Fernando Sanz, former Real Madrid player
Photo by Daniel Smith/Getty Images for Soccerex
Ahead of Sunday’s Real Madrid Malaga, Fernando Sanz who played for both clubs, gave an interview to AS (h/t Mundo Deportivo), in which he discussed the latest developments at Real Madrid as well as aspects of his own career.
The son of former president Lorenzo Sanz was naturally asked about what happened with Rodri this summer.
The Spanish midfielder eventually committed to FC Barcelona, despite appearing close to joining Real Madrid.
Sanz admitted the World Cup winner would have been a great signing for Real Madrid, but if he had doubts about a move, it was better he did not join the club.
“Yes. He would have been a great signing for Madrid. I didn’t understand it, but when I heard Mourinho say that he had doubts about coming, I understood it. If someone has doubts, it’s better that he doesn’t come,” he said.
Rodri of Barcelona
Rodri chose Barcelona over Real Madrid (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
On Real Madrid’s new signings
Asked which signing has excited him most, Sanz was equally clear: “Cucurella. We all have a lot of affection for him because of his character and the way he is, aside from how good he is on the pitch.”
Sanz also had plenty of praise for striker Carlos Espi, whom he believes can become an important goalscorer for his former team.
“From the moment I saw him arrive, I said he was going to score a lot of goals. I don’t want to say he’s a new version of Joselu, but he is the type of striker Madrid needed,” Sanz noted.
“He has quality, talent, youth, ambition and an eye for goal. I’d bet he’ll score more than 20 goals in all competitions,” he predicted.
A painful departure from Madrid
During the interview, Sanz also looked back on his difficult departure from Real Madrid, which he believes was largely influenced by him being the president’s son.
“It became unbearable, and that’s why I had to leave the club of my life even though I still had a contract.”
“Back then people didn’t talk about mental health, but having to endure that every week was psychologically very difficult, and there came a point when I couldn’t take it anymore,” he recalled.
Fernando Sanz of Real Madrid and Arjen Robben of FC Bayern Munich
Fernando Sanz in action for Real Madrid legends. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
“I never understood why I was treated that way when I gave everything for the team while being the lowest-paid player, so I couldn’t demand anything,” Sanz added.
He explained that the pressure came from several directions and that he sometimes became caught up in his father’s political and media battles, saying:
“Sometimes they used me in the media battles to try to hurt my father, and as a player I never managed to earn the affection of the fans despite playing great matches, such as the semi-final of the Seventh against Borussia Dortmund.
“There were whistles, jeers and insults that I could never digest. It was impossible to carry on like that.”
Having come through the ranks at Real Madrid, Sanz made 45 first-team appearances before leaving for Malaga in 1999. A centre-back by trade, he spent seven years at the club, making over 200 appearances, before retiring in 2006.
Bellingham elated after fine start in Mourinho’s Real Madrid: ‘I’m really grateful to the coach for trusting me’
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham is rediscovering his best form after a season in which he performed below his usual level.
The English midfielder began the campaign with a headed goal against Espanyol last weekend and then produced an excellent display against Real Sociedad, providing two assists, one for Kylian Mbappe and another for Vinicius Jr.
Grateful to Mourinho
Speaking to Real Madrid’s official media, Bellingham discussed his new role and Jose Mourinho’s influence on his improved performances at the start of the new season.
**“I feel more free again, more free to decide when to drop back, when to stay up or when to get into the box,**” he explained.
“I think this is the best position for me, the one that allows me to show all my qualities. I’m really grateful to the coach for trusting me to play this way,” said the England international.
Jude Bellingham and Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid
Bellingham close to his best under Mourinho. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Talking about his assist to Mbappe in the 4-1 win over Sociedad on Wednesday, Bellingham said:
“It was more about instinct in truth. I think Kylian’s movement is what made the goal; all I had to do was put the ball in a good area for him.
“And since he’s so fast, he catches most balls, and his finish was brilliant too. For both goals, their movement made the difference.”
On his assist to Vinicius in the same game, Bellingham added: “Yes, I still had some energy left in the match, and we were going through a good moment where everyone was full of adrenaline and we were pressing excellently.
“My shot was saved and I wanted to press high to win it back, and I think that’s one of the most important things in football when you lose the ball; to try to win it back as quickly as possible.
“I dribbled and Vinícius was there, so I passed it to him and he gave me a big hug saying ‘thanks,’ and that’s all there was to it.”
Building momentum
Bellingham also stressed the importance of starting the season strongly, particularly with the Champions League now getting underway.
“It’s very important to build momentum. Now we have a tough stretch with the start of the Champions League, the matches are piling up and it’s good to have made a good start,” he said.
“A lot of new people have arrived, they have to settle in, and we have to keep going like this,”
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid
Off to a fine start. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The midfielder also highlighted the team’s intensity without the ball.
“We’re in a good moment and everyone has the adrenaline flowing. We’re pressing well, and one of the most important things is recovering the ball quickly when you lose it,” Bellingham added.
Praise for the new signings
Bellingham was also pleased with how the summer arrivals have adapted to the dressing room.
“They have made a very good impression on the group as people, which is the most important thing, and also as footballers. They are doing very well,” he said.
He acknowledged that adapting to Madrid is never straightforward, particularly under a new coaching staff.
“It is not easy to arrive at a club with this level of pressure, with a new coach and a new staff. There are so many things, and they are adapting without any problems. It is a joy to have them here.”