Open Thread: February 9, 2021

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 Matchday!

Real Madrid play Getafe at the Alfredo di Stéfano today at 21:00 CET / 15:00 EST. Here is the full squad, which is also discussed in more detail by Lucas Navarrete.

On Monday the players got in a last training session to prepare. Check out the “Inside Training” video posted in full:

Also a 15 minute chunk of the training session is posted:

Zidane speaking in full ahead of the Getafe match:

“No, listen, the important thing is the day-to-day work, that’s what we’re doing. The other day, whatever happened, we’re just going to work.”

Strange Real Madrid transfer rumor of the day

Matt Wiltse comments on a report via Marca that Real Madrid will only be asking 50 million euros for the decorated and celebrated French center-back, in the event that he choses not to re-sign. He notes that the difficult financial situation caused by the pandemic may be factoring:

In a pandemic ravaged market, Varane is one of the few members of the current first team squad who still maintains a strong value. If sold, the transfer proceeds could help Madrid offset some of their losses.

Ultra_Suristic makes an interesting observation on the subject:

El Capitán talks about his surgery

(HT: Ultra_Suristic)

“No one likes to go through the O.R., it was a medical recommendation and there was no other choice. It’s worked out great I hope to come back as soon as possible to help the team because there’s a lot of the season left.”

New Churros y Tácticas Podcast

Make sure not miss Kiyan Sobhani and Diego Lorijn talking about many topics interesting to lovers of Spanish football, Real Madrid’s injury situation, and what to expect from our defense in the Tuesday match.

Real Madrid’s year-on-year financial debt has grown relative to other clubs

(HT: randomeur)