Mourinho's Real Madrid - Part One - Departing?
A look at what Jose Mourinho's imminent arrival at Real Madrid could mean in terms of the club's 2010-11 playing staff - starting with those who could leave
Although it has yet to be confirmed by either party, it seems increasingly likely that the current European Champions League winning manager will be tasked with returning the famous trophy to the team which has lifted it on a record nine occasions.
Winning the trophy for the first time in 45 years seems to have been Jose Mourinho's parting gift to Inter Milan as rumors continue to grow of his appointment as Real Madrid manager. The Portuguese boss told Sky Sports after the 2-0 success over Bayern Munich on 22 May 2010: "I'm so sad as almost for sure it's my last game with Inter."
"It was difficult to leave Chelsea and it will be sad to leave Inter. Inter is my house in the same way Chelsea was my house," he continued, and in a further statement of his future plans Mourinho said: "Now I have two houses, Stamford Bridge, San Siro and now a third house - probably the Santiago Bernabeu."
Goodbye Italy, Hello Spain
On Tuesday 25 May 2010 Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti said that his working relationship with the the former Chelsea and Porto manager was 'likely to end', and following this came speculation from Spanish newspapers AS and Marca that officials from Real Madrid had met with 'The Special Ones' agent on the same day to agree a contact which would see his client take over the reigns at the team whose ground was the venue for Mourinho's latest triumph.
With the 47 year-old seeming to already have one foot in Madrid the marriage between the specialist tactician and future direction of the glitz and glamour side in world football seems to be throwing up more questions than answers.
Who Could be on Their Way Out?
Mourinho's arrival at Real will likely mean a number of changes in both their backroom and playing staff. It could almost spell the end of these Real Madrid players careers as the recently treble winning manager looks to regain the league title and emulate the success of the capital sides great rivals - Barcelona.
Karem Benzema
The Frenchman experienced a difficult first season at Real Madrid and has been linked with a move away despite arriving from Lyon in 2009. In an attempt to claim domestic and European Cup glory, Mourinho may look to bring in a proven goal scorer and one with more experience. This however makes Benzema a potentially a great signing for someone else.
Marcelo
The Brazilian first choice left-back at Madrid may see his club and international place taken by Douglas Maicon who, as the player revealed, has already been asked to join 'The Special One' at Real Madrid. Not necessarily bound for the exit door because of a lack of ability, but a frustration with first team oppertunities may be followed by a request to leave.
Jerzey Dudek
Hardly an area which Mourinho is likely to concentrate on in the early part of his days at Madrid considering the strength of Casillas but he may be looking to bring in another back-up goal keeper - paticularily if he finds it difficult to win over the Spanish number one.
Guti
Something of a rennaisance man last season, Guti's days at Real Madrid have seemed numbered for the last half decade or so, but in a bid to overhaul Barca and win the European Cup the Portuguese may be looking for fresher faces than the experienced midfielders.
Van Der Vaart
Struggled to nail down a first team place since his move from Hamburg, Van Der Vaart may be replaced by his countryman Wesley Sneijder who has been linked with a return to Real Madrid. Depending on whether Mourinho continues to allow the Spanish side to be filled with flair and creativity or like Milan and Chelsea, players who are efficient and can perform rigid roles will likely dictate where the Dutchman plies his trade next season
Although it has yet to be confirmed by either party, it seems increasingly likely that the current European Champions League winning manager will be tasked with returning the famous trophy to the team which has lifted it on a record nine occasions.
Winning the trophy for the first time in 45 years seems to have been Jose Mourinho's parting gift to Inter Milan as rumors continue to grow of his appointment as Real Madrid manager. The Portuguese boss told Sky Sports after the 2-0 success over Bayern Munich on 22 May 2010: "I'm so sad as almost for sure it's my last game with Inter."
"It was difficult to leave Chelsea and it will be sad to leave Inter. Inter is my house in the same way Chelsea was my house," he continued, and in a further statement of his future plans Mourinho said: "Now I have two houses, Stamford Bridge, San Siro and now a third house - probably the Santiago Bernabeu."
Goodbye Italy, Hello Spain
On Tuesday 25 May 2010 Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti said that his working relationship with the the former Chelsea and Porto manager was 'likely to end', and following this came speculation from Spanish newspapers AS and Marca that officials from Real Madrid had met with 'The Special Ones' agent on the same day to agree a contact which would see his client take over the reigns at the team whose ground was the venue for Mourinho's latest triumph.
With the 47 year-old seeming to already have one foot in Madrid the marriage between the specialist tactician and future direction of the glitz and glamour side in world football seems to be throwing up more questions than answers.
Who Could be on Their Way Out?
Mourinho's arrival at Real will likely mean a number of changes in both their backroom and playing staff. It could almost spell the end of these Real Madrid players careers as the recently treble winning manager looks to regain the league title and emulate the success of the capital sides great rivals - Barcelona.
Karem Benzema
The Frenchman experienced a difficult first season at Real Madrid and has been linked with a move away despite arriving from Lyon in 2009. In an attempt to claim domestic and European Cup glory, Mourinho may look to bring in a proven goal scorer and one with more experience. This however makes Benzema a potentially a great signing for someone else.
Marcelo
The Brazilian first choice left-back at Madrid may see his club and international place taken by Douglas Maicon who, as the player revealed, has already been asked to join 'The Special One' at Real Madrid. Not necessarily bound for the exit door because of a lack of ability, but a frustration with first team oppertunities may be followed by a request to leave.
Jerzey Dudek
Hardly an area which Mourinho is likely to concentrate on in the early part of his days at Madrid considering the strength of Casillas but he may be looking to bring in another back-up goal keeper - paticularily if he finds it difficult to win over the Spanish number one.
Guti
Something of a rennaisance man last season, Guti's days at Real Madrid have seemed numbered for the last half decade or so, but in a bid to overhaul Barca and win the European Cup the Portuguese may be looking for fresher faces than the experienced midfielders.
Van Der Vaart
Struggled to nail down a first team place since his move from Hamburg, Van Der Vaart may be replaced by his countryman Wesley Sneijder who has been linked with a return to Real Madrid. Depending on whether Mourinho continues to allow the Spanish side to be filled with flair and creativity or like Milan and Chelsea, players who are efficient and can perform rigid roles will likely dictate where the Dutchman plies his trade next season