Tag: Real Madrid

De Zerbi “In Great Danger” After Marseille UCL Exit, Benatia Calls It “Shame”

Roberto De Zerbi
January 2026

De Zerbi is under major pressure after Marseille failed to reach the Champions League playoffs, losing heavily and missing out when Benfica grabbed the last qualifying spot on goal difference. Marseille were thrashed 3-0 by Brugge and had conceded six goals across two UCL games; De Zerbi apologised and called it a “very bad day,” while Benatia aimed his anger at the players, saying the performance should have consequences and describing it as shameful.

Trubin Scores 98th-Minute Equaliser to Push Benfica Into UCL Playoffs

Anatoliy Trubin
January 2026

Benfica beat Real Madrid 4-2, with goalkeeper Trubin scoring a last-gasp header to secure a Champions League playoff spot as Madrid finished ninth and must play a February playoff. Benfica needed a win to stay in the top 24; Mourinho sent Trubin up for a late set-piece, he headed in, and Madrid ended with two late red cards as Benfica’s late swing decided qualification over rivals elsewhere.

Arbeloa Tells Bellingham to Conserve Energy in Training

Alvaro Arbeloa
January 2026

Arbeloa says he told Bellingham to “stop running” in training, praising his work rate and leadership while urging him to manage output and conserve energy. Arbeloa frames Bellingham as a long-term cornerstone, highlighting his intensity 48 hours after a match and suggesting smarter energy management for longevity and performance balance.

Endrick Hits Hat-Trick for Lyon in 5-2 Metz Win After Real Madrid Loan

Endrick
January 2026

Real Madrid loanee Endrick scored a hat-trick in Lyon’s 5-2 win over Metz, continuing a strong start in France after limited chances in Madrid. He opened scoring early, added a second in first-half stoppage time, and completed the hat-trick with a late penalty. The report frames the loan as a reset after Endrick’s lack of minutes under Alonso and a long Madrid goal drought since April 2025.

Liverpool Make Initial Contact With Xabi Alonso as Contingency Plan Amid Slot Pressure

Xabi Alonso
January 2026

A report says Liverpool have made a first approach to Alonso as they consider future managerial options, with Slot still in charge but under scrutiny during an inconsistent title defence. The claim is that Liverpool sounded out Alonso’s interest, with the coach currently available after leaving Real Madrid. Despite a short spell in Madrid, his reputation remains strong from his Leverkusen success, and the report suggests Liverpool view him as a near-future option, possibly for 2026-27.

Arbeloa Says Vinicius Contract Talks Are Club Business, Leans on Academy for Depth

Alvaro Arbeloa
January 2026

Arbeloa said Vinicius renewal negotiations are not in his control and publicly stated he hopes the forward stays, while refusing to demand signings and pointing to La Fabrica as the solution for gaps. Arbeloa framed the contract situation as between the club and player, and repeatedly shut down questions about board backing by stating he has an “extraordinary squad” and a strong youth pipeline.

Gareth Bale Says Alonso Failed at Real Madrid Because He Was a Coach Not a Manager

Xabi Alonso
January 2026

Bale blamed Alonso’s Madrid failure on not managing egos and pressure at the Bernabeu, despite strong tactical ability and early results. Bale argued Real Madrid requires a manager who can handle personalities and scrutiny, not only a tactician, implying that mismatch helped unravel Alonso’s tenure after the Super Cup loss and subsequent fallout.

Vinicius Pleads for Bernabeu Backing After Monaco Rout and Booing Hurt

Vinicius Junior
January 2026

Vinicius said recent whistles at the Bernabeu have affected him and asked supporters to back the team, while stressing he wants focus on his football, not off-field drama or coaching changes. He said he felt uncomfortable because mistakes were met with boos, accepted fans’ right to demand more, denied influencing Alonso’s exit, and called for unity after recent setbacks. He also played down contract noise and said he remains calm with just over a year left on his deal.

Luis Enrique Defends Brahim Diaz After Panenka Miss in AFCON Final

Luis Enrique
January 2026

Luis Enrique defended Diaz after his late Panenka penalty was saved, a moment that became a focal point of criticism following Morocco’s defeat to Senegal. He argued football outcomes should not define a player’s character, cited the pressure created by the long delay and protests before the kick, and noted many elite players have taken Panenkas in major matches, with judgment changing only based on whether it goes in.

Klopp Rules Out Real Madrid Return, Commits to Red Bull Role

Jurgen Klopp
January 2026

Klopp dismissed links to the Real Madrid vacancy, saying Alonso’s exit did not trigger any desire to coach again and he is settled in his global advisory role. Klopp described the role as advisory with decision power, focused on listening, stabilising situations, and supporting club leaders across the Red Bull network; Leipzig staff cited his influence in recruitment, including helping persuade Bakayoko to join.

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