Open Thread: January 26, 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.

Marcelo Gallardo to coach Real Madrid?

According to Marca, Marcelo Gallardo, current River Plate manager, is one of the potential replacements for Zidane, if the frenchman leaves in the following months. But former Real Madrid assistant coach Angel Cappa doesn’t think the deal will happen:

“Real Madrid and Barcelona not only look at the quality of a coach, but also at his image,” Cappa told La Oral Deportiva”.

“Gallardo was very successful in Argentina, but he does not have the endorsement or marketing [image] for Real Madrid”.

Rumors about Mbappé surface again.

According to AS, Mbappé sent a message to Real Madrid to speed up his transfer. Further, Deportivo reported Real Madrid are working to make the deal happen after being quoted € 160million. The deal might involve Vinicius Junior, who PSG is reportedly interested in.

Jorge Valdano talks about Odegaard and Zidane.

Valdano is worried about Odegaard’s mentality, given that he's very likely leaving Madrid in the middle of the season (Loan deal with Arsenal could be announced today). Valdano also said that maybe Zidane was too conservative, lacking some more daring actions. However, what shocked him the most was the player not having the patience to continue at Real Madrid.

Mourinho has talked about Bale’s lack of minutes.

Bale has played only 160 minutes for Tottenham this season. Marca even stated Mourinho is following Zidane’s approach with the player. Mourinho’s comments:

“The most important thing for him is to be consistent, training without any problems and when a player is consistent in training, high intensity without any kind problems then the player is ready.”

“Not to be given minutes, but is ready to earn minutes, and that for me is a difference.”