Thiago Pitarch backs star Real Madrid attacking duo amid criticism: ‘Impacted me most in training’
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Most of Real Madrid’s completed and rumoured moves this summer revolve around the defence and the midfield – two departments that were clearly seen to need change.
The attack also had a lot of holes through the previous campaign with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. never really joining the party together. In that sense, changes in attack are also needed and the club are hoping for a Galactico signing in that department.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe new manager, Jose Mourinho, thus has a massive task on his hands to wipe the slate clean and bring the team back on the same page once more.
Pitarch speaks on Mbappe, Vinicius and Mourinho
Speaking to the media in a recent interview, young Real Madrid midfielder Thiago Pitarch was asked about the widespread criticism of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., especially for their lack of chemistry and end product at the club level.
Pitarch backed Mbappe and Vinicius. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Pitarch, however, defended his teammates and labelled the criticism unfair.
“Criticism against Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr.? Mbappé scored 40 goals in a season. Vinícius has won us many games.”
He was then asked which players impressed and impacted him the most in training for Real Madrid, and he once again labelled the same duo as his picks.
AdvertisementAdvertisement“Which players have impacted me the most in training? Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr.”
The young midfielder then spoke on Jose Mourinho’s arrival as the new first-team manager and what it meant for the players and the fans.
“Jose Mourinho is a historic coach, he has won it all.”
“He is someone who has done a lot for the club, won the league with the most points ever. Obviously a dream for Madrid,” he added.
Pitarch’s rapid fire
The academy midfielder was then asked to answer the evergreen question of modern football – Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
“Cristiano,” he said, staying loyal to the Real Madrid legend.
AdvertisementAdvertisementHe was then asked what came to his mind when he heard the name of Michael Olise, to which he said,
“He’s a TOP player.”
Pitarch revealed he would sign Vitinha for Real Madrid. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Pitarch was then asked to name one player he would sign for Real Madrid given the chance, and he surprisingly picked a direct competitor.
“I would bring Vitinha to Real Madrid, even though he plays the same position as me.”
“He is one of the best midfielders in the world, and this is Real Madrid,” he added.
Finally, the young star stayed rooted to the ground and spoke about how he was prepared for any hardship to succeed at the club.
“I’ll work and play wherever I have to; the first team or Castilla, I don’t care.”
Source: El Chiringuito
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
