German defender Alexander Lienhart, currently with Austria Wien, has shared insights into his time at Real Madrid’s Castilla, citing former defender Pepe as a key influence during his early career. Lienhart, who played for the Spanish club’s reserve team in the 2016-17 season, described Pepe’s mentorship as critical to his development, stating, “En el Real Madrid, Pepe me explicó lo que tenía que hacer y lo que no.” The quote, attributed to Lienhart in a 2023 interview with Austrian magazine SPORT Bild, highlights the role of veteran players in shaping younger talents within top-tier football academies.
Context of Lienhart’s Real Madrid Stint
Lienhart, 31, joined Real Madrid’s youth system in 2015 after playing for Wiener Neustadt and Rapid Vienna. His time with Castilla, the club’s second team, was brief but significant. According to Real Madrid’s official website, Lienhart made 15 appearances across all competitions during the 2016-17 season. While his playing time was limited, the experience placed him under the guidance of Pepe, who was still an active player for Real Madrid at the time.
Pepe, a Brazilian-born Portuguese defender, was a central figure at Real Madrid from 2009 to 2017. Known for his physicality and leadership, he played a pivotal role in the club’s Champions League triumphs in 2014 and 2016.
