Casillas to Grada Blanca
Iker Casillas was the latest player to sit down with Grada Blanca to offer the following interview.
A couple days ago you said everyone has the right to hit a bad patch. But it appears to have passed: only two goals conceded in the last five matches.
Things happen in streaks. With so many matches you can’t always play at the same level. The good thing about playing so often is that you can always make up for the past.
Did the team recover its defensive soundness after Juande Ramos arrived?
That’s what the stats show. We’ve played five games with him as coach and only conceded two goals. The team is also a lot more involved. It’s doing much better defending set pieces and the defense knows exactly what role to play in every situation.
There’s been talk that Real Madrid played more defensively against Mallorca.
It’s so easy to criticize Real Madrid. For some it’s good, for others it’s bad. All that matters is that the team played well against a Mallorca squad trying to avoid relegation.
In what other aspects has the new coach changed things?
He made radical changes to everything, but that’s not to say he’s any better or worse than Schuster. Every coach has a different way of doing things.
All the players agree that training sessions are now longer and tougher. Did the team need more fitness work?
No, it’s because we have a month and a half of only playing one match each week, so there is more time between games. Sessions are tougher at the start of the week and they get lighter as matchday draws nearer.
Do you still believe that the season is far from over and that nothing is decided yet?
There are a lot of matches to be played. Like Raúl said the other day, if Barcelona continue winning all we can do is congratulate them. I hope they cool off a little, but we can’t let it happen to us. We have to win all our matches because we have the time to prepare for them.
After the gauntlet of matches in December it appears your rivals right now are a little easier to handle.
They are opponents you win leagues against We cannot lose points against teams like Numancia or Valladolid because its matches like these ones that teams begin to build the title.
Opponents like Osasuna, who are in last place and have nothing to lose, might be more dangerous.
Not only that, but they have lost their last two matches in the final minutes. Last week they were leading Barcelona 2-1 but lost in the last ten minutes.
Have you spoken to your old friends Portillo and Juanfran about their current situation?
We sometimes speak, but not about football.
What’s easier to win, La Liga or the Champions League?
As of today I would say the Champions League because it’s now based on ties and not points. That said, we want to win both competitions. We cannot forget about the league because five points separate the second spot from the eighth.
IFFHS named you the best goalkeeper of 2008. What more can you ask for this year?
It was a great year and I will always remember it. I won the league and Super Cup with Real Madrid and the Euro with Spain. What a better way to cap it off than being named the best goalkeeper of the year.
And you continue reaching new milestones with Real Madrid. Last week you played your 450th match.
When I played my first match in San Mamés I never thought I would play so many. I only thought about the following game. I am very happy to continue adding to the count with the team.
You’re only 27 years old and 15th in the ranking of Real Madrid players with the most matches under the belt.
Imagine that! All those legends who are ahead of me. Making history at Real Madrid.
And only four away from Buyo.
I am not counting, but I was told that I was close to breaking Buyo’s record. I never imagined it. I never thought I could reach such a figure.
Raúl to El Mundo
Real Madrid captain Raúl González discussed his career as a footballer with Spanish newspaper El Mundo.
Your thoughts on the decision taken my Ramón Calderón?
Players want institutional stability and unity. What took place is out of our hands and we try to stay out of it, but I can’t say that it doesn’t affect us.
What would you tell fans at this crucial time?
That the club belongs to them, the members. They must be the ones to talk and express the opinions. We try to focus on our job and talk little. I am sure we will have their support. We are working well right now and we cannot throw in the towel.
Where do you get all your faith and strength from?
My strength comes from the way of being, my personality, where I was born and where I was raised. I am a neighborhood kid and it never hurts to remember that.
The end of Raúl, which has been prophesied about for so long, is a scientific enigma.
One, two or three… Four seems like a long way away. Whatever it may be, I want to truly enjoy football, training, meeting players and going to places like Anfield to play matches that I dream about.
It’s not common in this field. Pep Guardiola did it a lot.
We have always had a special relationship. My first goal as an international came off a pass from him. We always speak about football. I remember asking him Van Gaal and if he was really the way they said he was. As a player he was already thinking like a coach. He knows the organization and its values and knows how to transmit them. He has recovered players who look like different men now.
They are now turning up the heat like at the beginning of the Rijkaard era, like you always have alone or accompanied, against a rival defense.
That’s really where you put the adversary against the ropes. We used to have 50 or 60 metres ahead of us when we’d rob the ball, and that was too much. Madrid needs to play 70% of its game on the last third. If that’s not the case, something is wrong. We might be able to win, but the feeling after the 90 minutes are over won’t be good.
The counterattack that this team uses are a product of the circumstances that Juande Ramos found.
He layed the foundation. He started from the back, but always thinking about attacking. We had to stop feeling so vulnerable. Teams scored every time they reached the box. Real Unión scored six on us, Numancia scored three, Malaga four… We had to advance our lines. We are convinced we’re on the right track.
Raúl knows his football to perfection.
I like possession football, control and speed and lots of mobility. I like teams like Barcelona who pressure on the opponent’s third. They have the advantage of using a model that favors the adaptation of their players. Then there were other teams that played at a fast rhythm such as Valencia coached by Benítez. Constant rhythm and speed is what captivates me about English football. We have recovered the feeling of unity, strength and winning attitude. We won a league under Capello that couldn’t have been scripted any better.
How do you withstand being the center of a national debate?
It doesn’t just happen to me. It happens to actors, singers, politicians… This country has a lot of great things, but a lot of bad ones as well. The worst is that it doesn’t protect those that have done important things. Rather, they are praised abroad. It’s not that Spain doesn’t respect me, but every time I go overseas I am treated in unimaginable fashion. Other countries take better care.
There are other examples. Paolo Maldini at Milan and Ryan Giggs at Manchester United, who are treated like patrimony of tradition and the brand.
Ufff! There are so many changes here. The time will come for me to think about my future, but I will first need time to escape. To think about it would be distracting right now and I must focus all my energy on playing. I would love to remain connected to Madrid, but I don’t see myself behind a desk or as a coach. Perhaps with the younger people. A lot is said about Real Madrid’s academy, but I think it can be improved. That would be an appealing job.
What is Raúl like… that footballer that so many kids look up to?
I am nice and that’s what I tell people, although I know I make another impression.
Why?
Things happen that hurt a lot. I was only 17 when I joined the first team, and at 20 I had to give a press conference outside the club. I wondered what would happen at 27 or 28 if it was happening at 20. I like to go unnoticed. I don’t want to see myself on television. I just change channels. I like to keep out of things. I sometimes see myself in a headline and say to myself, “But I didn’t say anything.” I know I would have come close to winning award had I been more media friendly. But my reward is to remain put, and in time with so many newspapers and debates that speak about football 30 hours out of every 24… Well, just a little about football.
What does football teach that you can pass on to kids?
That you can learn things from everything that surrounds you and that the whole world has so much to offer if you are willing to learn.
Four children with you wife Mamen Sanz, and those who know them say they never ask for what they need.
They are small. Sports right now are the rewards at school.
And what is a goal?
The clearest and cleanest expression of happiness.
Give me Ashley Young and then take The Little Rabbit away!
I want Ashley Young. I really don’t care if it is Boluda, Calderon, Perez or even my great great grandfather who is running the club. I don’t care about Portsmouth’s interest in The Little Rabbit, The Little Mouse, hell not even The Little Red Riding Hood. Ashley Young MUST be signed. We currently have only one winger if you would ask me. Sneijder is no winger for he always drifts to the center and Drenthe is just a kid running behind the ball. Palanca does not have the exposure though being talented. Robben is the only guy who can be considered has a winger though a few questions can be raised about his crossing. That doesn’t matter. He is a winger not a left or right midfielder like Beckham. This guy is more of a modern winger who dribbles more than crosses. But we do need someone like that. He too has a problem. He is made of glass. So the bottomline is that we need Ashley Young.
Though I’d be tempted to buy Cristiano the fact that his head is hollow seems to affect my yen to sign him. He seems to be one loony goof who seems to want to play for Real Madrid one day and Manchester United the other. The only way he can do that is by playing FIFA or PES. I really don’t give a crap about Luis Antonio Valencia. Frankly I don’t even like his name. He would definitely confuse people. Consider this situation, Valencia while playing against Valencia scores the only goal of the game and we win like we did this season. A Madridista who missed the match because of some lame fucking reason comes and asks me the result. How the hell would I frame my reply? Anyone’s reply pretty obvious-fucking-ly would be “Valencia scored, We won”. But in this case it can’t be so. It would definitely confuse the listener until and unless I use some five fuckin clauses to explain a simple ass whipping of Valencia. And there is also the fact that he is not even half as talented as Ashley Young. Jermaine Pennant is not even in the picture. Angel Di Maria, hmmm, well, I haven’t seen him play. So its definitely Ashley Young. Man he’s doing what no other player has done in the English Premier League which currently is the best and the most competitive football league in the world.Three player of the month awards in a calender year. You can’t even complain that he is not consistent. You cannot complain that he is not achieving all this amidst stars. Hell, the league has two of the top three players from last year! He is young as well. Damn it I’m going mad here! GET ASHLEY YOUNG!
The Little Rabbit is Javier Saviola. Portsmouth, Newcastle and Everton want him but its Portsmouth who are close to securing a deal. According to sources in Spain we are ready to let him leave.
And yeah, Guti is out for four weeks.
Hala Madrid!!
Just one more to go
The match against Osasuna will be Fabio Cannavaro’s 100th fixture with Real Madrid. The Italian centre back signed for the Club at the start of the 2006/07 campaign and has already reached an amazing figure of games besides winning two league titles and a Spanish Super Cup.
The centre back has been an unquestioned starter ever since he arrived at the Club. He and Pepe form one of the best centre back couples in the Spanish league because they understand each other perfectly. Fabio Cannavaro has played 77 league games, 17 Champions League clashes, three King’s Cup matches and two Spanish Super Cup encounters.
The player told realmadrid.com:
I am very happy with being about to play my 100th game with Real Madrid. I am proud of playing for Real Madrid. I am very satisfied about playing so many games with a team of such history. I am very happy about having won titles in two and a half years and I hope to win more.
Profile: Vicente Boluda
Vicente Boluda, shipowner born in Valencia on 31 March 1955, has been a Real Madrid Club Member since 1998 (no. 47,936). He became the entity’s President on 16 January 2009. Boluda has a degree in Law and is a graduate of Jurisprudence. He also has several Masters in Martime Law and is the President of Corporación Marítima Boluda, the most important private shipping company in Spain and the second most prominent ship towing company in the world.
Boluda is a member of several Academies and Associations (Academia Española de Jurisprudencia y Legislación, Asociación de Navieros Españoles, Propeller Club Valencia) and is the President of the Asociación Nacional de Armadores de Remolcadores (ANARE), of Terminales Marítimas del Sureste (TMS) and of the Special Traffic Commission ANAVE.
He is currently First Vice-President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation of Valencia; Vice-President of the the Spanish Association of Shipowners ANAVE; and Outstanding Member of the Superior Council of Chambers of Commerce.
Boluda is Advisor to the Commission of the Fundación Estudios Avanzados; as well as to the Autonomous Harbour of Valencia and Alicante’s Theme Park. He is a Patron of the Fundación Puerto de Las Palmas; Director-Advisor to Britannia P & I London; and Patron of the Fundación Marca de Garantía Puerto de Valencia.
He has also been Legal Advisor to the Ministry of Defence and a specialised agent in maritime insurance.
Prior to becoming President of Real Madrid, he became the entity’s Vice-President on 4 July 2006.
Ramón Calderon resigns
Ramón Calderón resigned as President of Real Madrid in the Press Room of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium at 18:00. All the Members of the Board attended the act and sat in the front row.
As I said in my previous press conference, I am not a coward and I have nothing to hide. I wish to swear again that the things that have been said in some media about my direct or indirect responsibility with what happened in the last General Assembly are false.
Against the wishes of all the Members of the Board, I have decided to yield the Presidency. I hope that by handing in my head -highly sought after since the day my office began- I help to pacify a social strata that is permanently agitated by the information that appears in the media on a daily basis and that is divulged and elaborated with absolute disregard to moral ethics.
I have given my soul and all my strength to Real Madrid these last two and a half years and my hands are clean. I have a clear conscience and I feel proud for having served the most important club in the world. I honestly believe that the success of those who have repeatedly sought my exit of the Club is also the triumph of injustice and evil doing. I have made mistakes as a consecuence to my limitations, but I have never taken part in any irregularities. The mistakes I made never sought personal benefit.
I wish now to express my gratitude to the Board and to those whose loyalty is hard to emulate. Thanks to them, this Club has won 5 titles in two years: 3 in football and 2 in basketball. The Club’s accounts regarding both income and expenditure are the best in its history. I also wish to thank the employees and collaborators I’ve had these years. They make this entity and myself proud with their efficient work, support and affection.
I love and feel for this Club with all my heart and I wish to ask our Club Members and fans to stand united in support of the new President. I also wish to ask the fans to support our football and basketball players, who are great professionals that are deeply involved with the Club and their work. I can say the same of two exceptional coaches that make the Club proud. United, the teams and the fans can win all the competitions they are playing in.
I wish to publicly manifest my unconditional support for all my successors and I renounce any act of obstruction or opposition. Finally, and most importantly, I wish to thank my family, my mother, my brothers and, especially, Teresa, an expectional woman without whom I would have never achieved anything in my life and who has suffered and accepted in silence and with affection all the absences, problems and unpleasantness derived from this position.
Naturally, I can’t forget my children, Leticia, Jaime and Mariana. Not only have they suffered for what’s happening to their father, but they have also been permanently harassed and slandered. Their photos and personal details have been used with unscrupulousness. I ask you as a final favour to respect them. They are the most important thing in my life, as for every husband and father, and the decision I’ve made today has been heavily influenced by the relentless hounding they are subjected to and the suffering it has caused them.
I leave with my head held high and stressing once again that I have a clear conscience because I have always been true and sought to make good.
Thank you very much. God bless you.
Rafael van der Vaart to vandervaartofficial.com
Rafael van der Vaart gave an interview to his website. In it, he said he believes the team is doing a good job, that it has adapted to Juande’s changes and that he is delighted about living in Madrid.
Defeating Mallorca has made us very happy because we dominated the game both in defence and in attack. We used our resources adequately.
Winning against Osasuna would mean our fourth consecutive victory, which would boost our morale. I’m sure we will earn positive results if we continue to work this well.
We have to think about each game at a time in order to take more points. We’ve been doing this in recent weeks. Juande has made some changes and our results show we’ve adapted well to them.
I am delighted with my new home. It is naturally different than living in a hotel. It is complicated to live in a place different from your home when you have your family with you. We live in a big house close to Wesley and Heitinga. We are enjoying it. Madrid is a fantastic place to live in.
Lass press conference
Lassana Diarrà gave his first conference since he was signed this morning.
The Club has to choose between you and Huntelaar to play in the Champions League. How do you feel about that?
I’m not worried about it. I’ve signed a five-year contract and I know I will play in the Champions League. The coach will have to decide and I am happy here.
What impression has Real Madrid made on you as a club since you arrived?
I feel great here because everybody has has been very nice to me. I am very happy.
Do you feel the pressure that comes with being at this Club?
I try to deal with it and I think I’m coping. Real Madrid is the largest club I’ve played for. I’m here to play well, do my job and a start a new life.
Your team-mates say they are very surprised with how quickly you’ve adapted. Have you noticed much difference on this team?
I’m trying to adapt to Spain as fast as I can. I did well in my first two games. There are players, such as Robben, whom I already knew and are helping me adapt. I hope to do well.
Are you aware of what’s going on with the President?
We only talk about football and our next game against Osasuna. Those are problems that have nothing to do with us players.
Did it surprise you to find the Club can’t inscribe both you and Huntelaar in the Champions League?
I wasn’t surprised because I haven’t signed for just seven months. I will be here five years, so I know I will play in the Champions League. The decision ultimately lies with the coach.
What did you think when you found out?
Nothing in particular. Real Madrid would’ve inscribed both of us if they could, but they can’t. I will continue to work hard to have my chance.
Why did you decide to come to Real Madrid?
It’s simple: the Club did what had to be done to sign me. It was easy. You can’t refuse Real Madrid.
How have they explained the situation to you?
Someone -I don’t remember who- told me that this isn’t all that serious, that both of us may eventually play. I’ll just keep working hard, that’s all.
Employees can be affected when their company is going through a difficult situation. How does the squad feel about what’s going on?
I’ve been here for very little time and I was signed to play. I can’t comment on what happens off the pitch.
Juande on Punto Radio
Juande Ramos was a guest on radio program ‘El mirador del deporte’. The coach said the team won’t give up its fight to win the league title.
I am happy with our latest performances. The important thing is for the team to focus on the job it has to do. I’m sure my players will do this because they are professionals.
Fans want their team to win. They will support us with all their strength. That’s all we should worry about. Our fans have to support the team to help us win.
The team is gradualy improving. There were many injured players when we arrived and we were in an uncomfortable situation. The latest results made us more confident to face our forthcoming games.
We only think about improving. We have to make our players do their best. They’ve understood they have to work hard and focus on the sport. The squad is anxious to do well.
I feel very comfortable in Madrid because everything is at my disposal. This is the easiest Club I’ve worked for. I get everything I need as soon as I open my mouth to ask for it.
When a football team changes its coach it means it has been earning bad results. I was very surprised by the large number of goals the team conceded before I arrived. The team has to build its strength starting in defence. Not conceding any goals allowed us to win against complicated sides like Valencia and Villarreal. We didn’tn suffer against Mallorca.
It doesn’t bother me that people compare me with Fabio Capello. In fact, it is rather flattering because he is a very successful coach. What surprises me is the lack of analysis of Real Madrid’s situation in the sport field. The problem was that the team conceded many goals but also found it easy to score. We can’t afford to concede three or four goals at home. Now that this problem has been solved people criticise it, but results speak for themselves: the team has won four out of five games.
Robben is in great form. He is a magnificent player. But in order for him to play this well he needs men like Higuaín, Raúl and even the defenders to do their job well.
Lass and Huntelaar are magnificent players that we are trying to inscribe in the Champions League, but if we can’t have both we will have to choose one depending on what the team needs most when the time comes.
I was very surprised by my men’s will to make a comeback. We will fight with all our strength for the league title while there is still a mathematical chance to win.
Javi García press conference
Javi García was brought up through the ranks of Real Madrid’s academy and then shipped off to Osasuna to continue developing as a player. His incredible progress earned him a return ticket to the Spanish capital, where he works hard day after day to earn a spot in the starting eleven.
How is the team preparing for Sunday’s match?
The same way as in the past. If we play as we have been the points shall stay right here. We have to consecutive matches at home. We know catching up to Barcelona is tough, but we have to only think about ourselves and continue working.
Is the team worried that fans on Sunday will be influenced by the controversy surrounding the club?
I don’t think so because they know that we have nothing to do with what is going on. All we do is play football. We want to make Madridismo proud, so hopefully fans will come out and really support us in our next two matches.
Has anything been said in the locker room?
I’ll be honest and will not lie. Nothing has been discussed in the locker room. We keep out of all that. Everyone in this club has a duty, and our is to win three points in every match and train hard, and this weekend we will defeat Osasuna.
What does your future hold?
I haven’t thought about it really. All I want to do is play for Real Madrid, and that is why I train hard. I know it’s tough. I train a lot and have had very few opportunities, but I will continue doing what I’m doing and wait for my chance. I will never lose hope.
Luck wasn’t really on your side and then Lass arrived. Do you consider them drawbacks?
Working for five or six months to be fit for when that time comes is very hard, as is seeing new players being signed. But I know I wear the crest of the best team in the world. There are a lot of competitions. Having new players arrive only increases the internal competition, but all I can do is continue working because there’s a lot of season left and the Champions League is coming up.
Having played for Osasuna, are you surprised by their situation this season?
I am because they have a better squad than they did in the past. But that’s football for you. There are teams that climb their way up and put on the pressure. They haven’t had much luck lately, but I am sure they’ll come out on top. Let’s just hope it’s after this weekend’s match.
What can Osasuna win with Camacho as coach?
The team’s attitude has changed and they play much more football. They are a good team, and good teams come out ahead.
Do you think the team depends too much on Robben?
Not at all. Having him play the way he is playing is such a luxury. No one in his position is playing as well as he is right now. I hope he stays fit because having him in this condition is a tremendous advantage.
Higuaín on Realmadrid Radio
Gonzalo Higuaín gave an interview to Realmadrid Radio in which he said the team believes it can still make a comeback in the league and that the Champions League title can be theirs this season.
You still have a lot to do this year.
I do. I feel happy and grateful for being here. I hope to keep playing and making the fans happy.
Do you think this is so far your best season at Real Madrid?
I am very happy and I feel confident, which is very important. I feel supported and happy. I hope to continue playing this way, to remain calm and to improve more.
Is the confidence you now have important?
It is essential for a striker to be confident and to have continuity on the team. That’s why I am happy and comfortable here. Players always have to adapt to this football. It’s important for a player to be calm and humble because that’s how you get good results. It was hard for me to earn minutes of playing time. I didn’t play as much as I wished. I hope to continue to play as much as I do now.
Is it possible for the team to make a comeback?
I’m sure it is. Real Madrid were going through an unpleasant situation when I arrived and we eventually won the league title. Barcelona currently have a very significant lead over us and they are having a great season, but we are the defending champions and we will do our best to win again. Our next opponent in the Champions League is a favourite to win the title and we will have to be very concentrated in our clashes in order to win.
Has the team changed much under Juande?
I am not going to make any comparisons because each coach has his own methods. Our previous coach helped us win the league and the Spanish Super Cup. We feel comfortable now and we hope to continue being a solid squad. We haven’t conceded any goals in three consecutive games. Our defence should be congratulated for it. We are also scoring goals. I think we are on the right path.
What are Real Madrid stronger at?
We don’t concede any goals, meaning both Iker and the defensive line are in good form. The team always tries its best. There are 24 players on the squad and those who are usually benched are also doing a great job. We believe we can make a comeback and we also believe we can win the Champions League this year. We are certainly going to try.
Injuries have affected the team this season.
We’ve had a difficult year so far because many players were injured between June and December, but I nevertheless think we’ve done a good job considering. It isn’t easy to play well with so many injured players. Many of them were regular starters too. This is not an excuse because we have 24 players that always do their best.
Was the team psychologically affected?
It’s complicated. What happened to Ruud… He was a very important player for us, but fate sometimes has things like this in store for us and he knows he has our full support. Some of us try to cover his absence as best we can. I think we can pull it off. We will continue to work hard because we can do it.
The match against Osasuna must bring back fond memories…
It was a difficult pitch, we were one man down, people talked about Barcelona… The team proved how great the prestige of this Club really is. Words can’t describe what it is to score a goal like that for a Club like this.
You seem to specialise in scoring memorable goals.
That’s destiny. I don’t look for that, but I’ve been lucky to experience it. The entire team works hard and helps me pull it off.
You can’t trust any team in the Spanish league.
Anyone can win. We should be weary of everyone. Every team fights hard. This is a competitive championship. Osasuna know they could have defeated Barcelona last week and they will try to win at the Bernabéu.
It must be gratifying to see Barcelona can be vulnerable.
We just focus on ourselves. Our goal is to continue to be successful.
What do you remember of your goals in important games?
I keep the shirts I wore in important games, and I also keep the balls of clashes like the one in Málaga or the one at the Calderón in which I scored.
You come from a football family.
I do. It is a large family and most of its members are football players. That helps a lot. My father helps by avoiding things that happened to him from happening to me.
Do you dream about playing for Argentina?
I wish I could. I always say I would be proud to do so. Wearing that shirt is a unique privilege. It is hard to explain what it is to be on the same team with such stars.
Sneijder to sneijderofficial.com
Wesley Sneijder offered the following insight concerning Real Madrid on his personal website.
Wesley Sneidjer thinks the team was brilliant when beating Mallorca on Sunday.
Real Madrid’s dominance in Sunday’s match was overwhelming. It was an important game for us and we played well from the start.
Robben had a great game, putting the team at ease with an early goal. We made Mallorca take risks and managed a second strike by which made it even easier for us. My goal then sealed the deal. We’ve now managed a third consecutive victory and have not conceded a goal in as many games which boosts morale within the squad.
There are many games left in the league and we have to make good use of the time we have left until the Champions League starts again. We must now think about our next home game against Osasuna. Our aim is to win that match and continue to minimlise the distance between ourselves and the leaders in the table.
The Dutch midfielder thinks there are many similarities in the way he started at Real Madrid last year and Rafael Van der Vaarts this season.
My start was the same. Three games and four goals. His start was also amazing. But it’s difficult. Because we’re not in a team like in Holland. The pressure is bigger here. It’s heavy to be a player of Real Madrid. But with the qualities he and I have, we will have a future for Real Madrid.
Board and President press conference
Real Madrid President Ramón Calderón and the club’s Board of Directors held a press conference at 19:30 CET at the Santiago Bernabéu. According to Calderón, “We were all unpleasantly surprised to read the allegations made by the newspaper Marca. None of us had any direct or indirect participation in such events. No one maintains relations with those people who appear in the photographs in question.” He also manifested that “the club has assembled an Investigation Committee, the first results of which are the dismissal of Mariano Rodríguez de Barutell and his superior Mr. Luis Bárcena.”
The complete statement follows below:
I wish to thank all the Members of the Board for being here with me today. I have to say we were all unpleasantly surprised to read the allegations made by the newspaper Marca.
I swear on my honour, which has great value to me -and I believe that appealing to the Board Members’ honour wouldn’t be incorrect on my part-, that none of us had any direct or indirect participation in such events. I dare say no one maintains relations with those people who appear in the photographs in question, but I’m sure some of them may appear in some of the thousdands of photos I appear in with members of different fan clubs. We’ve had no contact with these people and it simply hasn’t been possible for us to influence on the ireegular assitance of these people to the Assembly.
As Luis Bárcena, Director General of the Social Area, said yesterday, an investigation is currently being led by three vice-presidents, the Secretary General and the Department of Internal Investigations. Members that illegally accessed the Assembly will be summoned by the Club’s Social Discipline Committee and, if they are found to be guilty after listening to their statements, will be expelled. We will have an inquest to find out if identity theft has taken place.
The first results of the Commission have helped to determine that responsibility lies with Club employee Mariano Rodríguez de Barutell. Following advice from the Commission, the Board has decided to dismiss this person and Luis Bárcena, Director General of the Social Area, for being his immediate superior. Rafael de Lama -Director of the Club Members Department- and José Bernabéu -Director of the Fan Clubs Department- have placed their current roles within the Club at the disposal of the Board. There is no evidence yet of their implication and the Board has not accepted their resignations. This is all I can say to you at this moment about this unpleasant situation.
In my name and that of the Board Members, I wish to swear on our honour that what we are saying is absolutely true. We are not involved, neither directly nor indirectly, in the fact that the Assembly was attended by people that shouldn’t have been there.
You may now ask as many questions as you wish. I have nothing to hide; that has never been the way I have run my life.
Robben press conference
Arjen Robben has been at the top of his game lately, which he attributes to the fact that “I play much better when I’m physically fit.”
Do you enjoy the challenge of carrying most of the responsibility?
All I can say right now is that I am happy, but the responsibility isn’t all mine. Football is played as a team and we have a lot of talent. We’re not just one player. There are 24 of us and we need everyone. Personally speaking, I feel physically fit and I am happy.
Have we seen the best Robben?
Everything is going well right now, but I know I can improve even more. There are no limits. I play much better when I am fit, but I have a lot to improve, such a finishing.
What do you think about being compared to Messi?
I think Messi is the best player in the world. I’m flattered, but I think he is in magnificent form and from out of this world altogether.
The improvement in your performance coincided with the change of coach. Are training sessions now more suited to your needs?
I am working harder on an individual level, which is why I am playing the way I am. We are all working hard, and it’s what we need to do to stay fit.
Has something changed in your workout routine?
Nothing special. I do different exercises in the gym, but generally speaking all I need is more pace in matches. Everything right now is going well and I hope things remain the same. I have to relish the moment and continue working hard in the gym and on the pitch.
Several veterans believe that after Gento you are the next best left winger Real Madrid has ever had.
It’s an honor. All I want to do is be there for my team and club. I am here to win titles.
Does it dishearten you to see Barcelona continue winning?
They were losing against Osasuna and only won in the last minute. We know we depend on them, but all we can do is focus on ourselves.
What do you know about Osasuna?
They are a good, strong team, but we are playing at home and are very confident.
Can you picture Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Real Madrid?
We’ll see what happens. That’s a questions for the Sporting Director or President.
UEFA has told Real Madrid that either Lass or Huntelaar can play in the Champions League, but not both. Who would be better for the competition?
It’s hard to say because both are very good. Let’s see what happens. It’s all up to the coach. They are both good players and will be very important for Real Madrid in the future.
Has the team spoken about anything that has been published in the press in recent days?
All we think about is playing football.
We’re still linked with the same old blokes
From the last time I posted transfer rumors over here till this very moment there has been no change in status here. We’re still linked with the same old blokes. The same 7-10 of them who were linked with us ever since we signed Huntelaar have been linked with us till this very moment. One name though has been there ever since the summer of 2008, no prizes for guessing, Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the FIFA World Player of the Year for 2008 last night at the gala in Zurich.
Let me start with the Ronaldo rumor because it is what interests me the most. Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent according to reliable sources, has already signed an agreement with Ramon Calderon to seal his move to Madrid in the upcoming summer. Though there is no assurance that he will move this rumor seems to have come off even though Ronaldo himself had said that he was happy at Manchester United earlier in this month. But GuillemBalague.com, the site that first linked us to Lass, reports that Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has reached an agreement with Ramon Calderon, to sign for Real Madrid in the summer. Now I am all excited. I really want to see him here playing at tandom with Arjen Robben. That would be the day. Oh me goodness! We’d fuck everyone in the league left, right and center.
Karim Benzema has admitted his future could depend on the club’s success in the UEFA Champions League. The cocky Frenchman has attracted interest from a number of leading sides across Europe, with us and Man-cunts United reported to be at the head of the queue. The 21-year-old’s current contract with Lyon runs until 2013, but it is somewhat limpid that he wants to play for a bigger club and earn more money. Lyon have been drawn to face Barcelona in the last 16 of this season’s tournament, and Benzema admits their fate against the in-form Spanish league leaders may sway his decision. He told French newspaper 10 Sport that the result of the Last-16 clash would determine his future with Lyon.
I have reflected a bit on this subject during the winter break. I’d like to keep my opinion to myself before speaking about it to my family and my agent. But yes, we will have to see what happens after Barcelona. We have to stop all this talk about Lyon (underachieving) and to do that, we need to get past the quarter-finals. I love this club. I want to stay. But I would also really like it if we stopped getting knocked out in the last 16.
Honestly, I don’t know. We will see. For the moment, I am finishing the season here. I feel good at Lyon. I get on very well with president (Jean-Michel) Aulas and I have spoken to him about certain things, like about staying until 2010. But we have to have special aims in the Champions League.
Apparently, Benzema has a 100m euros price tag on him. Is he worth it? He’s good but not 100m euros!
Carlos Tevez too might have donned white next season if it wasn’t for our man Maradona who insisted that he joined forces with Inter Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Tevez is out of favor at United a team for which he has worked so hard for. The bloody cunts have benched him, mistreated him displaying their hipocrate nature yet again.
Now David Villa. Valencia have admitted that they would be prepared to part with David Villa should their valuation of the player be matched. With a host of Europe’s top clubs believed to be sniffing around the Spain international, Los Che may see their resolve tested during the January transfer window. It is not known what price Valencia have slapped on Villa, or his much sought-after team-mate David Silva, but the club have made it clear that it would take a sizeable approach to force them into a sale. Valencia’s sporting vice-president Fernando Gomez Colomer said:
Whatever offer comes in we will have to study it although the idea is not to have to sell David Villa or David Silva. It would have to be an exorbitant offer.
These are two players whom I’d love to see in Real Madrid white. It’d be a dream come true if it happens.
Ashley Young wants to stay on at Villa Park. Jermaine Pennant revealed his Spanish dreams. Luis Antonio Valencia climbed up the list to become our primary target with his price tag of €17 million being the only thing seperating him from us. €12 million would apparently make things easier. A brilliant player he is though over-rated. And of course Ramon Calderon just cannot stay out of controversy. This time it is vote-fixing.
You see nothing has changed yet. We’re still linked with the same old blokes.
On the field though a lot has changed. We haven’t conceded in the last three games of which two were against our closest rivals and the other one being an away game. We scored 5 goals in the process. Arjen Robben is in scintillating form, something which he always seems to be if not for injuries. Our defemse is as tight as it was last season. Lass’ performances have been A-Klass apart where as Klass himself isn’t shining. In all Juande is doing a good job. On Sunday Raúl González became just the third active player to clock up 500 top-flight league appearances for the same club in a major European league when he marked the milestone with a goal in Real ‘s win at Mallorca. The same night St.Iker played his 450th game for us.
Oh and btw, UEFA has rejected our appeal to field both Lass and Klaas in our Champions league squad. A statement on UEFA’s home page read:
UEFA’s Appeals Body today upheld the decision taken by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on 8 January, in accordance with article 17.18 of the [UEFA Champions League] competition regulations. They rejected an appeal by Real Madrid CF in relation to the Spanish club’s request to be able to register two players who have already competed in UEFA competition this season, as part of their A-list squad for the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League.
Why don’t just stop all this appealing and just field one of the two and start looking ahead.
Before I forget, I finally have an e-mail id through which you can get in tough with me. From now on those who want to mail me can mail at halamadrid.mkt@gmail.com.
That is about it. There is absolutely nothing more. I’ll keep you posted in case something interesting does happen.
Hala Madrid!!
Luís Barcena press conference
The Director General of the Club’s Members, Fan Clubs, Visitors and VIP Area Department gave a press conference in reference to statements made in today’s news.
Good afternoon. My name is Luis Bárcena. I’m the Director General of the Club’s Social Area and I wish to make a stetement in reference to information appearing in today’s news regarding the Club’s latest General Assembly.
Before I begin, I wish to make it clear that both the President and his Board of Directors delegated the organisation of the Assembly in this general directorship, so any responsibility regarding the outcome of the Assembly is solely mine.
The second and final thing I’d like to say is in regard to those people who supposedly infiltrated themselves in the Assembly with the purpose of destabilizing it. We have decided to investigate on the matter and we have asked the Club’s Commission for Social Discipline to confirm these facts and, in the case of finding any Club Members implicated, to immediately expell them from the Club.
The first thing I’d like to say is that my first decision was to control access to the Assembly by making Members present their ID cards at the entrance of IFEMA’s Palacio de Congresos. I did this in order to add transparency to the Assembly. It was an historic decision, given that nothing of the sort had ever been done.
Palanca press conference
Since taking the pitch against Barcelona at the Camp Nou on 14 December, Miguel Palanca has yet to miss a training session with Real Madrid’s first team.
Has Juande Ramos changed your life?
My life has certainly changed but my feet are still on the ground whether I am playing for the first team or Castilla. All I can think about is working hard.
It appears that the idea to signing an attacking midfielder has hit a crossroad, which is much better for you…
It’s much better for me personally because I have a better chance of helping the team, but I am not opposed to the idea of signing anyone.
The team’s defense has really stepped it up.
We haven’t conceded a goal in three matches and yesterday were lucky enough to score three. We have a much better chance of winning if we keep the opponent from scoring.
Against Mallorca the team closed its lines in defense and waited to counterattack.
The notion of playing defensively is incorrect. We played with close to four forwards. At no time did we intend to play defensively against Mallorca. Real Madrid always goes out to win, no matter whether at home or away.
Is Barcelona’s great form driving the team to despair?
We have to keep them in the corner of our eye, but we also need to take one match at a time and continue winning.
What does Juande Ramos ask of you on an individual basis?
We don’t speak much, but he tells me to stay calm and to play like I have been with Castilla.
Raúl played his 500th match against Mallorca. He must be a role model for all academy players.
He is definitely a role model for the entire youth system.
Post-match comments
Real Madrid’s Sporting Director was happy with the team’s victory over Mallorca. Pepe and Sergio Ramos were happy with the victory and both said the team has to continue to work hard in order to win more games.
Mijatovic
We haven’t conceded a goal in three games and that makes us very happy. We must now think about our next home game against Osasuna. Our only objective is to win the clash. The team did well against Mallorca. It was an important game and our men played well from the start.
It boosts our morale not to concede any goals. There are quality players in attack capable of turning a score around and their minds are at ease because they know the team’s defence is solid. There are still many games left in the league and we have to make good use of the month and a half we have left until the Champions League starts again.
Robben is in great form. He is happy and the coach has given him more freedom. Today’s football is very fast and changes pace quickly thanks to quality players. Robben has all that, but he depends on the entire team because football is a team sport. The best thing is that both he and the team as a whole are working well.
Pepe
This has been a good game for us. We have to focus on each game at a time and work hard to take more points, just like we’ve been doing in recent weeks. We all know what we have to do. The coach has brought a new vision to the team and we are adapting well to it.
We are all doing a good job in defence. We must continue to work hard because, if we do, there might be a positive end to the season for us. Lass is proving to be a great player. We must protect him because it isn’t easy to play for Real Madrid, but I’m sure he will be very successful here. We must keep the mentality we have right now. We are alive in the competition and we must remain calm in order to win our games. Raúl played very well. He is an icon at the Club and he should be congratulated for an excellent performance.
Sergio Ramos
We used our chances well, but we still haven’t achieved much. We must continue to work hard and cut our distance with the leaders shorter. These three points will help boost our morale. I feel well on a physical level and I hope the team notices this. We are delighted about having a player like Robben with us. He is one of the best players in the world. I wish to dedicate my goal to my father and to all Madridistas.
Juande post-match presser
Juande Ramos analysed the team’s victory over Mallorca when the match was over.
Was the game easier than you expected it to be?
It is never easy to win a game in the First Division, but our early goal made things easier for us. We forced Mallorca to take risks and our second strike made things even easier. We have players capable of controlling a match and our third goal killed the game.
Do you think the team is ready to play well against sides that focus more on defending?
You prepare differently for every game. We must have the initiative because we face teams that mainly focus on defending, but we can find room in which to attack if we score goals. We must be ready for all sorts of situations because we will play all sorts of games.
Do you think Mallorca will manage to stay in the First Division?
The game was tough for them because they were losing practically right from the start, but they have a good team, a good coach and a great fan base that can help them pull through. They are currently in the most difficult stage of the schedule for them.
Do you expect any new signings?
I am happy with the squad I have and with its excellent performances. I hope my men continue to play like this in the remainder of the season.
Did you expect your team to be this solid in defence in such a short time?
It is much easier to achieve your goals when you work with such quality and intelligent players. The team was conceding too many goals before, so we focused on improving in defence. We still have to improve in attack, but we scored three goals against Mallorca. We were more efficient in attack tonight.
RCD Mallorca 0-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid have taken another firm step in their comeback. They played brilliantly in Mallorca and again conceded no goals. Robben, Raúl and Sergio Ramos scored the team’s three goals.
It only took Robben two minutes to prove that he is the fittest player in Spain. It happened in a counterattack kick-started by Casillas right after grabbing a header. Higuaín controlled the ball in midfield and, seeing that Robben was unmarked, served him a brilliant assist from which the Dutchman scored by defeating Aouate in a one-on-one.
This early goal seemed to somewhat thwart coach Gregorio Manzano’s plans given that Mallorca were playing with five defenders. Every single one of Mallorca’s ventures in attack was met by an amazing Lass and a very solid defensive line. The Whites kept possession in midfield and came close to scoring a second strike in an elaborate play that consisted on ten different passes.
Madridista onslaught
The second goal was scored in no time. Higuaín dribbled past Mallorca defenders by passing the ball to himself and then passed it to Raúl, who scored his seventh strike in the league this season (16′). Real Madrid wanted more and Higuaín came close to scoring a third from a pass on the goal-line by Arjen Robben, but Aouate’s providential hands saved the day (25′). The Whites continued to dominate until half-time.
Jurado took the reins of Mallorca at the start of the second half and Arango failed to finish off a missed header by Webó right on the goal-line (54′). This made the Madridistas react and, soon after Van der Vaart came on for Higuaín, Robben hit the post after defeating Aouate in another one-on-one. The ball later landed at Gago’s feet and he passed the ball to Sergio Ramos, who was running towards the goal on his own. The defender scored by volleying the ball into the back of the net between the keeper’s legs.
Palanca and Huntelaar came on for Robben and Raúl, respectively. Real Madrid’s dominace in attack continued to be overwhelming and Sneijder came close to scoring from a free-kick on the 77-minute mark. No more goals were scored, but the Whites snatched their third consecutive victory and took another firm step in their comeback.
Record-man Raúl
Raúl made his debut against Zaragoza at La Romareda Stadium on 29 October 1994. Fifteen years since, he is now 31 years old and has just finished playing his 500th league game. Raúl González has established countless records throughout his career. The captain is fresh from playing his 500th league game, something achieved by only a select few of which he is the youngest. Throughout the years, Raúl has won six league titles, two Pichichi Trophies (1999, 2001) and scored 212 goals in the competition (four less than Alfredo di Stéfano). Raúl also sets an example for other players both on and off the pitch. He has never been sent off and has only been booked with a yellow card 22 times.
The ranking of men that have played 500 games in the league is currently as follows: Andoni Zubizarreta (622 partidos), Eusebio Sacristán (543), Paco Buyo (542), Manolo Sanchís (523), Miquel Soler (504) and Raúl (500). The latter is currently in the last position, but he is the youngest player to reach such a number given that he is just 31 years old -the second youngest was Zubizarreta, who was 33 years and 181 days old back then-. Real Madrid legend Manolo Sanchís was 33 years and 358 days old when he reached 500 games.
Raúl has been trained by 14 coaches in the 15 years he’s played for the first team and all of them have believed him to be a decisive player. Raúl has been a starter in 471 league games and has captained his team in approximately half of these clashes.
History in the making
The match against Mallorca was Iker Casilla’s 450th clash as a Real Madrid player. With only 27 years of age, he is already one of the fifteen men to have played more games with the team. Casillas made his debut in 1999 against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés Stadium when he was only 17 years old. Years later, he has been acknowledged as the best goalkeeper in the world by the IFHHS and has just finished playing his 450th game with Real Madrid. Casillas is the fifteenth player on Real Madrid’s veteran ranking, just four games short of his idol Paco Buyo.
Breaking this figure down we find the keeper has played 327 league games -the youngest goalkeeper to reach this figure at the Club and the second youngest player to do so behind Raúl-, 93 Champions League clashes -he is the third most veteran Madridista in the competition-, 16 King’s Cup matches, 7 Spanish Super Cup encounters, 3 World Club Championship games, 2 Intercontinental Cup clashes and 2 European Super Cup fixtures. He is also the youngest goalkeeper to play in a Champions League final and to win the competition, fact that helped him win the Bravo Trophy in 2001. He has also managed to be the least scored upon goalie in La Liga and the Euro.
Casillas was Spain’s captain when they won the 2008 Euro. He has played 85 games with his national team -Zubizarreta is the only keeper to have played more international fixtures than him-, conceding only 35 goals. At just 27, these amazing figures anticipate more records to come in the near future.
Lineups:
Mallorca: Aouate, David Navarro, Nunes, Corrales, Ramis (Keita 74′), Scaloni, Martí, Cléber Santana, Mario Suárez (Jurado 46′), Arango (Trejo 83′ ), Webó;
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Pepe, Heinze, Gago, Lass, Sneijder, Robben (Palanca 71′), Raúl (Huntelaar 73′), Higuaín (Van der Vaart 65′);
Goals:
0-1, 3′ – Robben;
0-2, 17′ – Raúl;
0-3, 56′ – Sergio Ramos
RCD Mallorca vs Real Madrid | Spanish Primera Liga | Round 18 | Preview
Real Madrid are about to take their third stage in their league comeback. This evening, the team will face Mallorca, who are currently in need of points and proved to be a fierce side at Camp Nou last week. A victory would put the Whites on the second spot of the table with the same number of points as Sevilla.
Two new records will be established this evening: Raúl will become the youngest footballer to play 500 games in La Liga and Casillas will play his 450th game with Real Madrid. Higuaín has returned to a squad list for the first time this year and could prove decisive for his team -a recent study shows he scores a goal every 111 minutes-. Lass and Huntelaar will have the chance to play their first away game with Real Madrid. The absences of Aduriz, Varela and Josemi have weakened Mallorca, who will rely on their fans’ support to win. They haven’t won a game in nine weeks and are currently second to last on the table. The trouble is they will have to face Arjen Robben, who already made them suffer last year with his incredible speed. The Dutchman’s work is being decisive for his team and Mallorca will have to work very hard to stop him. Former Real Madrid youth system players Enrique Corrales, José Manuel Jurado and Juanmi Callejón will have a chance to shine against their former team. These three players are great examples of the excellence that comes from the Club’s academy.
Higuain, Torres and Javi García return
José Mª Gutiérrez ‘Guti’ will miss the clash in Mallorca due to a contracture on his left quadriceps. On the other hand, Gonzalo Higuaín, Miguel Torres and Javi García will travel with the team. Míchel Salgado, Saviola, Codina and Marcelo will miss the match due to coaching decisions, and Dani Parejo because of a sprain on the internal lateral ligament of his left knee.
Midfielders: Lass, Gago, Javi García, Drenthe, Robben, Van der Vaart, Palanca, Sneijder
Forwards: Raúl, Higuaín, Huntelaar
Raúl to AS
Raúl González Blanco will play his 500th game in white tomorrow. Tha captain talked about his carreer in an interview with AS.
You will play your 500th league game with Real Madrid at Son Moix Stadium tomorrow. Only five players achieved this before you and you are the youngest to do so.
Making my debut when I was just 17 years old has helped. I have to thank all the coaches I’ve had for the confidence they had in me, starting with Valdano and ending with Juande Ramos. I owe it to all of them to be a better player and a better person.
Sanchís is the only other Madridista to reach such a figure. He played 523 games…
It is amazing for me to be so close to that figure. Manolo was one of the greatest examples for youngsters when I made my debut. I am so close to his record now… We shouldn’t forget where we come from because people in football always remember. I never imagined I would play so many games.
Are you less ambitious now?
Absolutely not. I’ve given 14 years of my life to this badge and I’m still hungry. Nothing could be better for a player than to spend his entire professional life at a club like Real Madrid. I wouldn’t have believed this if anyone had told me it would turn up this way the night I made my debut.
What do you still remember vividly?
I still remember my debut against Zaragoza and the chance I had against Cedrún. I will never forget my first goal at the Bernabéu in a derby and, above all, I will never forget the six league titles I’ve won. People should realise how hard it is to win a league title now that we are suffering. Imagine what it is to win six…
There are many urban legends concerning your leadership within the squad.
I can only say I am very grateful to the 150 team-mates I must’ve had throughout the years. Great players like Fernando Redondo and Fernando Hierro helped me grow up fast and be the player I am today. Records are very flattering, but it is even greater to have had the chance to play with such men.
Barcelona have a twelve-point lead over Real Madrid. The league seems to be lost…
There are still 20 games left and 60 more points at stake. It is still too soon to be so categorical. Barcelona are playing very well, but we managed to win the league against all odds two years ago.
So you see reasons not to lose faith…
That’s right. Real Madrid still haven’t said their last in the Champions League or La Liga.
Happy 500th game.
That’s secondary. What’s important is to win against Mallorca.
Juande press conference
Juande Ramos gave a press conference two hours prior to leaving with the team to Mallorca.
How badly has the foul weather affected your plans?
We worked normally in the days were were able to train. The only day we couldn’t work on the pitch was yesterday. The team is in great form to play a great game.
Sergio Ramos said the team trains harder with you. Did you find the players to be out of shape when you arrived?
I can’t comment on that because I don’t know how they used to train. We examined the situation and the shape the players were in when we arrived and we are doing the work we think is appropriate now. I’m not concerned about what happened before I arrived. We are very happy with the attitude of the players and this has to show on the pitch.
Real Madrid are winning their clashes by just one goal and seem to suffer at the end of each game. Does it worry you that the team might become too conservative?
I think our victories against Valencia and Villarreal, who were in a similar situation to ours, are of great value. It isn’t easy to earn good results. The team had conceded many goals before said games. That’s why I’m not worried about this at all. Real Madrid is primarily an offensive team and I consider myself to be a coach with an offensive style. I think my run at Sevilla proved this. What’s important is that the team believes in what it does. We couldn’t afford to concede more goals in order to win matches. This team has to have a solid base. The team has realised it has to play with confidence and to do so as best as it can. I’d be glad to have as many chances as we had against Valencia and Villarreal in all our games.
What do you think about UEFA’s decision not to allow the Club to inscribe both Lass and Huntelaar in the Champions League?
I previously said about this that we still have a month in which to make up our minds. We aren’t in a hurry to make a decision just yet. We will analyse the situation when the time comes.
The team will now face minor opponents. You must have noticed a change since you arrived…
What’s good is that we have a week to prepare for each game and that makes things a lot easier. We are using this as well as we can. All our opponents are complicated. You have to do your best always in La Liga in order to win the title.
Do you think the team depends on Robben too much?
I don’t think so. Each player has his own characteristics. You have to look for a balance in order for everyone to do his job. A team can only work well this way. Robben has his job to do and, by the way, he is doing it well. I talk to all my men to figure out what they have to do.
The game against Mallorca could be a turning point…
We shouldn’t worry about that too much. Real Madrid must always be excited and strive to win every game. We know football can have results different to those expected, but I think the team can take the three points.
There are many rumours surrounding the team…
It’s difficult for rumours to cease. We have to live with that. People talk about signings, tranfers, etc. Our job is to work hard and the Sports Department will make its decisions at the end of the campaign.
Have you asked for reinforcements? Do you need someone else to win the league?
I only talk about this in private with the people in the Sports Department. I only talk about those problems with them.
Higuaín has just recovered from tonsillitis and Huntelaar isn’t 100% fit. Exactly what shape is the team in for the match?
That will depend on what happens in the next 24 hours. We will train in Mallorca this evening and I will keep a close eye on all that happens in order not to make any mistakes.
Raul will play his 500th league game tomorrow. Has his career surprised you?
Everything has already been said about a player when he’s reached such a number of games. I don’t remember where I was the day he made his debut, but I know he played against Zaragoza. I believe he will break more records as long as he continues to be excited about playing and doesn’t get injured.
Just another Madridista
Vicente Boluda: New President
Vicente Boluda Fos addressed the media at 18:10 , following the resignation of Ramón Calderón as President.
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January 17, 2009 | Categories: Comments, News | Tags: Vicente Boluda | Leave A Comment »