APPLE PARTNERSHIP: FLORENTINO PéREZ UNVEILS REAL MADRID'S IMMERSIVE VR FUTURE NOW.
Florentino Pérez reveals Real Madrid's "Infinite Bernabéu" vision with Apple. The plan uses VR/AR tech to let global fans experience live matches from anywhere, reshaping football consumption.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD FITNESS CONFIRMED BY ALONSO AFTER INTERNATIONAL SETBACK NOW
Xabi Alonso says Trent Alexander-Arnold's form has improved after an international break of intensive training, giving Real Madrid "more options" at right-back with Dani Carvajal still injured.
Xabi Alonso has highlighted that Trent Alexander-Arnold is presently "in better form," attributing this improvement to the extensive training he undertook during the international break. This enhancement, according to the Real Madrid head coach, provides him with "more options" for the right defensive position.
Earlier this month, Thomas Tuchel omitted the full-back from the England squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to injuries that have affected the beginning of his inaugural La Liga season. Meanwhile, fellow right-back Dani Carvajal remains out with a long-term injury.
The last time Alexander-Arnold started a match was over two months ago, during Madrid’s 2-1 win against Marseille in the UEFA Champions League, but he played only five minutes before suffering a hamstring injury.
Since then, his appearances have been minimal, with just nine minutes of play in Real’s 1-0 defeat against his former team Liverpool on November 4, where he faced jeers from the home supporters. He also played merely seven minutes in a goalless draw at Rayo Vallecano earlier this month.
"In this international break, we have worked with Trent, both as a group and individually, due to the injuries he’s faced," Alonso shared during a press conference on Saturday ahead of Madrid’s matchup with Elche.
"Trent being in better form opens up more possibilities for us in that area, along with other players available. Fede [Valverde] is still an option at right-back, and Trent is in good condition now. [Eder] Militao has recently played as a right-back with Brazil, and Raul [Asencio] can also fill that role. We have several alternatives."
Recent matches against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano have prompted criticism, as the team struggled to score in both contests, with striker Kylian Mbappe failing to produce a single shot on target across the two games.
Barcelona’s 4-0 triumph over Athletic Club, marking their return to the Camp Nou after two years, has pushed Real down from the top position in La Liga, but any positive result against Elche will see them regain the lead in the standings.
“We couldn’t find the net against Liverpool or Vallecas, but it’s not solely on Kylian; it’s a team effort,” Alonso defended the forward. “When we struggle to score, we need to explore other avenues: utilising wingers, midfielders, and set pieces. . . I do not doubt that the goals will come back.”
“We understand our position and the expectations at Real Madrid. We push ourselves hard after every match. There’s no need to weigh it down any further than that.”
While Militao’s injury during international play was disappointing, Alonso confirmed that fellow central defender Antonio Rudiger is nearing a return.
“It’s great news that [Rudiger] is making progress,” Alonso noted. “He likely won’t be available for tomorrow’s match, but we’ll assess the situation for the game in Athens [against Olympiacos]. His quality and experience are vital for us.
“Militao’s injury is not severe, but we will miss him, and having Toni back as soon as possible is very encouraging.”
Every one of the international players is in good spirits, and the environment is positive. As we travel to Elche, it’s important to note that although they are a newly promoted team, they are performing at a commendable level.
This match will be challenging. The situation hasn’t changed; we are eager to take on these matches in La Liga and the Champions League, as they hold great significance. We must have the full support of our squad.
ARDA GULER SLAMS LIVERPOOL'S SZOBOSZLAI DESPITE REAL MADRID TRANSFER INTEREST
Real Madrid is reportedly interested in Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai, despite a public feud with current Madrid player Arda Guler. Meanwhile, Liverpool is progressing in talks to secure Szoboszlai with a new long-term contract.