Open Thread: January 16, 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.

Rubiales admits error in not showing replays of handball incident during Madrid vs Athletic.

Luis Rubiales, president of the RFEF, has been criticized after television covering the game didn’t show a possible handball by Athletic’s Unai Nunez in the 95th minute of the match, a moment that could have resulted in a game-tying penalty kick. The moment was reviewed by VAR but not shown to the public.

Rubiales has admitted it was an error on the part of his organization in comments carried by Diario AS. “It should have been broadcast,” he said. “It was a failure to perform. You have to apologise when you do something wrong – it’s silly to hide it. You have to be self-critical and if there are things that are not done well, analyze and improve on them.”

Jović: “I’m still optimistic that everything will be fine in Real Madrid.”

Real Madrid loanee Luka Jovic gave his first interview since returning to Eintracht Frankfurt. Jovic answered a variety of questions:

Being back at Eintracht Frankfurt?

“I feel fantastic and I couldn’t be happier to be back at the club that gave me so much. I’m trying not to dwell on the past. I want to make an effort to start from scratch again and to help the team. To be honest, I have missed Eintracht a lot since I left. I have always followed the club and their games whilst I was away, and I’m happy to return. For me, there is no question about giving my best to help the team.”

The importance of match-readiness?

“I haven’t played regularly for one and a half years, so I will need some time to regain my rhythm. I’ve trained with some of the best players in the world at Real Madrid. I’m sure everything will work out. I’ve definitely continued to improve and develop my game.”

Potentially returning and succeeding at Real Madrid?

“I’m still optimistic that everything will be fine in Real Madrid. I haven’t played regularly for a year and a half, I’m going to need time to get up with rhythm again. This is the right step at this point in my career.”

Hazard’s form questioned?

AS’ and Marca’ covers were all about Hazard. According to Marca, there is no trace of Chelsea’s Hazard. Zidane even changed the formation to get him more involved in the game. He only shot once against Athletic. Marca said Hazard’s form is worrying the club, but Zidane still wants him in the starting eleven, but the debate about his starting status has begun.

Has Ramos played on pain killers?

Marca reported that Ramos almost missed the last game because of a discomfort in the knee. After discussing the issue with the club doctors, he decided to play. Further, it’s almost certain he’ll miss the game against Alcoyano - Real Madrid’s debut in the Copa del Rey. He could be back next weekend.

Zidane in danger - again?

According to Deportes Cuatro, a lot of young players Zidane discarded are now worth much more than when they played for Madrid:

Llorente (€20m to €50m), Reguilon (€15m to €30m), Achraf (€5m to €50m), Theo (€15m to €50), Mayoral (€3m to €10m). Real Madrid’s latest transfer policy was to bet on young players, but Zidane is not committed to the idea. The club is concerned with this situation and so Zidane’s job is in danger again, especially when you take the latest results into account as well.

Transfers rumors.

According to The Times, on-loan Gareth Bale will not stay at Tottenham next season, he’s unhappy with the lack of minutes at the English club. Gareth will return to Real Madrid. Gareth Bale is the second highest paid player at Real Madrid, if he comes back next summer and Real Madrid fails to sell him, it’ll be economically impossible to sign a big name in 2021.

There are rumors that Bayern, Tottenham and Liverpool have enquired about Militão’s future and Liverpool would consider signing him on loan. Mario Cortegana at Goal Espana stated that Bayern believe that David Alaba is joining Real Madrid and they want to replace him with Eder Militao. Eder would be open to a move if he’s given a leading role.

Per ABC Deportes, 5 teams have shown interest in Alvaro Odriozola. The Spaniards price is €20 million. Spurs, PSG, Dortmund and Milan are interested, while Athletic are looking to loan him. Madrid are listening to offers.