Mcmanaman tips Real to rise again but without Salah
REAL MADRID are gearing up to challenge Europe’s best again – but Mo Salah won’t be part of it.
That’s the view of Bernabeu legend Steve Mcmanaman, who is warning England’s elite that the Spanish giants are ready to hit the bigtime once more.
But while the ex-liverpool playmaker can see a glut of star names gracing Los Blancos’ new base soon, he is convinced the little Egyptian won’t be one of them.
Mcmanaman (right) said: “Real have a big potful of money that they are going to do some serious business with. They are also going to open a stateof-the-art stadium.
“If they win the
Super Cup and La Liga, and go deep in the Champions League, they are primed to have a busy, busy summer.
“And if Madrid come knocking and land Kylian Mbappe and have this glorious new stadium, a few footballers’ eyes are going to be turned.
“What happens if they bring in Erling Haaland as well? They will be able to do that, particularly if Mbappe is on a free.
“Suddenly it’s the best place on the planet again.
“So Mbappe, yes; Haaland, yes; but I don’t see that Mo
Salah as one of them. I just don’t think his head will be turned.
“I think Mbappe might have an itch that needs scratching. I think Haaland has too but not Mo.
“I think he’s playing his best football at
Anfield and I do think he’s happy. I also think he knows the strength of the two clubs at the moment.
“Knowing the person he is, I think he would love to stay. I just don’t see it being a question for him, I really don’t.
“I think and I hope he’ll come to an agreement with Liverpool.”
Real can land the Spanish Super Cup today if they beat Athletic Bilbao but that is only part of their overall strategy.
Mcmanaman added: “They were saving their money, keeping their powder dry. They’ve got a masterplan.
“And when I speak to ex-real Madrid players, they know they are not at the level of the English teams at the moment.
“I was surprised they beat Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final. I thought Jurgen Klopp’s side would run all over them. Chelsea did exactly that (in the semi-final) and they looked streets ahead.
“Real Madrid are the best team in Spain. They’re currently about sixth or seventh-best in Europe – behind the English teams, Bayern Munich and on a level with Paris St-germain.
“But with a pot of money, a fabulous new stadium and a top manager in
Carlo Ancelotti, the ingredients are there.
“A lot of teams will be looking over their shoulders at Real Madrid.”
BT Sport 3 will broadcast the Spanish Super Cup final
between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao live from 6pm.