Cucurella Admits Trying To Lure Rodri To Madrid Before Barca Move

A Subtle Transfer Push

Real Madrid's Marc Cucurella has revealed he tried to lure Rodri to the Bernabéu before the midfielder decided to sign for rivals Barcelona. Madrid were close to signing Rodri from Manchester City as part of a major squad rebuild this summer, but Spain's World Cup-winning captain chose Barcelona instead.

Both players are currently training with the Spain national team ahead of Saturday's Nations League match against England at Wembley. Speaking to Cadena SER radio, Cucurella admitted he reached out to Rodri before the transfer went through.

Cucurella explained that he does not like pressuring his teammates, but admitted he sent a message before the news broke saying he hoped they would become teammates. Rodri replied but did not give anything away. Cucurella said he is happy for his international teammate but hopes he does not have too much success at Barcelona.

Finding Balance Under Mourinho

Cucurella was one of six new signings to arrive at Real Madrid this summer, joining new manager José Mourinho. However, the team has faced early criticism after suffering two defeats against Real Betis and Atlético Madrid. Barcelona currently sit six points clear of Madrid at the top of the LaLiga table.

Cucurella acknowledged that the team did not finish the period before the international break in the best way. He explained that building a united group is a process. He believes that if the season ends the way they want, nobody will remember their slow start.

Building Chemistry on the Pitch

During the recent derby defeat, Atlético Madrid repeatedly targeted Real Madrid's left side, which is made up of Cucurella and Vinícius Júnior. Cucurella explained that they have barely had any training time together.

He noted that connecting with him is different for Vinícius compared to other fullbacks. However, Cucurella praised the winger's work ethic, saying that Vinícius is putting in a lot of effort and really doing his part.

Recent statistics have also shown that Madrid's players cover less distance than their LaLiga rivals. Cucurella dismissed these concerns, stating that the team does run a lot. He argued that people are only talking about those figures because of the derby loss.