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Notes & Quotes: October 18, 2018

McManaman believes Real should sign Mbappe, Real issue statement opposing LaLiga Miami match and Vinicius is waiting patiently

Deportivo Alaves v Real Madrid CF - La Liga Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Steve McManaman believes Real Madrid should opt for Mbappe over Neymar

Former Real midfielder Steve McManaman was interviewed by MARCA and asked about who he believes would be better to join the club in the future, Mbappe or Neymar.

“Which would I prefer to play for Real Madrid right now? Mbappe.”

“He’s younger, he’s 19-years-old and I think that’s why you can teach him more, he would be easier to bring.”

At such a young age already, Kylian Mbappe is taking the footballing world by storm. He is already drawing many comparisons to fellow Frenchman and legend Thierry Henry.

If Real really do have a legitimate chance between both next summer or in the near future, Mbappe would be the better option in my opinion. McManaman has a point, Mbappe has much more room to grow even better and isn’t even near his prime yet. With Neymar, currently in his prime already, you sort of know what you’re getting with him.

At 19, Real would be set at striker for years to come with Mbappe, especially with Benzema seemingly exiting his prime. Wishful thinking would include Neymar or even Hazard joining alongside Mbappe, but that’s most likely a long-shot.

At least until next summer, these will be the talks around the club as they look for their next big-name player. We won’t know until one of these moves happens, or don’t, but for now I would side with McManaman on choosing Mbappe over Neymar.

Real Madrid letter regarding LaLiga match in Miami published

Real Madrid have penned a letter to RFEF, the Spanish Football Federation, regarding a proposed LaLiga match between Barcelona and Girona in Miami, Florida. The letter was reportedly published by Cadena SER’s radio program El Larguero.

To summarize the letter, Real Madrid reportedly strongly disapprove of Barcelona and Girona, and any LaLiga clubs for that matter, from playing a league match in a neutral site. They believe that this would “affect the integrity and fairness of the competition” because the league is not between just two teams, but all 20 who have to play each other twice throughout a season, both home and away, which would be violated here.

The letter also reveals that Real Madrid were apparently unaware of the desire to have this LaLiga match in Miami and were not asked the club’s opinion of the matter. They also make the case that they have the backing of supporter groups abroad who are opposed to this match now as well.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has since been asked his opinion on the letter and isn’t surprised that Real is opposed to the Miami match.

Vinicius is patiently waiting for his Real Madrid chance

Vinicius Jr was interviewed by MARCA about his move to Real Madrid and his experience at the club so far.

“I have a calm head because I have only just arrived.”

“I am happy with the group, which is really good, and I hope to train to be able to help the team.

“There was nothing better than being able to make my debut at the Santiago Bernabéu.”

“It’s always good to play with the best in the world. Playing for Real Madrid is priceless. It’s a childhood dream that I always wanted to fulfill.”

Obviously, Vinicius has rarely featured for Real Madrid this season outside of the preseason. At such a young age still, it is clear that they don’t want to rush his development too soon. Recently, Roberto Carlos gave his thoughts on Vinicius and how time needs to be taken to ensure he becomes the star Carlos believes he will be.

It appears that he is at least not publicly disheartened that he hasn’t really been more of a factor in the roster at all yet. It’s good to see that he is remaining confident in his ability to eventually take part more largely with the club in the future.

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