Profile: Julien Faubert
Born in Le Havre, France on 1 August 1983, Julien Faubert was destined to be a star footballer. He enrolled in Cannes’ academy in 1998 and began his career as a right-back, but with his uncanny crossing ability quickly became a right winger.
Faubert made his Cannes first team debut in 2001/02 at the age of 18. He steadily earned notoriety as an important member of the squad and eventually caught the eye of several Ligue 1 sides. FC Girondins de Bourdeaux signed Faubert in 2004, with whom he played in 96 matches, including the Champions League. In 2006 he celebrated his first cap with the French national team with a goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Two seasons later the winger made the switch to West Ham United of the English Premier League.
Faubert has tremendous lung capacity and makes his way from one third to the other throughout the entire course of a match. He is capable of assisting a defender and on the same play reaching the opponent’s byline to put in a cross. Faubert has perfected his shot from the right flank and now hopes to put it on display with Real Madrid.
Fourteenth Madridista Frenchman
Pedro Parages, who also spent a term as president of Real Madrid, was the team’s first ever French player. He was followed by Normand, Juan and Rene Petit, Hon, Luciano, Raymond Kopa and Müller. Christian Karembeu became the 10th towards the end of the 90′s. Two seasons later Nicolas Anelak signed on, followed by Claude Makelele in 2000 and Zinedine Zidane in 2002. The last Frenchman to arrive prior to Faubert was Lassana Diarra, who was signed on 21 December 2008.
Julien Faubert becomes a Madridista!
Real Madrid CF and West Ham United have agreed to a deal that will see the Julien Faubert (01/08/1983) play for the Spanish club through the end of the current season. The 5’11″ French winger began his career playing for Cannes and two seasons later signed for Bordeaux. In 2007 Faubert joined West Ham United of the EPL.
Faubert scored nine goals in 96 matches with Bordeaux. He made his international debut for France in 2006 after 17 caps with the Under-21 side. Faubert has played in 15 EPL, two FA Cup, and two Carling Cup matches this season. He will be presented on Monday at 11:00 CET at the Presidential Balcony of the Santiago Bernabeu.
Clean bill of health
Julien Faubert was given a clean bill of health by Real Madrid’s medical services on Saturday morning. Julien Faubert landed in the Spanish capital shortly before 9 am CET and made his way straight to the Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital for the routine physical all new players must undergo. Blood and urine samples, an EKG and ECHO, and x-rays confirmed that the player is fit for action.
Carlos Diez, Chief of Real Madrid’s medical services explained..
He is in exceptional form and is ready to participate.
Faubert then headed to the Santiago Bernabeu to sign his contract and become the newest member of the Madridista family.
Parejo to RealMadrid.com
Daniel Parejo may make his Real Madrid debut tonight against Numancia. The academy product is very optimistic and believes the team can still win the league.
How do you feel coming off injury?
Happy and anxious to help the team in any way I can.
What was your stint in England like?
It was very nice and served me well as a footballer and person. It was hard to make that decision. It was the first time I left Madrid. My dad came with me, which I am eternally grateful for. They treated me very well there and for that I thank them.
Playing for the first team must be the best thing that has happened to you.
Playing for Real Madrid is what all kids dream about, so I am fulfilling mine and I hope it lasts a long time.
You trained with the first team after recovering from your injury.
I feel good. They really helped me out and I am anxious to debut.
You have put together five straight wins.
We have won five straight and are very happy. Team morale is very high. We must try for six straight in Soria. It will be difficult, but we can’t think about anything else. We must do our best and wait for other teams to falter.
Cold weather and a devoted team await.
It will be difficult. It will be very cold, but we must win in Soria to stay in the title chase.
We are in talks with JULIEN FAUBERT about a possible move
I am so damn surprised. From where did this come from?! Julien Faubert?!? Apart from knowing that he plays for West Ham I am absolutely clueless about this guy. He was apparently really good in the French league but this move has totally come out of the blue!
Read THIS NOW!
JULIEN FAUBERT
Iain Dale confirms the rumor here.
And for the benefit of those who know him as much as I do…
Julien Faubert
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Julien Faubert (born 1 August 1983) is a French footballer who plays for West Ham United as a midfielder.
Club career
Faubert was born in Le Havre and began his footballing career playing for French side Cannes and then moved to Bordeaux in 2004.
West Ham United
On 23 June 2007, it was reported in French sports newspaper L’Équipe that Faubert was on the verge of a €6.5 million (£4.3 million) transfer to Rangers.
However, on 1 July, Faubert was signed by West Ham United for £6.1 million. He suffered a ruptured achilles tendon during a pre-season friendly on 17 July against Czech Republic side Sigma Olomouc, which was expected to take six months to heal. As part of his comeback Faubert turned out for the reserves against Aston Villa’s reserve team in January 2008. He finally made his first team debut for the Hammers as a late substitute against Fulham at Upton Park on 12 January 2008. His first season in English football was marked by continuing injury and he made only eight appearances in the league and FA Cup. He has recently been used in an unfamiliar right back position.
Faubert was given permission to speak to Real Madrid on 30 January 2009, with a view to him being signed on loan until 30 June for a fee of €1.5 million with an option for Real to purchase him for €6 million.
International career
Faubert made his debut for France on 16 August 2006 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He marked his first match by scoring in the final minute of the game to ensure France won 2–1.
However this is just a possibility it seems. It might just not happen. But if it does happen what a twist it would be! From Cristiano Ronaldo to Jermaine Pennant to Antonio Valencia to JULIEN FAUBERT!!
But then again we’ll just have to wait and see.
Hala Madrid!!
P.S: This post might just be a little too abstruse. But don’t mind. I really don’t know what to say.
Numancia vs Real Madrid | Spanish Primera Liga | Round 20 | Preview
Real Madrid visit Numancia and Los Pajaritos Stadium on Saturday night with three points up for grabs and one of the longest standing records in club history on the verge of being broken. The Whites can consolidate their hold on the second spot in the table with their sixth straight win, and Raul can pull even with Alfredo di Stefano as the team’s all-time top scorer with one goal on what could be a snow-covered pitch.
Guti didn’t train all week and is still unavailable. Dudek, Parejo and Metzelder also stayed in Madrid to continue recovering from their respective injuries. Fernando Gago, however, is completely healed after being hurt against Deportivo Coruña and was part of the 18-man squad that traveled to northern Spain. Marcelo and Saviola may also see action tonight, while Drenthe and Torres were left of the squad list.
Juande Ramos is likely to play the same eleven who have taken the pitch the last three weeks. Raúl González and Casillas are the only two Madridistas to have participated in all three matches Real Madrid have played against Numancia at Los Pajaritos. The captain is one goal shy of equalling Alfredo di Stefano as the team’s top scorer of all time and has a chance to pull even with, and even surpass the Blond Arrow against Sergio Kresic’s men.
Fourteen points separate Numancia and Real Madrid. Los Rojillos are currently 17th in the table with 20 points, 17 of which have been tallied on their home turf, and have a three point cushion separating them from relegation. A loss against the Whites coupled with a Mallorca victory will have Numancia skating on very thin ice.
Numancia and Real Madrid have squared off on seven occasions, five of which were won by the Whites. The Madridistas have notched two victories and one draw in their three previous visits to Los Pajaritos. Tonight’s referee, Delgado Ferreiro has never officiated a Real Madrid match.
Gago makes the cut
Fernando Gago has recovered in time for the match against Numancia in Soria. Guti, Dudek, Parejo and Metzelder will miss the clash due to injury. The coaching staff has decided not to include Drenthe and Torres on the list.
SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Codina
Defenders: Salgado, Pepe, Ramos, Cannavaro, Heinze, Marcelo
Midfielders: Lass, Gago, Sneijder, Robben, Van der Vaart, Javi Garcia
Forwards: Raul, Saviola, Higuain, Huntelaar
Juande press conference
Juande Ramos analyzed the forthcoming game against Numancia after the final training session prior to leaving for Soria.
"We want a sixth straight victory"
How have you prepared for the match against Numancia after winning five straight games?
Well, we want a sixth straight victory. Our latest results have made the team more confident. I am proud of having such hard working players. Their professionalism is related to how well they perform in each game and the results the team is earning.
Playing at 22:00 in Soria is hardly ideal…
We can’t chose the time when a game will take. We have to deal with it, play and try to win. My men are anxious to take more points in order to keep the position we have on the table.
Can Real Madrid benefit from Barcelona lasting as long as possible in the King’s Cup?
I am not worried one bit about the shape Barcelona are in and I don’t care about their results. We have a tough job to do in La Liga and we will start preparing for the Champions League soon. I don’t have time to think about Barcelona. I can’t influence what happens to them. Real Madrid can only achieve their goal by winning every game.
Can the weather in Soria influence last minute changes on the team?
Yes. I want to know exactly in what condition the pitch is in and how cold it will be. I don’t think it will snow, but I’d rather wait to choose the men that could do more for the team under certain circumstances. We will face a good and motivated side and we will have to be as excited about the game as them.
Is it hard to motivate the team seeing how fit Barcelona are right now?
On the contrary. I don’t have to motivate them every day. In fact, I sometimes have to calm them down because they may be too excited. They train with much intensity and that sometimes scares me and makes me worried about possible injuries that may come as a result of that. I am surprised with their excitement; they work as well as kids despite the tough workouts they have to tackle.
Who will you inscribe in the Champions League?
We still have some hours left and I’ll make my decision in the very last minute in order to avoid inscribing a player that may get injured. I know who I’m going to take with me, but I’d rather wait in case something happens.
Maybe you’d like to wait in case a new signing arrives?
Anything can happen as long as the winter transfer window is still open, but I’m happy with the squad I have. We’ve won all our games except for the clash in Barcelona. My men have proven they are capable of winning every match.
Have you asked the President to make a new signing?
I talk about many things with the Sporting Director and the President, but I haven’t asked for a player. The Sporting Director knows the squad and the level it has, and he is convinced we can win both competitions. Many of our men won the league last year.
What position do you think you will need to strengthen in the Champions League?
That game is still a long time away. We’ll have to see how fit the team is and how our next games unfold. We are doing a very good job in defence right now, but we are weaker in attack.
The squad hardly had any attcking wingers at the start of the season. Do you think it needs some or are you satisfied with what you’ve got?
I am satisfied with the squad we’ve got. It seemed the squad was weakened by the departure of Robinho, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any other options we could try out. Problems can be overcome by slightly changing the overall system.
How is Gago feeling?
He’s been niggled all week, but he trained well today. He will be able to help the team this weekend. He is an important player.
Numancia are the only side that’s managed to defeat Barcelona. What should you watch out for?
They work well at their stadium. They’ve taken most of the points they currently have at home. Every game is complicated and we will have to do our best to win.
Have you spoken to Drenthe?
Being a professional, he has to deal with what the crowd thinks. He has to try to make them change their minds about him. Nevertheless, eveyone should be aware that these players are on this team because they are some of the best in the world.
Is your priority to improve on the team’s style?
I’ve been here a short while, but I think we’ve done very well so far because the only game we’ve lost was the fixture in Barcelona. Every team has room for improvement and Real Madrid is no exception. We have to try to play better, but we were in greater need of victories. Our situation has improved and we now must try to improve on the team’s game.
Will you continue to have faith in the youth system?
Castilla are playing very well. Their men are available to us, but we don’t sustain many injuries now. You don’t need to use youth teamers when most of your men are available. Palanca has done well whenever I’ve needed him, but we will now try to do our best with the players we’ve already got.
What role will Parejo have on the team?
He unfortunately got injured as soon as he arrived. He has rejoined the team, but we’ll wait a few weeks for him to adapt better. He’s here because we believe he is a good player.
Di Stefano to AS
Alfredo di Stefano told AS that he is delighted about Raúl having the chance to match or even break his goal-scoring record against Numancia this weekend.
How can something like this bother me? I am very happy for Raul. He is a wonderful kid that has always defended the Club. It is an extraordinary success for him to have scored so many goals. He is a formidable player, a great professional that takes care of himself.
Raul deserves a lot of merit for staying so long on one team; it isn’t as easy now as it used to be. I think his greatest virtue is his character. He knows how to overcome adversity. He isn’t a natural striker nor a great defender, but he works hard all over the pitch, running up and down all the time. He helps the team out and he scores goals. He is a true club player. I also considered myself a team player, but there is a lot of merit in being one nowadays.
Raul always knows what he has to do. That’s why he still plays for Real Madrid. Every coach that joins the Club uses him because he is better than the rest. Comradership is very important in football; it is very important to know each other off the pitch. Sometimes you know what your team-mates want just by looking at them.
Where Are They Now: Steve McManaman
Steven “Steve” McManaman (born 11 February 1972, in Bootle, Merseyside, England) is an English footballer of the 1990s and early 2000s, who played as a midfielder and winger in a career spanning two of European football’s most successful club sides in Liverpool and Real Madrid. He is the most decorated English footballer to have played in any foreign club in terms of trophies won overseas, was the first British player to win the UEFA Champions League title twice, and was also the first English footballer to win the Champions League with a non-English club. In 2008, he was ranked as 3rd in the Top 10 greatest British footballers to play overseas, just behind Kevin Keegan and John Charles.
On 1 July 1999, after 364 appearances and 66 goals for Liverpool, McManaman transferred to Spanish giants Real Madrid (then under coach Guus Hiddink and president Lorenzo Sanz). At Real Madrid, McManaman became only the second English player to ever play for the club, after Laurie Cunningham had played for them in the 1980s. He also became the most high profile English footballer to move to Spanish football since Gary Lineker moved to FC Barcelona from Everton in 1986. Thereafter he proved an instant hit with the fans at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium after scoring three times and creating several goals in his first few games for Los Merengues.
McManaman made his debut for Madrid on the 22 August 1999 in the 2-1 La Liga win over Real Mallorca at the Son Moix stadium, Mallorca, where he assisted Fernando Morientes in scoring the injury time winner. He scored his first goal for the club a week later on the 29 August in the 4-1 thumping of Numancia at the Bernabéu.
McManaman then established himself in the team that went all the way to the Champions League Final in 2000, under new coach Vicente Del Bosque, who replaced John Toshack. It was at this European Cup Final at the Stade de France in Paris that McManaman experienced his finest hour as a player- scoring a spectacular volley in a 3-0 victory over fellow Spanish side Valencia, where he was also hailed as the Man of the Match by the English press. His part in Madrid’s eighth European Cup win saw him become the first English player ever to win Europe’s premier club competition with a foreign club.
Having established himself as a player of true worth in his first year in Madrid, in a unique sequence of events at the club that also saw Fernando Redondo depart the club, McManaman was suddenly told he was surplus to requirements with the arrival of Luis Figo and a new President Florentino Perez at the club before the start of the 2000-01 season. However, McManaman overcame initial rejection, where Real Madrid accepted first an £11 million pound offer from Middlesbrough and then a 12 million pound offer from Chelsea that included the exchange of Tore Andre Flo, in the summer of 2000, both of which the player rejected. In spite of ensuing rumors that he had been denied a squad number, according to the English FA’s report on McManaman, it was reported that McManaman shone in his second season, 2000-01, as his club side challenged for the La Liga title, and won it by a 7 point margin over the previous seasons champions, Deportivo La Coruña. McManaman reportedly won over the manager by October, and managed to feature in two thirds of the club’s matches, becoming a first team automatic for the second half of the campaign, and where McManaman held a unique distinction of being described as the only top class football player from England playing overseas at the time.
However, McManaman increasingly saw his playing time reduced each year, as that same season, the club adopted an at the time unstated policy now well known as the Galáctico system, with world class names like Luís Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo arriving each year and standing above him in the pecking order. At the time though, McManaman was known for his dogged determination to stay positive for the club’s cause, even if it meant he had less playing time. McManaman also turned down a transfer to Inter Milan at the time when he was made available for exchange as part of Ronaldo’s signing. It was widely reported in the Spanish media that McManaman’s resilience to the team won the respect of his fellow professionals like Raúl, Zidane, Guti, Iván Helguera, and his two best friends at the club, Figo and Ronaldo, who backed him publicly on several occasions in press interviews. McManaman was also twice voted as the Real Madrid supporters’ favorite player at the club in his tenure, and according to El País, in 2001, fans saluted him with their ‘white handkerchiefs’ (as a terrace favorite) after he acrobatically scored a ‘wonder goal’ against Real Oviedo that year.
Eventually, the Board, including Florentino Pérez relented, declaring that a “man like that would always have a place in my club”. Arguably his second greatest moment in the white of Madrid came in the 2002 UEFA Champions League semi-final against Barcelona at the Camp Nou on 23 April 2002. In this match of monumental proportions, due to “El Classico” being a massive game in its own right, but also the fact that it was a Champions League Semi-final, McManaman appeared as a second half substitute to score a critical goal in second half injury time to secure a 2-0 first-leg advantage, coolly chipping over goalkeeper Roberto Bonano after being played in by Zindedine Zidane, who had scored the first goal on 55 minutes. This victory helped secure their place in the final of the 2002 Champions League at Hampden Park, Glasgow, where he came on as a replacement for Figo – and thereby ensuring his second Champions League winners’ medal, after Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over German team Bayer Leverkusen.
According to certain critics in the Spanish press, McManaman and several other players became “victims” as the policy was based more on marketing and revenue generation, and sometimes meant players were picked not according to form, but because of their marketing potential off the pitch. To his credit, McManaman never spoke ill of the Galáctico policy’s effects on him during his tenure, only critiquing the policy and ultimately describing it in his autobiography in 2004 as the “Disney-fication of Real Madrid” upon his departure from the club; a piece of foresight that proved telling for the future- as the club never reached its heights in the period ensuing with the policy, and with the term becoming somewhat pejorative till this day.
However, it was McManaman’s fourth season that really raised doubts, after only playing 21 games of which he started only 9 times, and making a meager 15 appearances in La Liga, questions arose about his ability and reasons for staying in Spain considering his diminished role, lack of first team action and international attention. Suggestions that McManaman had “sold out” for money and had grown indifferent and lackadaisical to his football were rampant in the British Press, with what was described as there being what “seems to be a selective media amnesia over McManaman’s time in Spain.”
According to Forbes Magazine in 2001, McManaman was listed as 6th on the list of highest earning footballers in the world. McManaman is believed to have pocketed an estimated 15 million Euros (just under £10,250,000) in his four years in Madrid. On top of financial rewards, McManaman also became arguably the most successful English football export to ever play overseas.
The signing of fellow Englishman David Beckham proved the last straw in eventually forcing McManaman down the pecking order at Real Madrid. In 2003, along with teammates Claude Makélélé, Fernando Hierro and later Fernando Morientes, McManaman headed back to the English FA Premier League, where first he was reported to either join Arsenal or Everton but eventually deciding to join long-time admirer Kevin Keegan on the 30 August at Manchester City FC, resulting in a reunion with several ex-colleagues including Robbie Fowler, Nicolas Anelka, David Seaman and later, David James.
He had scored 8 goals in a career spanning over 94 matches in the White of Real Madrid. His honors with Real Madrid (1999 – 2003) included:
- UEFA Champions League winner: 1999/2000, 2001/2002
- La Liga winner: 2000/2001, 2002/2003
- UEFA Super Cup winner: 2002
- Supercopa de Espana winner: 2001 and 2003
- Intercontinental Cup winner: 2002
- Trofeo Santiago Bernabéu winner: 1999, 2000 and 2003
- Spanish Cup Copa Del Rey runners up: 2001
McManaman retired from his playing career after being released by Manchester City in 2005. McManaman has personally reported that he has been working on Goal! 2, the sequel to Goal!, a movie which stars Kuno Becker becoming a fictional superstar at Newcastle United. By the film’s release, McManaman had also become an Associate Producer of the film, and appears in the film as one of the coaching staff.
McManaman has since also been active as a media commentator and pundit, and has provided analysis for ITV media for the 2005 Champions League Final, and for ESPN Star in Asia in 2006, where McManaman’s experience both as a former Premiership star as well as in Spain have enabled him to analyze the game in Europe in depth.
In July 2007, McManaman was named executive director of the Hong Kong-listed company, Carson Yeung’s Grandtop International Holdings Ltd, which subsequently took a 29.9% stake in English Championship side Birmingham City.
As of 2007, McManaman has also joined Setanta Sports as a football analyst and until the beginning of the 2008/09 season, hosted a television show, “Macca’s Monday Night”, reflecting on life in the Barclays Premier League.
Salgado press conference
Michel Salgado congratulated the basketball team for their win against Barcelona and commented on the squad’s chances in La Liga and the Champions League during today’s press conference.
What did you think about last night’s basketball game?
I had tickets to go but wasn’t able to. It was a game that anyone would have liked to be at. Beating our rival is always important, which is why I’d like to congratulate all our basketball counterparts.
Will today’s team photo be the last of the season?
I hope so. It’s not nice having to take another photo, but that’s what the situation called for. I hope it’s the last one and that it brings us luck.
Has anyone spoken to Drenthe about the whistling he received the other day at the Bernabeu?
We have tried to cheer him up. He knows he is young and that Real Madrid is a demanding team. We have told him that even the best players have experienced it. He cannot be down. You convince the Bernabeu by working hard, and he is of the age that he can get over it and convince the fans. He’s got our support.
Does Real Madrid’s football have fans convinced?
We’ve had out troubles. We spent some time doing a lot of aggressive physical and tactical work with the new coach. We just need some time. We are working hard and obtaining results. I am sure we will see a much improved Real Madrid in no time.
They say Messi is the best forward in the world. Is Dani Alves the best right-back?
Everyone has a right to their opinion and I am not going to discuss it. There are many ways to be a right-back; you can be offensive or defensive. I think he is a good player, but everyone has a different way of looking at things.
This season is similar to the 1999/00 season when you won the Champions League. Do you see it that way as well?
You always hold onto the good commonalities, but every year is different. We hope it ends the same way. We underwent a coaching change at a difficult time and there is a substantial lead between us and Barcelona, but there are many matches to be played and we must step up to the plate in the Champions League and be the Real Madrid we always have been. We’re almost there.
What are you likelier to win this season, La Liga or the Champions League?
They are different, but both are difficult. The Champions League is won by the team who plays best between March and the final. A lot can happen. We’re improving on all levels. Some teams are only in form until February. I think the Liverpool tie will serve us well. I prefer having to play them than an easier team. We have to show how great we are.
Although Florentino Perez hasn’t said anything, his name is being discussed more than any other for the election. Are you at all surprised?
He was an important president in the history of Real Madrid and I as fortunate to be a part of it. We will see who runs for office once elections are called. But everyone must remain wary and respect the current president and the squad. We have a lot at stake.
The Vistalegre crowd played an important role last night. Does the Bernabeu crowd have a similar effect?
It’s easier in an enclosed arena because it gets louder. Last night’s game was against the arch nemesis in Euroleague action, and under the circumstances it was hard to defeat us. The atmosphere at the Bernabeu is also very important.
Is the team desperate for a winger? Do you find Juande anxoius?
No, I find him focused. He’s been clear on his ideas over the last month and half and he knows what he wants from this team. He doesn’t leave anything up to chance. He takes care of the smallest of details and he is doing a very good job. It’s hard to sign someone quickly during the winter market, but I really don’t find him anxious.
Would the team’s chances of winning a title improve if any of those names being discussed are signed?
You never know, but the team definitely would grow. This team is preparing to make it a successful season, and signing a player with such urgency is complicated.
The Evil Twin Brother of Guillem Balague
There can only be one guy in this whole f*ckin world who could have said this:
Real Madrid endured more whistles from their fans last weekend which suggested that the football they are playing is not what the fans want. The supporters, though, should understand that this current team lacks quality. It’s probably the worst Real Madrid team in a decade or so.
They’ve won the two previous league titles but they were two leagues thrown away by Barcelona and Real Madrid were not building a team for the long run. It was great, obviously, for them to win it, but blame Fabio Capello more than anyone else for what is going on now, I would say.
No prizes for guessing but the answer is pretty simple. Its The Evil Twin Brother of Guillem Balague. No one but him could’ve made such a statement that too on a website which is read by even the average football fan. I say so because Guillem Balague is sensible enough to not make such stupid statements and more times than otherwise his predictions and verdicts are true. But this time I really don’t think so. I found this on the preview that he wrote on SkySports.com for our match against Numancia at Los Pajaritos on Saturday. I deduced the follwing ten points from the whole shit that he had put up there:
- He is a cunt.
- He is blind and a cunt.
- He is biased thus becoming a cunt.
- He does not even realize what he is saying and therefore is a cunt.
- He says stuff which don’t make any sense at all like a cunt.
- He wants to be a cunt.
- He likes to be a cunt.
- He prefers being a cunt.
- He loves living a cunt’s life.
- And pretty obviously he is a cunt.
Is it just me or do the above ten points sound somewhat similar saying nothing but one thing as a whole that being “He is a cunt”?? OK. Jokes apart I seriously think what he says makes no sense at all. I wonder how he could blindly say that we won the title which was thrown away by Barcelona? Is he being sarcastic? I certainly hope so. How many of you really think that we have the weakest squad that we have had in decades? We need to strengthen but it isn’t that weak!
I really wonder why our fans had to boo Drenthe and Marcelo. There must be some solid reason. If they had booed Drenthe because he replaced Raul, before he could get #214, I think that its utter stupidity. It was merely a tactical decision. It was made by Juande Ramos. What will poor Drenthe do? This is despicable. And Marcelo? What did he do? He just opined stating what he really felt. Nothing wrong with that. Why the hell are these people venting ther anger on them? Is it because Barca is fuckin not slowing down? Damn this isn’t the time to do such things. We have got to stay united. We are not having the best of seasons. We all know that. All we can do is stay united, get behind our players and help them in all ways that we can so as for them to perform as well as they can. The whistling and the jeering is not going to help anyone. It will just alleviate the players’ morale.
The Little Rabbit
OK. Moving on, Javier Saviola, Jerzy Dudek, Ibrahim Yattara and Luis Antonio Valencia are the only players linking us and the transfer window. News just is that Portsmouth boss Tony Adams has ruled out a move for Javier Saviola because he wants to sign players with Premier League experience and fitness. But earlier in the day Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie was said to have been still hopeful of landing Saviola, despite conflicting reports from Spain. There were also rumors that suggested that former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek is ready to quit Real. I wouldn’t ask why. Wigan’s Antonio Valencia has spoken of his ambition to play in the UEFA Champions League. Reports continue to link Real with a bid for the Ecuadorian, with speculation suggesting Saviola could be used as part of a swap deal. Alos RealMadrid.DK reports that Real Madrid are in shock talks for Trabzonspor winger Ibrahim Yattara. Marca says Real are discussing a loan deal for the Guinea international, who is available for the Champions League. Real are turning to Yattara after being priced out of a deal for Luis Antonio Valencia. I think that would definitely be the rumor of the day.
As far as the Champions League team is concerned, it looks as though Lass will get the nod ahead of Klaas. Ádám Szalai, as I expected, would be picked as an attacking cover. He has been in tremendous goal scoring touch as compared to The Hunter who is still looking out for his first goal for us.
That should end this post. I’ll be back with more soon. Till then, cut out your whistles. Stop booing our own players.
Hala Madrid!!
PS: Check this out: Real Madrid 85-83 Barcelona
Pepe to Marca
Pepe is confident Real Madrid can still win La Liga, and in his interview with Spanish newspaper Marca, the centre-back states that winning the Champions League would be a dream come true.
La Liga
There are still many matches to play and it’s impossible for [Barcelona] to keep up their rhythm. We need to be ready to cut into their lead when they lose. No one should dismiss our chances of climbing back into the title race.
Champions League
Winning the Champions League would be a dream come true, and we control our own destiny. We must also play out La Liga. We will not give up.
Raul
I only have kind things to say. He’s incredible. He is a role model for all professionals and teammates. I am very happy for him and I am sure he still has many more goals in him.
Drenthe
He needs to stay calm because he is young and still learning. Playing in the Bernabeu is not an easy thing to do. It’s the best stadium in the world.
Official First Team and Castilla Photo 2008/09
Real Madrid had their official 2008/09 photo taken this morning. The first team was accompanied by Honorary President Alfredo di Stefano and Sporting Director Pedja Mijatovic. It is the first team photo with Lass, Huntelaar, Parejo, and Juande Ramos’ coaching staff.
First Team
Real Madrid Castilla had their official team photo taken for the second time this season on Thursday. Alfredo di Stefano Stadium hosted the event, which included Real Castilla President, Francisco Moreno Cariñena; President of Honor, Alfredo di Stefano; and Sporting Director, Pedja Mijatovic.
Castilla
Real Madrid’s academy is the heart and sould of the Club. Many important players in the history of Spanish football came from the youth system. One third of the current squad is made up by academy men -Raul, Guti, Casillas, Torres, Codina, De la Red, Javi Garcia, Parejo and Palanca-. This picture, taken a few minutes after they posed for the official team photo, proves it.
Real Madrid has always had a youth system and it was professionalized in the 1950s with initiatives such as the Social Tournament. De Felipe was the first of 50 academy players to become internationals for Spain. In total, they have all played 1,000 games for their country.
Spanish national coach Vicente del Bosque also came from Real Madrid’s youth system, just as Isidoro San Jose, Ricardo Gallego, Isidro Díaz or Rafael García Cortés, who currently work for the Club’s academy. But the most illustrious group of players to come from the youth system were those from La Quinta del Buitre. These men had the same values as legends like Ramon Moreno Grosso, Mateos, Velazquez, Santisteban, Benito and Camacho.
José Mª Gutiérrez “Guti” and Miguel Torres belong to different generations of players, but their run at the Club has been very similar. They both joined through the Social Tournament and they have played for every team in the Club. Iker Casillas joined with the Under-8 side and has become one of the most important players in the world. On the other hand, captain Raul joined when he was 15 years old, but his hard work and his devotion to the Club is such that it seems he’s been here all his life.
Jordi Codina, Javi Garcia and Ruben de la Red stood out on every team they played for and were promoted to the Second Division with Castilla. Dani Parejo is a quality player that has won an Under-19 European Championship and was briefly loaned out to Queens Park Rangers before Juande Ramos decided to bring him back to join the first team.
Miguel Palanca is a strange and curious case. He arrived at the Club last summer after growing up at Espanyol, but his devotion to Real Madrid is that of a true youth teamer.
Metzelder press conference
Christoph Metzelder told the press the team wants to do its best both in La Liga and the Champions League.
Is the team in better shape thanks to five straight victories?
We are working well and we are ready to fight for the league title. We also want to focus on the Champions League; it is a matter of life or death for us in that competition.
What would you prefer to win?
Our priority is always La Liga, either to win the title or to make it to next year’s Champions League, but Barcelona are in great form. Liverpool are a strong Champions League opponent, but we are ready for them.
Would you like Florentino Pérez to be President again?
He is a probable candidate, but this season has to end first with Boluda as President. I hope we are successful this year.
Do you regard your future in a different light now that Juande Ramos is coach?
A coach is always important for a player because he decides who plays. I have more chances of doing so with Juande. He is happy with my work and with the effort I make. Things are better for me now.
Do you think Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo are worth 100 million euros?
They make a difference on any team, but finance is complicated during a world crisis and it is difficult for a single man to be worth as much as 100 million euros.
What do you think of Messi?
I think he is the best player in the world. He is young and he needs players that help him out on the pitch. Having a strong team matters more than great individual plays. Robben and Messi make a difference on their teams.
Do you think it is possible for Barcelona to drop points?
We have to win all of our games and wait for them to make mistakes. It is difficult, but it is our duty to our Club. We all know that the Champions League is also a very difficult competition. Both championships are great challenges. We have improved and we are ready to try to achieve our goals in either tournament.
How do you think Huntelaar and Lass are coming along?
They know only one of them will play in the Champions League and the situation is difficult for them. They’ve signed for several years and they are young and aware of the situation.
Do you think the team needs and attacking winger?
I just want to talk about the players that are already on the team despite the coach’s right to think about signings. We have to play well in our games and finish the season as best as we can.
Sneijder & Van der Vaart
Wesley Sneijder and Rafael Van der Vaart provided the following analyses of how the team is doing on their respective websites.
Sneijder:
I think we played very well in the first half but unfortunately our performance lacked in the second. We played against a good team last night and it is always risky, and unnerving during the match, to win by 1-0. We had many chances and should have scored more goals but luck was not on our side and we didn’t pull it off.
Nonetheless, we took three points and that’s what counts. Our only goal is to take every point we can. We have to continue to win as many consecutive fixtures as possible if we are to close the gap. We will work hard but we need our fans to stand behind us and help boost our confidence coming onto the pitch in upcoming matches.
Van der Vaart:
Deportivo are a good team and they made it difficult for us to play our game. However, this was our 5th consecutive win, during which we have conceded only one goal.
It may not have been our best performance but what is important is that we came away with all three points and will hopefully continue to do so. Though we are still 12 points behind Barcelona, there is still time. We believe we can have a great season.
Why did you boo him?
Royston Drenthe, the little kid who won us our game at the Calderon earlier in the season has admitted that the Bernabeu crowd made him cry by booing him in the match against Deportivo. I don’t understand why this is happening. This must be some scam like what Calderon was accused of devising. I think there are a few anti-madridistas who attended the match pretending to be our fans and most probably it must be some dirty cule’s work. Nonsense!
Royston Drenthe with #213
Drenthe was barracked by home fans during the 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna and he said:
Yes, it’s true. I almost (broke down). And this is normal. The Bernabeu is my home and now it seems like I am playing at an away ground It does not hurt me when I’m booed away from the Bernabeu, but at home it hurts a lot. I love this club. I have a Ronaldo shirt of Real Madrid, which was a gift from my father when I was 15 years old. I’ve always been Madrid, while my family was for Barcelona. I am a child of Madrid. When the opportunity arose to sign for this team, I spoke with Mr Mijatovic and told him so directly.
Asked if he would seek a move away, Drenthe added:
No, never. I know this is difficult, but I want to strive for success here.
Now, why did you boo him??
Apparently Marcelo got the same treatment. Do let me know why. Poor blokes.
UEFA statement on the K-Lass issue
Following a request from UEFA, Real Madrid CF has decided to withdraw its CAS (Court for Arbitration of Sport) appeal. The official announcement found on UEFA.com reads as follows:
Klass and Lass
UEFA President, Michel Platini, last Thursday met the new President of Real Madrid CF, Vicente Boluda, at the House of European Football in Nyon, in particular to discuss the appeal filed by Real Madrid CF with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the decision of UEFA’s Appeal Body of 13 January 2009, regarding the requested registration of the two players Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Lassana Diarra for the final (knockout) phase of the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League.
During the meeting, both UEFA and Real Madrid CF were able to explain their own positions regarding the matter, in a spirit of open and sincere communication and with reciprocal respect.
Following the meeting, and upon the invitation of the UEFA President to reconsider their position, Real Madrid CF have decided to withdraw the appeal filed with CAS and to accept the decision of UEFA of 13 January 2009. Thus, Real Madrid CF will inform the UEFA administration, within the prescribed deadline, which of the two players, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar or Lassana Diarra, they would like to register on the A list for the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League first knockout round matches onwards.
The UEFA President was very appreciative of the manner and the style in which Real Madrid CF developed the discussions of last Thursday and commented: ‘This does not come as a surprise to me. Real Madrid CF are one of the most successful teams in European football, the all-time record-holder of titles in the UEFA Champions League and have a great tradition.’
The UEFA President concluded by stating that the issues raised by Real Madrid CF ‘cannot have any influence on the current UEFA Champions League season, but they were raised in good faith and are a good opportunity to discuss within the competent UEFA bodies the question of whether article 17.18 of the current UEFA Champions League regulations may need to be amended for the future seasons.’
Juande Ramos to JuandeRamos.com
Juande Ramos made some comments on his website regarding the work he’s done so far on the team.
Five consecutive victories is an important figure, but I think it is even more important to see that the team is growing and that it doesn’t concede as many goals anymore. We have to continue to work hard because we still have to improve.
Real Madrid have to play better. We have managed to hit a winning streak for the moment, and we are now forced to show our quality. There are great professionals on this team. They’ve all made great sacrifices, even the injured players. The team wants to achieve something big this season. I am delighted with the will power and attitude of all my men.
This team has a loyal fan base which has been forged in success. That’s why it has to be demanding. I like fans to be demanding because it means we can do even better. The team needs them and we will be in excellent form at the end of the campaign with their support. We need the fans to have faith in us. We can only achieve something great with their support.
Raul press conference
On the verge of becoming the top scorer of all time at Real Madrid, Raul offered Tuesday’s post –training pres conference.
You scored goals many different ways, but with your ear must have been a first?
Sometimes goals are scored like that. I wasn’t that close to the ball but my head just got there. It hurt a little. I was asked if I had even touched it, so I showed them how red my ear was. But we got the win and the three points, and I hope this streak continues.
Have you ever scored in such a strange way prior to Sunday?
Off a deflection, with my rear end… Sure. Playing close to the goal and having teammates like the one’s I have had has allowed me to score a lot. All that matters is that the ball finds the back of the net.
What does being on top of the scoring charts mean to you?
I had never made it a goal because it seemed so impossible when I began playing. I was told when the season began that I was 15 away from Di Stefano, and I replied, “A good challenge for the season.” I have one goal to go. It looks easy, but let’s see when it happens.
Have you spoken to Di Stefano about it?
We have spoken many times but never about that. I don’t think about it, but I will be thinking of him when the time comes. He is a symbol and corner stone of Real Madrid. He is the President of Honor and one of, if not the best player ever. I will be very proud. I still have plenty of trails to blaze and I hope to score many more goals for this club.
Is it just another record or will this one be special?
It will be very special. Being the all-time top scorer at Real Madrid is special. It will be a moment to relish, but I will enjoy all these records even more after I retire.
You still set goals?
After 14 years I only think one day at a time and enjoying each match and training session. I set short-term goals. I feel good right now and hope to contribute a lot more to this team.
What are your thoughts on all that has transpired recently at the club?
We have no part of it, although it is difficult to block it all out. We focus on training and taking care of business. We’re in second in La Liga and hope to catch up to Barcelona. We need stability and for everything to be resolved during the next election. We need to continue working and pleasing our fans.
You don’t feel embarrassed about any of what took place?
There are situations that are out of your hands and it is clear that what was tarnished most was the image of the club. We are not happy. The club has to project the best image possible, which is why I hope stability is achieved.
A move by Messi to Real Madrid has been talked about recently.
It’s a possibility that will be discussed over the next six months. The best for us to do is not pay any attention to such things.
Would you like to have him here?
Messi is a great player. Right now he’s the best there is, and as a fan I enjoy watching him play.
There are players such as Drenthe and Marcelo who are worried about the whistling they receive at the Bernabeu.
We would all like to play better, score more goals and have the fans enjoy themselves. Matches at the Bernabeu are tricky because rivals make it tough on us, which causes nervousness and anxiety. We are working hard and we all try to play to the best of our abilities. They are young, talented players with bright futures ahead of them. They have earned the coach’s trust as well as that of their teammates. They will be important to this club.
How do they look to you?
Calm. They are young and learning. They have their entire careers ahead of them. I speak to them often in order to calm them down. They are incredibly talented, they are training well, and it will slowly begin to show.
Would you like Florentino Perez to return to Real Madrid?
I’m not going to comment on that. I’m here to speak about football.
Would you vote for him?
I play for Real Madrid, and although I am a member, I will never vote or decide one way or another until I retire.
Would the return of Florentino sports policy affect the team?
There will be elections and the members will decide on what project we need. I cannot comment. I don’t even know if he will run for election.
Is the team better since Juande Ramos arrived?
Being eliminated from the Copa del Rey helped us in some ways. We can train all week long. The goal is to make it to the end in the best way possible. I think the team can only improve. We all have faith. We must win more resoundingly, especially at home.
Do you see any cracks in Barcelona or is winning La Liga impossible?
No. If they continue playing this way it will be difficult, but the season is long and the second half just got under way. They can afford a mistake or slip up, but we can’t. They are the best team right now. The table and their style prove it, but anything can happen in football, so we will remain optimistic.
Do you like the way Real Madrid play?
We are the first to say that we would like to score more often and suffer less, but our opponents make it difficult. We need to improve, and we hope fans can enjoy our upcoming matches more than they have in the past. We are the first to criticize and place demands on ouselves, and we know we can offer much more.
Are fans too demanding?
Perhaps because we are compared to Barcelona. There are always comments. The Bernabeu has always been demanding. Fans like good football and lots of goals. We know we must improve, and that’s what we’re working on.
Does the team need a winger?
I think we have a good squad and that we can contribute a lot. Castilla players like Palanca are performing well. The club has the final say. If someone does come, he will be welcomed with open arms. If not, this team is good enough to fight for the Champions League and La Liga.
Is the tenth Champions League title the first priority?
Right now it may be easier to win than La Liga if Barcelona don’t slow down. We don’t depend on ourselves in La Liga, but we do control our own destiny in the Champions League. It depends on whether or not we beat Liverpool.
Where Are They Now: Albert Celades
Albert Celades López (born September 29, 1975 in Andorra la Vella, Andorra) is a Spanish footballer, in the defensive midfielder position. He is currently unattached. A tactically evolved player with little offensive penchant, he is best known for his stints with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Albert Celades
Club career
Andorran-born Celades (he moved to Barcelona aged three) was a product of FC Barcelona’s youth system. He made his first squad debuts during 1995-96, and finished his first professional season with 16 games and two goals, as the Catalonians finished third. Nonetheless, he would still spent another full season with the club’s B team. In 1997-98, Celades played in 36 matches, mostly as a sweeper, as the Louis van Gaal side conquered the national title after a three-year drought. He appeared less significantly in the following season, with Barça renewing its domestic supremacy. After a year with Celta de Vigo, Celades moved to Real Madrid, against which he scored the winner (1-0) on November 28, 1999, in the previous season. During four seasons, he was used sparingly, but added two La Liga trophies and the 2002 Champions League to his résumé. He also played 2003-04 on loan, to Ligue 1 side FC Girondins de Bordeaux. From 2005-08, Celades represented Real Zaragoza. He was relatively used, as the Aragon side was relegated at the end of 2007-08 and Celades was released.
International career
Celades played four times for the Spanish national team, and was a participant at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, with two substitute appearances against Nigeria and Paraguay. His last match consisted of 30 minutes in an away win over Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-1), for the 2002 World Cup qualifiers.
Honours:
Club:
- FC Barcelona:
- Spanish League: 1997-98, 1998-99
- Spanish Cup: 1996-97, 1997-98
- UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1996-97
- UEFA Supercup: 1997
- Spanish Supercup: 1996
- Real Madrid:
- Spanish League: 2000-01, 2002-03
- UEFA Champions League: 2001-02
- Intercontinental Cup: 2002
- UEFA Supercup: 2002
- Spanish Supercup: 2001, 2003
Michel Salgado to GuillemBalague.com
In an interview recorded for Sky Sports Revista de la Liga, Real Madrid’s veteran full back Michel Salgado calls upon his wealth of experience in the game to insist that the Spanish title race is anything but over. With FC Barcelona on stunning form and currently enjoying a 12 point lead over their bitter rivals from the Spanish capital, Salgado insists there is still a long way to go and that, under new coach Juande Ramos, it is only a matter of time before a leaner, meaner, Real Madrid starts firing on all cylinders. Michel Salgado is a man you do not argue with… Barcelona, Liverpool – you have been warned!
Michel…It has been a season of ups and downs so far at Real Madrid, and it is always strange when there are as many changes as there has been…
Yes that’s right. We started the season with Schuster as coach and after having won the league. Things did not go as we wanted them to at the beginning of the season, despite the fact that we won the Supercup with a great game against Valencia. But when La Liga got underway we had a series of problems on the pitch that we were unable to rectify; which in turn led to a change in coach.
We are now in a phase of development where the focus is on improving the physical condition of the squad. I think that in the first month the impact of that physical work meant that to begin with we were sluggish at times, but now the benefits are starting to show and I think that February is going to be a key month for us as we are in great shape.
Would it be fair to say that on the pitch and in training things are returning to normal here at Real Madrid? Juande Ramos was the first out onto the training pitch this morning and he put the cones down himself. You don’t see that too often anymore and he talks to you all. There seems to be more communication now.
Yes I think you have got it right there when you say “back to normal”. I think that the kind of training we have now is much more in tune with the Spanish style. We have stopped doing the pre training session in the gym but look, my job is not to discuss the merits of different coaches and especially not when we won the League under the old methods. Now we have a new dynamic based on working on the pitch and like you say we talk things through tactically and communicate more.
As I said earlier the physical side of things takes time but what you will see is a Real Madrid that puts pressure on our opponents, and that plays in their half of the pitch. What that style of play requires is a high level of fitness and physical strength. And over the last four weeks we have been working hard towards this. This last week has been very intense and hopefully we will see the results on Sunday.
It would be a shame if you put in all this work and then Juande leaves after six months. Would you not prefer it to be a long term project rather than a short term one?
Yes I agree with you. I think that in life in general as well as in football I believe in having projects. If you believe in someone for a project you have to give them time.
But I have been at Real Madrid for ten years now and there is something I have learnt here and it is this: At Real Madrid there is no time for anything, and there are no such things as long term projects. There will not be a long term project with this manager or the next. I am totally clear on this and have always said that as a player, coach or president here you have to achieve things now not later.
It is for this reason that Juande’s job is a precarious one but in this case it has been positive for us and for him because he has got six months to show everyone that he can continue in Madrid. I think he is as keen as anyone that things work and I hope that we can help him achieve a long term role here, above all because that would mean winning a title.
I know that you have won two league titles on the bounce but what better time to have a year of transition when Barcelona are on top form.
Yes, but if you remember the season that Capello was in charge, Barcelona were having a great season and I remember the 3-3 draw in the Camp Nou. We had been knocked out of the Champions League and everyone was talking about how many goals they were going to put past us and when the League would be out of reach. It’s worth pointing out that was in March not January.
We scored the equalizer in the last minute and deserved the draw. From that point on we went and won the league so, to be honest, I am not that worried about things at the moment. We are effectively three games behind because we still have to play them here in Madrid so you are talking about four rounds.
We still have more than half a season left, but it’s not like I’m sitting here doing the maths. Now is the time to let our hard work and football do the talking and that is what we are doing. As I said, January is key: we have to win games when there are still things to work on and we are improving physically. We are going to have tough moments in games when our energy is low but then, in February, we are going to really take off.
It seems as though, every time we talk, we come to the same conclusion: that one day you would like to go to play in England, but it is never the right time…
Yes, and I am not sure if that moment has passed me by. That is the question. For me the English league is a great league to be part of as a player. In terms of the level of football and atmosphere it is fantastic. There is a great football culture there and I like the way the players are treated in England. I think that there is a whole list of things that make it an attractive league to any player.
And the Spanish players in England bring something different to the table don’t they.
Yes of course. There was a time when it was very difficult to make the move between the two leagues so there were not many players who went in that direction. But what has happened is that the players have become aware of the fact that there are other leagues that are strong, and let’s not forget that the Spanish League is very strong, but there are other competitive league that players can succeed in and enjoy being part of. It is clear that the English league is a great one and that as a player you can achieve important things there.
Real Madrid Castilla 2-0 CD Alfaro
CD Alfaro forced Castilla to work hard for a victory. Szalai -who was injured and had to leave the pitch- and Javi H. scored the goals in the second team’s fourth consecutive victory.
Ádám Szalai
Notes: Matchday 22 in the Second Division B (Group 2).
Juande post-match presser
Juande Ramos was satisfied with the victory and said his team played very well in the first half.
What did you think of the game?
I think we played very well in the first half, but that our performance unfortunately dropped in the second part. We took three points and that’s what counts. I think we could’ve scored another goal, but we are on the right path.
What do you think of the boos and whistles some of your men received?
That’s one of the situations we are trying to sort out. We want players that can help us down the wings. Fans don’t conform to Marcelo and Drenthe. I don’t know what the crowd wants, but Real Madrid players need its help in order for them to recover their confidence and help the team as much as they can. I’d ask the fans to be more affectionate to the players because they need that.
Are Real Madrid the only other team that could win the league title this year?
The league is very long. The second part of the championship has just begun and there are still many points at stake. This has been a good weekend for us, but the leaders have kept their distance. Our only goal is to take every point. We will see what our chances are when there are only five games left. We have to win as many consecutive fixtures as possible.
Lotina complained about the ball boys taking too long to give the balls back.
I didn’t realise. I was only focused on the game, so I can’t really comment on that.
What’s wrong with Huntelaar?
He’s just arrived and is adapting to the team. We try to get the best out of him.
Post-match comments
Pedja Mijatovic was satisfied with the team’s victory against Deportivo. Pepe and Robben were happy with the victory. Both said taking three points is all that really counts.
Our own Messi
Mijatovic
Deportivo are always one of our most complicated opponents. We haven’t won at Riazor in 18 years and we always suffer against them. We didn’t play well tonight, but we took three very important points. This weekend’s results have favoured us and we must continue to work this well. Raúl will soon overtake Di Stéfano. He still has two years left on his contract and still has to play many more games.
We need a winger, but it is hard to find one that will stay with us for years at the moment. There are a few days left in the winter transfer window and we may try to find someone, but I think it is very complicated. We are all very calm now and I am closer to the team. I will work hard while I stay at the Club. I think both myself and my collaborators have done a great job. I am a professional that depends on what the Board and the President decide to do.
These three points are very important. I was a bit scared of what could happen in such a difficult game. There are many games left and anything is possible. We dominated in the first half, but Deportivo tried harder in the second. Robben is still playing as well as in recent games. We should be satisfied with our work and forget about how the other teams are coming along. It isn’t easy to have a good streak. Five consecutive victories boost our confidence.
Pepe
We normall feel cold less than the audience, but we noticed it was particularly cold tonight. Deportivo are a good team and they made it difficult for us to play our game. What was important tonight was to win and we managed to do that. That’s what counts. We are second on the table on our own and we have to wait for Barcelona to have a bad game and make good use of that. We should just think about taking three points in each game. Our match in Soria next week will be complicated. Everyone says it is very cold there, but we should be prepared for anything. We will do our best.
Robben
We played against a good team tonight and the important thing is we took three points. It’s a shame we didn’t score more goals, but luck is essential sometimes and we weren’t lucky today. It is a great sensation to feel the crowd’s support. I am always happy when I score a goal, but I am happy today too. It is always risky to win 1-0. It is better to score more goals. We tried and had many chances, but we didn’t pull it off. Anything can happen in football. There are many games left, but we only look at ourselves. We don’t think about Barcelona, Sevilla or Valencia.
Just another Madridista
Madridista idol
Real Madrid’s primary weapon on offense that brings fans to their feet every time he touches the ball has become the newest idol among Madridistas. He is none other than Arjen Robben.
We just love him don't we!?!
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January 26, 2009 | Categories: Comments | Tags: Arjen Robben | Leave A Comment »