September 15, 2026 — Canales reflects on his time at Madrid, Rodri discusses turning down a move, and La Fábrica finalizes its squad for Saturday’s international final.
Canales reflects on Mourinho and the lessons of Madrid’s dressing room
Sergio Canales has revisited his time at Real Madrid, discussing his desire to leave on loan, José Mourinho’s demanding approach, and the influence of a dressing room that changed his understanding of professional football. Speaking on Mario Suárez’s YouTube show, El Camino de Mario, the midfielder explained that remaining at Madrid had
not initially been his preferred option.
“My first option was to go on loan, but when Mourinho arrived, they asked me to do preseason. I started at Mallorca, and even then, I called to ask for a loan. In the end, it didn’t happen, and they thought I had to stay. I don’t regret it because it helped me grow mentally,” Canales said.
Looking back on Mourinho’s methods, Canales acknowledged the role that experience played in his development: “I’m grateful to Mourinho in a way. With young players, he believed that being tough made them stronger.” He added: “It was an experience that helped me mature.”
The education extended beyond the training pitch. Canales recalled beginning to observe how Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa prepared themselves, and realizing how much he needed to change his own habits.
“There was a moment when I said, ‘I’m going to study what Cristiano, Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa… do.’ I’d never set foot in a gym in my life. Before playing for Racing, I’d go to the cinema and eat three bags of popcorn, and after the match, I’d have a hamburger. Being surrounded by the best in the world makes you see what the pre- and post-match preparations are like. I finished that year wanting a nutritionist, a physical trainer, and that summer changed my perspective.”
Canales also revealed that Barcelona had tried to recruit him earlier in his development, and that a visit to La Masia left a strong impression. His family’s circumstances, however, prevented the move.
“Barça wanted to sign me. I went with my parents to La Masia and I wanted to stay. I saw the facilities and fell in love. But they had their life here in Santander and said they couldn’t mortgage everything.”
Rodri: “Saying no to Real Madrid isn’t easy”
Rodri has discussed Real Madrid’s efforts to sign him before he opted for Barcelona, revealing that Mourinho personally outlined what he could bring to the team. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the midfielder said he subsequently called the Madrid coach to thank him after making his decision.
“José Mourinho expressed his desire for me to come and what I could contribute to the team. The relationship was very good. When I made my decision, I also called him to thank him for his interest and the way he treated me. I think he’s a fantastic coach; he’s already proven that wherever he’s gone.”
“Saying no to Real Madrid isn’t easy; above all, they treated me exceptionally well.”
Rothen alleges tension between Mbappé and Dembélé
Jérôme Rothen has claimed that the recent exchange between Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé over the Ballon d’Or has caused tension between the two France internationals. Speaking on RMC Sport, the former PSG midfielder alleged that Dembélé and people around him were unhappy with Mbappé’s remarks.
The discussion follows Mbappé’s comments to France Football about the different expectations placed on their careers, contrasting Dembélé’s reputation as a talented player with his own status as “the chosen one.” Dembélé subsequently referenced that description when discussing his development and achievements at PSG.
“Dembélé took it very badly, that’s for sure. He’s very angry with Kylian Mbappé. For him, it’s a form of betrayal. The words are strong, but that’s exactly how he sees it… And it’s not just him. It’s everyone around Ousmane, the people who are with him in the PSG dressing room. His teammates from the French national team are also upset,” Rothen said.
Rothen also suggested that the disagreement could extend beyond the two forwards.
“I’m told that there are many players on the French national team who, once again, don’t understand all his statements, that they are more on Dembélé’s side than on Mbappé’s, and yet it’s the same team, but apparently now there are two factions.”
Elche executive describes the demands of hosting Madrid
Elche general manager Pedro Schinocca has outlined the sporting and organizational demands of Real Madrid’s visit to the Martínez Valero. Speaking to AS, the Argentine executive described the fixture as both a major operational challenge and a reminder of what the club has worked to achieve.
“These kinds of matches push you to your absolute limits in every aspect: on the pitch, in terms of concentration, organization, and even anticipating potential issues related to opening the stadium. While all matches are important, this ‘Type A’ clash, as it’s known in LaLiga, takes you to the extreme. From a sporting perspective, playing against this caliber of opponent is a source of pride. We know where we’ve come from and what it took to reach the top flight. That’s why playing against Real Madrid again at home, and having the fans see their team against one of the best in the world, is priceless. Among other things, we’re fighting to be able to play again next year.”
Asked about suggestions that Vinícius Júnior is below his best, Schinocca cautioned against underestimating players of that level.
“These kinds of players, even at 50% or 40% of their potential, are capable of incredible things. These matches demand a tremendous amount from you. If in a normal match you have to be at 100% for the entire 100 minutes, in these kinds of matches there’s not even the slightest chance of error because, with these kinds of players, it’s really very difficult to get anything positive out of them.”
There was less deliberation when the conversation turned to a hypothetical transfer. Asked which Madrid player he would sign with a blank cheque, Schinocca laughed before giving his answer: “Mbappé.”
Sergio Martínez included, Thiago Pitarch out of Under-20 squad
Álvaro López has selected a 23-player squad for Real Madrid’s Under-20 Intercontinental Cup match against Santiago Wanderers, with Sergio Martínez included and Thiago Pitarch the notable absentee, according to AS. The match takes place at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, September 19, at 12:30 p.m. Madrid time.
Martínez, who arrived from Racing Santander this summer on a contract running until 2030, will have an opportunity to compete for his first trophy with Madrid. The midfielder joins a group that reunites much of last season’s Youth League-winning team, with players now spread across Castilla, Real Madrid C and Juvenil A.
The academy’s preparations have been organized around the fixture. AS reports that the scheduled matches involving those three teams have been postponed, allowing López to draw on the eligible players across the different squads.
Madrid qualified by beating Club Brugge in the Youth League final in Lausanne. Santiago Wanderers arrive as Libertadores Sub-20 champions after overcoming Palmeiras in the semifinals and Flamengo on penalties in the final. This will be the first edition of the Under-20 Intercontinental Cup staged in Europe.
The 23-player squad:
Goalkeepers: Javi Navarro, Voloshyn and Álvaro.
Defenders: Fortea, Bailón, Joan Martínez, Mario Rivas, Diego Aguado, Ariel, Lezcano and Liberto.
Midfielders: Cestero, Beto, Lacosta, Carlos Díez, Sergio Martínez and Roberto Martín.
Forwards: Yáñez, Gabri Valero, Ciria, Adri Pérez, Yeremaiah and Santamaría.
