Most of Real Madrid’s completed and rumoured moves this summer revolve around the defence and the midfield – two departments that were clearly seen to need change.
The attack also had a lot of holes through the previous campaign with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. never really joining the party together. In that sense, changes in attack are also needed and the club are hoping for a Galactico signing in that department.
The new manager, Jose Mourinho, thus has a massive task on his hands to wipe the slate clean and bring the team back on the same page once more.
Pitarch speaks on Mbappe, Vinicius and Mourinho
Speaking to the media in a recent interview, young Real Madrid midfielder Thiago Pitarch was asked about the widespread criticism of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., especially for their lack of chemistry and end product at the club level.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius of Real Madrid
Pitarch backed Mbappe and Vinicius. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Pitarch, however, defended his teammates and labelled the criticism unfair.
“Criticism against Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr.? Mbappé scored 40 goals in a season. Vinícius has won us many games.”
He was then asked which players impressed and impacted him the most in training for Real Madrid, and he once again labelled the same duo as his picks.
“Which players have impacted me the most in training? Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr.”
The young midfielder then spoke on Jose Mourinho’s arrival as the new first-team manager and what it meant for the players and the fans.
“Jose Mourinho is a historic coach, he has won it all.”
“He is someone who has done a lot for the club, won the league with the most points ever. Obviously a dream for Madrid,” he added.
Pitarch’s rapid fire
The academy midfielder was then asked to answer the evergreen question of modern football – Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
“Cristiano,” he said, staying loyal to the Real Madrid legend.
He was then asked what came to his mind when he heard the name of Michael Olise, to which he said,
“He’s a TOP player.”
Vitinha, PSG player
Pitarch revealed he would sign Vitinha for Real Madrid. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Pitarch was then asked to name one player he would sign for Real Madrid given the chance, and he surprisingly picked a direct competitor.
“I would bring Vitinha to Real Madrid, even though he plays the same position as me.”
“He is one of the best midfielders in the world, and this is Real Madrid,” he added.
Finally, the young star stayed rooted to the ground and spoke about how he was prepared for any hardship to succeed at the club.
“I’ll work and play wherever I have to; the first team or Castilla, I don’t care.”
Source: El Chiringuito