is expected to miss at least three weeks, hitting Real Madrid as they return from the winter break. He has been a near ever-present this season with 27 goals across La Liga and the Champions League.
How: Mbappé had been managing the issue for weeks but an MRI confirmed a ligament lesion requiring rest and treatment. Real Madrid confirmed the diagnosis and will monitor his progress, with the decision to stop now aimed at avoiding a more serious long-term problem.
