Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
The ongoing season has not been an easy one for Eduardo Camavinga, but the player has also not been completely stripped of his prominence.
He is, indeed, far from a starter under Jose Mourinho, especially with the manager having options like Bernardo Silva, Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni at his disposal.
Yet, he has been a player the new coach has trusted off the bench, and has relatively repaid that faith decently. Now, he has earned a call-up with France for the international break after missing the World Cup – a clear sign that he is on the right track.
Camavinga’s pre-game thoughts
Zinedine Zidane, France manager
Zidane believes in Camavinga. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
The Real Madrid midfielder spoke to the media ahead of France’s game against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League earlier today and explained his situation with club and country in detail.
First, he was asked how it felt to be called up by Zinedine Zidane at a low point in his professional career.
“It’s something very important to me, and it’s a personal victory. This proves that I didn’t give up, and that I knew how to come back stronger.”
“Now I have to repay Zidane’s trust in me,” he added.
Thibaut Courtois is not playing for Belgium in the Nations League owing to a personal decision, and Camavinga remarked on how he was relieved he would not be up against the veteran goalkeeper on the night.
“I’m so happy that Courtois won’t play with Belgium tomorrow (laughs).”
Eduardo Camavinga, Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid players
Camavinga backed Mbappe’s ability to press. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Zidane appears to have decided that Kylian Mbappe’s best place on the field with France is on the wing, and Camavinga was asked how he saw the decision to be from the player’s standpoint.
“I think Kylian has already played on the left side before, and in 2022 he delivered an outstanding performance in that position. I’m sure he will succeed in this position under Zidane’s leadership.”
When asked if Mbappe can put in the defensive work rate expected of him, the midfielder said,
“Yes, absolutely, I wouldn’t tell you otherwise.”
Towards the end of his interview, Camavinga was asked what he is lacking in order to be a starter for Real Madrid, to which he said,
“Consistency has delivered good levels before, but the most important thing is maintaining consistency. You have to stay focused on the pitch and make fewer mistakes.”
Finally, he opened up on how difficult it was for him to miss out on the FIFA World Cup.
“Not participating in the World Cup affected me a lot. Everything in my life happened quickly, and this disappointment is new to me.”
“The most important thing now is to come back and recover, because everything needs its time,” he added.
Source: L’Equipe
Former Real Madrid player tears into Mourinho and Vinicius Jr. amid poor form – “My head spins”
Jose Mourinho, Manager of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Real Madrid are clearly not having the best of seasons so far. Despite a mass overhaul in the summer, the club have once again fallen behind Barcelona in the title race.
New coach Jose Mourinho has been unable to bring back harmony in the dressing room, which is reportedly full of rifts and chaos at the moment.
Mourinho has also failed to bring the best out of some of the existing stars, including Brazilian superstar Vinicius Jr.
Poli Rincon slams Mourinho
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
Rincon believes Mourinho must leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Speaking on Ruben Martin’s YouTube channel, former Real Madrid player Poli Rincon launched a scathing attack on Mourinho, calling for the club to part ways with the Portuguese.
“I want Mourinho to leave because I don’t think he’s good for Real Madrid, not for the team’s style of play, not for the club, and not for the fans. I’m constantly on edge with Mourinho,” he stated (h/t Defensa Central).
“What I’ve seen from this Real Madrid team saddens me, it hurts. I love Real Madrid,” he added.
It is a damning assessment, though Rincon has never been a big supporter of Mourinho, and his frustration reflects a growing unease among sections of the fanbase following a disappointing start to the campaign.
Vinicius in the firing line too
Vinicius Jr., Brazil and Real Madrid player
Rincon is not a big fan of Vinicius Jr. either. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Rincon did not stop at Mourinho, also taking aim at Vinicius, whom he believes should be dropped to the bench on merit rather than protected due to his status or salary.
“That players have to play more or less depending on their salary? When people say that, it makes my head spin.
“You earn your place on the field, not because of your salary. Just because Vinicius earns 25 million, does that mean he has to play? No, I’d bench him,” the former player said.
He was also unsympathetic towards the criticism the Brazilian has received from the Bernabeu crowd.
“Protect Vinicius? Why should I protect him from the boos? Everyone gets what they deserve in this life,” Rincon said.
“You know what you have to do? Run more, fight more, give more, dribble more, provide more assists, score more goals. See how easy it is?” he concluded.
Rincon’s sentiments are shared by a large portion of the Real Madrid fanbase, with Vinicius having endured a wretched start to the season, scoring just once.
The only way for the Brazilian to silence the criticism is through improved performances and he will be hoping to do exactly that once club football resumes next month.