Open Thread: January 14, 2021.

Hola Madridistas!

The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, YoSnail or Oscnar.

It’s match day!!

Los Blancos face Athletic Club today in the Supercopa semifinal. Bilbao are starting a new era under new manager Marcelino, who replaced Gaizka Garitano last week. His first match in charge was an entertaining affair which ended with the Basque outfit losing 3-2 to Barcelona. The former Valencia and Villarreal boss will be aiming for a different outcome when his team take on Real Madrid today.

Spanish referee Martinez Munuera will be in charge. The winner will meet Barcelona who needed heroics from Ter Stegen to overcome Real Sociedad on penalties. The final takes place on Sunday.

Jovic in Frankfurt to complete loan move.

Marca reported that Luka Jović is back in Germany to complete his loan move with Eintracht Frankfurt. Bild also reported that Real Madrid will pay 80% of Luka Jovic’s salary during his loan, and Frankfurt will pay 20%. Considering that we are almost at the half way mark of the season this seems to be the fee structure that both parties have worked out.

Preparations continue in Malaga.

Los Blancos repeated yesterday’s training sessions for today’s game. If Real Madrid win today, Eden Hazard could play on Sunday the first Clasico of his career. Marca pointed out that Zidane used 5 midfielders in the Supercopa last season but that, this time he’ll go for the team with the better results with the traditional 4-3-3. As Carvajal isn’t available for the game, it is expected that Lucas Vazquez start at right-back. The front three will be: Hazard, Asensio and Benzema.

Zidane talks to the press about Jovic, Odegaard and more.

As covered in the article by Euan McTear, Zidane claimed he hadn’t been told about the striker’s departure yet. He said: “Luka Jović is still with us. He’s not here right now because he’s injured, but he is with us”.

On Odegaard Zidane said: “I think he is a player who is surely going to success at Real Madrid. It’s true that he hasn’t played much recently, but the idea is for him to keep working. He’ll have minutes and we’ll need him, because he’ll contribute things. This is just a temporary thing, but I think he’s doing good.”

Zidane also refused to be drawn into further controversy when asked about Tebas’ comments regarding ‘excuses’ being made for the Osasuna draw, simply stating that it was in the past now.

Modric’s and Ramos’ renewal.

The Croatian midfielder spoken to the press yesterday and he said his talks with the club about contract renewal are going in the right direction. On Ramos’ contract situation Zidane commented that “All is good. Sergio is preparing for the game, like the rest of his team-mates. We want to play a great game tomorrow and Sergio feels the same way.”