Mourinho's Real Madrid - Arriving?
A look at who the Portuguese manager may looking to bring to Real Madrid in an attempt to end two trophyless years in Spain.
European Champions League winning manager Jose Mourinho got his wish this afternoon as he was unveiled as the new manager of Spanish side Real Madrid.
The Ego Has Landed
The Spanish side confirmed the deal on their website on Friday but made their decision to replace Manuel Pellegrini with the Portuguese manager at a press conference this morning. Having led Inter Milan to a historic treble, the former Chelsea and Porto boss is charged with ending a two-year spell without a trophy for Real Madrid. The absence of silverware has only been worsened by Barcelona's seven trophy haul in that time and the new manager hopes to change that. He told the written media at his press conference: "My attraction to Real Madrid is due to its history, its frustrations in recent years and its expectations to win.
"The beauty is not so much to train or play at Real, but to win at Real Madrid."
Changes Likely to be Made
In the summer before the 2009/10 season Real Madrid spent almost £200m on players with the likes of Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso and with a new manager in charge ahead of the new campaign, it is likely that even more new players will be pulling on the famous white shirt of Madrid.
With the World Cup giving Mourinho time to scout any player that he may wish to sign, it is understood that club president Florentino Perez, the man usually responsible for Madrid's transfer policy will allow the Portuguese manager full control over any targets. Despite rumors surrounding his transfer targets the 47-year old refused to speculate on players he was looking to bring in. He said: "I don't like to talk about players because their prices will go up if I do.
"The club is happy with the roster of last season and so am I. We don't need major changes."
With a summer of transfer activity ahead of us there will be several players that the new Real Madrid coach will be keeping an eye on.
Mourinho's Potential Transfer Targets
Ashley Cole
A huge role in Mourinho's successes at Chelsea, left back is certain to be an area which Real Madrid strengthen in. Although the West London club are unlikely to want to sell one of their English assets a huge bid, and a desire from the player to further his career, may see Cole move to Spain.
Douglas Maicon
Already touted as the Portuguese managers first signing, Maicon has already told the media that his future may lie away from Inter Milan. Offering width to a usually very narrow system the Brazilian full-back may follow his manager from Italy to Spain.
Steven Gerrard
Although Liverpool are unlikely to want to sell their captain and talisman their frustrating season has meant that both Gerrard and Torres have been linked with moves away from Anfield. Off the field troubles seem to have sent Liverpool backwards after battling for the title in 2008/09 and the England midfielder could be tempted to 'jump ship' if there are no signs of improvement. Mourninho tried to convince Gerrard to move from Liverpool to Chelsea twice, but is more likely to have success at getting him to move to Real.
Wesley Sneijder
Having left Real Madrid to join Inter Milan, the Dutch midfielder may find himself moving back to Spain again after playing an influential role in the Italians winning the treble. Often under appreciated by the management with Madrid, the midfielder may be willing to move back to the Bernabeu if he is re-united with Jose Mourinho.
Didier Drogba
The Ivorian striker was one of Mourinho's signings with Chelsea and having guided the club to their first double in history he may be wanting one last move in his career. Although Madrid already have plenty of attacking options in their current squad the new manager of Madrid may want to add to proven goal scorer to the team and Drogba represents a nightmare for defenders at the very highest level.
David Silva
The Spanish midfielder has been touted as a transfer target for club's across Europe and with his international and club mate, David Villa, moving to Barcelona then there may be an opportunity for the forward to also move on. Real would represent a good opportunity for Silva who is regarded as one of the best players in Spain. A good World Cup could make up Mourinho's mind that the Valencia player is the kind that he cannot do without.
European Champions League winning manager Jose Mourinho got his wish this afternoon as he was unveiled as the new manager of Spanish side Real Madrid.
The Ego Has Landed
The Spanish side confirmed the deal on their website on Friday but made their decision to replace Manuel Pellegrini with the Portuguese manager at a press conference this morning. Having led Inter Milan to a historic treble, the former Chelsea and Porto boss is charged with ending a two-year spell without a trophy for Real Madrid. The absence of silverware has only been worsened by Barcelona's seven trophy haul in that time and the new manager hopes to change that. He told the written media at his press conference: "My attraction to Real Madrid is due to its history, its frustrations in recent years and its expectations to win.
"The beauty is not so much to train or play at Real, but to win at Real Madrid."
Changes Likely to be Made
In the summer before the 2009/10 season Real Madrid spent almost £200m on players with the likes of Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso and with a new manager in charge ahead of the new campaign, it is likely that even more new players will be pulling on the famous white shirt of Madrid.
With the World Cup giving Mourinho time to scout any player that he may wish to sign, it is understood that club president Florentino Perez, the man usually responsible for Madrid's transfer policy will allow the Portuguese manager full control over any targets. Despite rumors surrounding his transfer targets the 47-year old refused to speculate on players he was looking to bring in. He said: "I don't like to talk about players because their prices will go up if I do.
"The club is happy with the roster of last season and so am I. We don't need major changes."
With a summer of transfer activity ahead of us there will be several players that the new Real Madrid coach will be keeping an eye on.
Mourinho's Potential Transfer Targets
Ashley Cole
A huge role in Mourinho's successes at Chelsea, left back is certain to be an area which Real Madrid strengthen in. Although the West London club are unlikely to want to sell one of their English assets a huge bid, and a desire from the player to further his career, may see Cole move to Spain.
Douglas Maicon
Already touted as the Portuguese managers first signing, Maicon has already told the media that his future may lie away from Inter Milan. Offering width to a usually very narrow system the Brazilian full-back may follow his manager from Italy to Spain.
Steven Gerrard
Although Liverpool are unlikely to want to sell their captain and talisman their frustrating season has meant that both Gerrard and Torres have been linked with moves away from Anfield. Off the field troubles seem to have sent Liverpool backwards after battling for the title in 2008/09 and the England midfielder could be tempted to 'jump ship' if there are no signs of improvement. Mourninho tried to convince Gerrard to move from Liverpool to Chelsea twice, but is more likely to have success at getting him to move to Real.
Wesley Sneijder
Having left Real Madrid to join Inter Milan, the Dutch midfielder may find himself moving back to Spain again after playing an influential role in the Italians winning the treble. Often under appreciated by the management with Madrid, the midfielder may be willing to move back to the Bernabeu if he is re-united with Jose Mourinho.
Didier Drogba
The Ivorian striker was one of Mourinho's signings with Chelsea and having guided the club to their first double in history he may be wanting one last move in his career. Although Madrid already have plenty of attacking options in their current squad the new manager of Madrid may want to add to proven goal scorer to the team and Drogba represents a nightmare for defenders at the very highest level.
David Silva
The Spanish midfielder has been touted as a transfer target for club's across Europe and with his international and club mate, David Villa, moving to Barcelona then there may be an opportunity for the forward to also move on. Real would represent a good opportunity for Silva who is regarded as one of the best players in Spain. A good World Cup could make up Mourinho's mind that the Valencia player is the kind that he cannot do without.