Sergio Ramos press conference
Sergio Ramos gave his first press conference in months and said he is confident the team will fight hard for both titles.
The team is training more…
We are very happy with the changes that have taken place. Juande is very demanding and we are working very hard. The squad needed a change in attitude. I think the team is responding to the coach’s demands and we are doing our best to achieve our goals.
Do you still feel burdened?
That’s all in the past. I am very calm and I only think about work. I am happy and want to help the team. Football is a very demanding sport in which no one lives off the past.
Casillas said last week that playing in the Euro 2008 was affecting his performances.
I talked about that a while back. It had that effect on me before it hit him. I think people should respect it because football players aren’t machines. We have good and bad moments. It’s true that Iker played slightly under par in the last few months, back he’s back in form. I think what happened to him is normal. It is important to acknowledge and learn from it.
Do you think the Club has boasted too much of having three European champions on the team?
It has nothing to do with boasting or being vain. What Spain did is unforgettable, but we must continue to work hard and to prove we still have the same winning spirit.
Juande has asked the team to concede no goals… Do you thik it would therefore be more appropriate to inscribe Lass in the Champions League?
Both Lass and Huntelaar can bring positive things to the team. They are great signings. The Club is trying to have both play in the Champions League. Lass helps a lot in midfield and defence, while Huntelaar is a decisive striker that scores many goals and can help the team a lot.
There was a pessimistic atmosphere with Schuster. Why is it so positive with Juande?
Every coach has a different way of working. Juande has changed our training methods and asks us not to concede any goals. We try to be focused throughout the 90 minutes of a game. Maybe we were more distracted before and that’s the reason why we conceded so many strikes.
You haven’t conceded any goals in three consecutive games. Does that make the team more confident?
It does make us more confident and our last few games have shown that. I hope this lasts long. We have to keep working hard to stay focused for 90 minutes.
Isn’t it dangerous for the team to have a conflict with UEFA?
We should only mind our own business. The Club is handling the situation. We should just focus on the pitch and the dressing room. I think the Club knows very well what it must do.
Cristiano Ronaldo recently had a car accident.
It is very surprising to hear it and I am very sorry. I hope nothing’s happened to him and that he recovers soon.
In order to play for Real Madrid?
That’s up to him.
Barcelona seem invincible…
Nobody is invincible. They are playing rather well, but we will continue to fight both for La Liga and the Champions League. I hope the spirit we’ve had in recent years helps us cut distances short with Barça.
What do you think of Kanoute’s goal celebration…
I didn’t see it, but to each his own. I simply worry about how to celebrate my own goals.
Gago to Marca
Fernando Gago is happy in Madrid. He has been at Real Madrid for two years and is convinced of being very successful with the team.
Morale is high on the team now thanks to our two consecutive victories. We want to carry on winning.
The time I’ve been on the team has passed very quickly. I have changed a lot. I lived in a hotel when I arrived and now I have a home. I also feel better on a personal level. I am more at ease and organised. Everything is set for me to be better.
I’ve never had doubts about being successful here. I took the challenge of playing for this team and I am happy. I see myself at Real Madrid for most of my professional life. I dream of retiring at Boca, but I will do that in four, six, eight, ten years… I feel like a Madridista and I want to remain here.
I’ve always won titles, so it’s hard for me to imagine not winning one this season. We can fight for the titles at stake with any team. We could reach far and even win the Champions League. I strongly believe we can win every game. No one should forget we are Real Madrid and that we are capable of anything.
Di Stéfano, Santamaría and Zoco on Realmadrid Radio
Veterans Di Stéfano, Santamaría and Zoco were guests on Realmadrid Radio. The three living legends shared their views on the team’s chances of winning the title, Arjen Robben and Raúl’s 500 games in white.
Chances of winning the league title:
Santamaría: “We have to concede no goals. My theory is that we will win the league title if we concede none. The ditance between us and Barcelona is large, but this team always has a winning mentality. That’s what I feel and I believe it is the philosophy of the team also. I think that by winning three or four consecutive games Real Madrid will make their opponents nervous. Our strongest asset is our mentality. We are a winning side above all other things.”
Di Stéfano: “I agree with Santamaría. The important thing is to concede no goals. If the team does that I believe our strikers will soon score more goals. Barcelona are bound to have a downside sooner or later and I think we’ll have chances of winning the title if we try hard to win every game. We must nevertheless be aware that we can’t win the league title every year.”
Zoco: “I also believe a team is built from defence onwards. I think we can still fight hard if we concede few goals, but I honestly prefer to win the Champions League.”
Praise for Arjen Robben:
Santamaría: “Robben has made great progress. He sometimes tries to dribble past players too often, but that’s because he looks for a natural position from which to shoot on target. Real Madrid need him.”
Di Stéfano: “He is having a very good season and he will become a key player on the team if he isn’t injured again. I don’t agree with those who say he keeps the ball to himself too much. He is simply much faster than his team-mates.”
Zoco: “He has proven his quality and is very skilled at shooting on target… He is perfectly capable of making it big at Real Madrid. I hope he makes us all very proud.”
Raúl’s 500th game:
“There is no point in praising Raúl. The figures speak for themselves. Everybody realises he is an exceptional player. He is Real Madrid history.”
Pepe press conference
Képler Laveran Lima Ferreira ‘Pepe’ returned to the starting eleven against Villarreal after making a full recovery from a left quadriceps injury suffered against Getafe. The defender’s performance proved decisive in keeping the opponent from scoring for the second straight match.
Do you still think you can win the league after seeing the way Barcelona played yesterday?
Barcelona played well, but we still believe we can turn this around and win the league. We still have to play them here at home, although we will take what’s left of the season one match at a time.
Who is better, Robben or Messi?
Both are in great form and are the two best players in La Liga. If I had to pick one I’d take Robben because he is a teammate.
As a defender, what’s the best way to slow Messi down?
You have to stay close to him so that he can’t come at you head on. The lines must stay close together so that if he does get by you there is someone else to help out.
What do you think of the defensive scheme used by Juande Ramos?
The coach is very excited to be here and we are very serious when it comes to game time. I hope we can maintain this positive streak.
You play Mallorca at One Estadi on Sunday.
Mallorca play at home and are in need of points. They played well at the Camp Nou, so we have to do our best if we’re to leave the islands with three points.
Do you prefer Huntelaar or Lass?
Both are members of our squad and they will help the team a lot. They are important in their respective positions. One helps recover balls, and the other scores goals. They are here because they have the talent.
Does not playing for the Copa del Rey benefit Real Madrid?
I was jealous watching last night’s match, but not playing the Copa del Rey should help as it allows us to rest and work hard all week.
Does so much talk about Cristiano Ronaldo affect the team?
There was a lot of talk about new players last year and very few came. It doesn’t bother us, but so much talk isn’t good for either Madrid or him. Real Madrid always feel the pressure of having to win, so we need to remain calm and work hard.
Does Cristiano want to come to Madrid?
According to his statements over the summer he does.
You played well against Villarreal on Sunday.
I am working hard. I know I want to do well here. I confront each match as if it was my last.
Is it normal to win so many matches by the bare minimum?
Football is changing. Every team is good and winning is very hard.
Where Are They Now: Günter Netzer
Günter Netzer (born September 14, 1944 in Mönchengladbach) is a former German football player and manager currently working in the media business and as a TV commentator. He was considered to be one of the greatest passer in the game’s history.
When Johan Cruyff joined FC Barcelona in 1973, Real Madrid needed to respond in kind. So Santiago Bernabéu signed him and Paul Breitner a year later. He played there until 1976, winning the Spanish Championship in 1975 and 1976 and the Spanish Cup in 1974 and 1975. In 1976, he joined Grasshopper Zürich where he finished his career in 1977. He won a single league title in Switzerland. A very funny feature of this German player, is his enormous resemblance to the Spanish cult singer, “the Fary”, interpreter of successes such as “Torito Guapo” or “Apatrullando la Ciudad”, the latter was the theme song of the great movie “Torrente”. In all he played 85 games for Real Madrid scoring 9 goals in the process.
He played for the West Germany national team 37 times from 1965 to 1975, scoring six goals and playing a vital role in the country’s victory in the European Championship in 1972. He also appeared very briefly (for 21 minutes against East Germany) in the World Cup in 1974, during which time the goal was scored against his team. At this tournament, Wolfgang Overath was the central figure in Germany’s midfield; Netzer and Overath were considered to not being able to play together.
Netzer was the iconic playmaker and is considered one of the best midfielders of all times, gaining a lot of attention with his long passes and pushes from deep within his own half of the pitch. Apart from his superior ball skills, his natural authority made him the undisputed leader of his team. As a player for Borussia Mönchengladbach, he enjoyed a lot of licence from the management and the coach Hennes Weisweiler, even off the pitch.
Real Madrid 1-0 Villarreal
La Liga returned to the Santiago Bernabéu and a newly sodded pitch for the first time in 2009. The first match of the new year was a great opportunity for Real Madrid to prove that their win against Valencia was just a sign of things to come. The Whites immediately dominated and Robben scored the game winner on 30’. Huntelaar and Lassana Diarra performed well in their Madridista debuts. Only one point off second place, Real Madrid are still very much in the title chase.
After an early one-on-one between Pepe and former Madridista Diego López (2’), Huntelaar got his first touch on the ball and proved his heart is in the right place. On 9’ Nihat had one of the rare first half chances for Villarreal. Real Madrid put on pressure and from the top of the box Robben sent a shot of the crossbar (11’). Three minutes later Sneijder tried his luck from long range only to see the ball sail wide right of López (14’).
Juande Ramos advanced the defensive line with an offensive game plan in mind. Pepe was absolutely sensational, while in the midfield Lass and Gago put forth a noteworthy performance in recovering loose balls. Robben was held in check by Villarreal until the Dutchman dribbled between three defenders and curled a left footer into the top right corner of the opponent’s net (31’).
Villarreal tried to answer back, and Pires nearly knocked in the equaliser one minute later but was denied by Casillas (32’). Nihat got a foot on the ensuing corner only to send the ball straight into Iker’s gloves. With halftime six minutes away, Huntelaar managed to control a Ramos cross with his chest, but as he tried to place the ball to fire it home, Diego López closed the only angle on goal to thwart the Dutch striker (39’). Raúl, wasn’t able to find the back of the net either after grabbing the deflection.
Pellegrini replaced Nihat with Joseba Llorente while Juande Ramos brought Drenthe off the bench for Huntelaar. Llorente needed just eight minutes to test Casillas, who somehow got a hand on the forward’s shot (53’). Real Madrid answered every turnover of possession with a counterattack. Sneijder had two excellent opportunities to put the game away but was stymied by Diego López. Ibagaza was subbed in for the Yellow Submarine, and one minute after taking the pitch provided Rossi with an assist, but the Italian could only watch in dismay as Casillas responded with another magical save (70’).
Van der Vaart stepped in for Lass, who received a heavy round of applause from the Bernabéu (77’). While both sides had plenty more chances to score, it was the goalkeepers who stole the show. Diego López prevented Van der Vaart from clinching on 84’, Cazorla was unable to beat Casillas two minutes later and Drenthe was unlucky from mid-range. Real Madrid escaped with a close win and couldn’t have started the new year off in better fashion. Mallorca are up next.
Lineups:
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Pepe, Heinze, Gago, Lass (Van der Vaart 78′), Robben (Metzelder 90′), Sneijder, Raúl, Huntelaar (Drenthe 56′);
Villarreal: Diego López, Ángel, Gonzalo, Godín, Capdevila, Senna (Ibagaza 70′), Eguren, Cazorla, Pires (Cani 79′), Rossi, Nihat (Llorente 45′);
Goal:
1-0, 32′ – Robben;
Highlights: Matchday 17 of the Spanish league
Played at: The Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid Castilla 2-0 Pájara Playas
Real Madrid Castilla notched their first victory of 2009 with a 2-0 win against Pájara Playas de Jandía thanks to goals by Szalai and Bueno. Special mention to Acuña and Under-20 team member Álvaro López, who stepped in for the Hungarian in the late stages of the match. The second half of the season begins next week against Vecindario at Alfredo di Stéfano Stadium.
Real Madrid vs Villareal | Spanish Primera Liga | Round 17 | Preview
Real Madrid return home after the Christmas break to host Villarreal in matchday 18 of La Liga. Huntelaar and Lass may see their first action as the newest members of the squad, while Dani Parejo is unavailable after spraining his knee in training. The two title candidates are tied in points in the league table.
Real Madrid kick off the new year by hosting Villarreal on Sunday at 17:00 CET. The Whites hope to extend their win streak after knocking off Valencia in the final match of 2008.
Dani Parejo was a last minute scratch after spraining his knee in training. Gonzalo Higuaín is also out battling a bout of tonsilitis, and Miguel Torres will remain home with the flu. Jordi Codina, Marcelo and Javi García were not included on the squad list, but Lass and Huntelaar may be given the green light to debut as Madridistas.
Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini will be without Javi Venta and Jozy Altidore, both of whom are injured. Pascal Cygan and Jose Edmilson were not called up by the Chilean, but all four forwards -Joseba Llorente, Guille Franco, Nihat Kahveci and Giussepe Rossi- are healthy for the first time this season.
The Yellow Submarine has never won in Chamartin. Three of their nine visits in the last ten years have resulted in draws, while the other six were won by Real Madrid.
Villarreal begin the new year on the same stage that hosted their Primera Division debut on 31 August 1998, but much has changed since the then heavy underdogs succumb to the Madridistas 4-1. Both teams are annual title contenders and destined to square off for many years to come with more than just pride at stake.
SQUAD LIST:
Real Madrid’s two most recent signings are on the first squad list of the new year. Huntelaar and Lass are ready to make their Madridista debuts and can do so on Sunday against Villarreal. Sergio Ramos, Heinze, Pepe and Sneijder are also fit for action after sitting out the last match against Valencia. Higuaín and Parejo are out for health reasons, while Torres, Marcelo, Codina and Javi García were not called up by Juande Ramos.
- Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek;
- Defenders: Ramos, Salgado, Heinze, Pepe, Cannavaro, Metzelder;
- Midfielders: Guti, Gago, Lass, Sneijder, Robben, Drenthe, Van der Vaart;
- Forwards: Palanca, Raúl, Huntelaar, Saviola;
INJURY REPORT:
Gonzalo Higuaín: Tonsilitis
Dani Parejo: Sprained internal lateral ligament
Sergio Ramos to Grada Blanca
Sergio Ramos is extremely optimistic heading into 2009, and in a sit down interview with the magazine Grada Blanca, the defender made it very clear that Real Madrid are going to take on what remains of the season at full charge.
How does the team look after the holiday break?
Very eager to continue working. This stoppage allowed us to refresh and disconnect. We’re ready to take on the new year as eager as ever so that we can cut into the lead. We are convinced we can make a comeback.
What teams does the Christmas vacation benefit the most?
It’s relative. Things weren’t going the way we wanted, so it allowed is to disconnect and start from scratch. But I am sure that for some teams it wasn’t convenient because they were playing well and it may have stopped their good run of matches. Let’s hope that’s the case and that we can capitalize on it.
This vacation also allows players to recharge and think about turning the situation around.
We are anxious to regain the form we had for so long and to return to our winning ways. We are going to work hard and take advantage of the change in attitude in order to give 100%.
Huntelaar, Lassana Diarra and Parejo are three great additions for the second half of the season.
Anyone who can help the team is very welcome. They are eager to work hard and be successful, and that can only help the team.
How have they looked these first few days?
Pretty good. Running like mad men and eager to work. You can tell they want to do well and that they deserve to be here. I think they can really help Real Madrid.
Is La Liga still on of Real Madrid’s goals?
Of course. I think we have a lot of matches left to be played and although the lead is quite large, we’re not going to throw in the towel. Two seasons ago we had a large lead to make up and we ended up as champions, and that experience motivates us to continue working hard.
Is the best way to respond by defeating Villarreal?
Hats off to Villarreal for their football in recent years. They have been playing very well and we hope it’s a good match that sees the three points stay home.
Would a victory mean more than three points?
It would mean defeating a top team and direct rival. It would be great to cut into the lead and defeat such a strong opponent.
What are the keys to the elimination stage of the Champions League?
We’d love to win the title, but the competition is very strong. There are many teams that play great football, so it will be tough. We drew a very difficult opponent in Liverpool, but we will take one step at a time and try to not concede any goals prior to playing in Anfield.
What has the arrival of Juande done for this team?
I played for Juande before coming to Real Madrid and I enjoyed a preseason with him and Marcos Álvarez. He tries to instill a different work ethic. He is very demanding and I think he can bring out the reaction that we’ve been missing on the last few months.
What is your best memory of 2008?
I’d say the league championship and the tremendous joy of celebrating at Cibeles with all the fans. But the Euro was also incredible. It was about time that the national team accomplished something so amazing because there have always been great players and we had never had the fortune of celebrating.
Juande press conference
Juande Ramos offered his first pre-match press conference of the new year, during which he stated that Huntelaar may see action on Sunday against Villarreal.
Is Huntelaar healthy enough to start?
He has been training with his teammates having recovered from his sprained ankle, but the last four or five weeks have been at a slower pace than the team. He might have trouble holding up for ninety minutes, but I have to decide whether to use him at the beginning or at the end. I will make the decision tomorrow.
What are your thoughts on the Lass and Huntelaar matter?
We still have a month to decide who will play. There’s plenty of time and a lot can happen. There can be injuries or players can hit a rough spot, so right now we are in no hurry to decide.
Was signing Lass Diarra your idea?
The decision was pretty much made when I arrived, and I told the club that he had enough talent to play for Real Madrid. All decisions are agreed upon before making the final call.
Were you surprised after reading the UEFA rule?
Yes. No one knew about it, but we have a month to resolve the matter.
Your thoughts on Villarreal?
A great team that has had several magnificent seasons. They are in excellent form and have made it to the last 16 of the Champions League. I am sure it will be a great match. They will be very motivated to win in the Bernabéu.
How do the new players look?
Parejo is slightly injured, but the rest trained hard this week and are trying to do the best job possible to impress the coach.
How many slip-ups can Madrid afford?
With the distance between us and the leader, we need to tally three points every weekend and hope our rivals lose. We will play hard until finally catching up.
Do you think fatigue from playing one additional competition can affect Barcelona?
Real Madrid needs to focus on winning its own matches. The key is to win three points every weekend. But we also have to have other teams slip up. Only by winning will we have a chance to cut into the lead.
Did you encounter more problems than expected?
I would say they are unexpected problems. It’s a situation that caught us all off-guard, but everything will be okay if things are resolved. Especially if we hit a winning streak. Everything will be easier once we become the best sports club out there.
Will you focus more on the Champions League if you don’t tally points in La Liga?
We’re thinking short-term. We have a month and a half to work and train before the elimination tie, and that’s when we’ll decide if one competition deserves more priority.
Do you agree with what Guti said about the current league champion being the favorite to win it again?
I can respect Guti’s opinion. I like to think short-term, and right now I am only concerned about playing a good match against Villarreal and winning three points.
Guti press conference
José María Gutiérrez, Guti, offered Friday’s post-training press conference and expressed how positive and upbeat the team is heading into Sunday’s 2009 opener against Villarreal.
Your thoughts on Villarreal?
They are clearly title hopefuls. They proved it last year and came close to winning. They play well and have players who can decide a match in a matter of seconds. It will be a difficult game for us.
And the team’s newest players?
They haven’t been here very long, but they are adjusting well and are eager to help out.
What do you think about only one being able to play the Champions League?
Rules are rules. They aren’t just here for the next six months, but rather for an extended period of time. They are young and want to do well. Either of the two will contribute a lot and help the team.
What does the team need more, a forward or a midfielder?
It’s up to the coach. I think we need everyone and for everyone to be healthy.
What’s easier to win, La Liga or the Champions League?
They are both difficult and great teams play in each, but Real Madrid is the top candidate for everything. We’ve won the league two years in a row, and now it’s difficult, but not impossible. In the Champions League we are among the favorites to win.
You see Real Madrid as a favorite?
We are the current champions and it’s what we aspire to be again. There’s a big gap, but we will continue fighting.
Was a coaching change really needed?
That’s not my decision either. From my point of view, Schuster did a good job and tried to take the team to the top. The club thought a change was best, but you never know if changes will work out or not. We will make it to the top if we do things the way we should.
Juande or Schuster?
Juande prefers to work on tactics, but training sessions aren’t much different now. All coaches at this level are qualified for the job no matter what style they use.
He gives you less liberty when it comes to tactics?
He likes order in defense and for the team to be well-positioned, but we all have the freedom to move about the pitch.
Is January going to be a key month?
The rest of the season is key for us. A twelve point lead is quite large. I think we can win La Liga, but we cannot make many mistakes. Barcelona have a lot more matches to play than we do in January, so they might tire fast.
Is it true that you run more now and that weight is carefully watched?
Weight is important to Juande and to everyone. I have weighed myself every day before and after training since I joined the first team. We run the same amount, but everyone has his own methods. I think everyone is doing a good job.
Can the euphoria that has gripped Barcelona benefit Real Madrid?
We hope so. What they are experiencing is quite normal. Perhaps it will cause them to lose a little focus and allow other teams to cut into their lead. They know that everyone else is going to continue fighting.
Gago press conference
The last player to hold a press conference in 2008 was Fernando Gago, who described 2008 as a successful year which he hopes to build upon in 2009.
It’s been a good year for you on a personal level. What do you want in 2009?
To continue improving as a footballer. 2009 will be an important year for me and for the team. We have several goals in play, such as the league and the Champions League.
The way La Liga looks now it appears it will be tough to win it. What do you think is easier, the league or Champions League?
Both. As long as we are mathematically still alive I will not throw in the towel. Similar to when I arrived two years ago, there is a substantial lead to overcome, but we ended up winning the league. Football can change very quickly. Barcelona are doing well now, but they can slip up.
Can Barcelona maintain this rhythm?
They also have the Copa del Rey to play, so we need to take advantage in January to try to make it to the Champions League in the best shape possible.
How are the new players coming along?
They have only been here for a few days, but they are important players. The club must have taken notice of them for a reason. They must now adapt to the team and the style of play.
What were the keys to the comeback the team made two years ago?
The key is to begin winning matches, which will also boost our confidence. The first must be this Sunday. It’s our first final.
How do you see Villarreal?
They’re a good team that plays good football. But we are also very eager right now, especially because we must win in January. Teh match is also at home, so we need to do well in front of our fans.
Who will win the Champions League? La Liga? The Copa del Rey?
I hope we win the first two, but we cannot win the Cup. We must fight hard. I have complete faith in this team.
No matter what UEFA decides, you are going to have to compete with Lass for your position.
I don’t care who plays as long as it’s for the good of the team. It does however motivate me to continue improving.
Just another Madridista
Post-match comments
Real Madrid Sporting Director Pedja Mijatovic gave his impressions of the first match of 2009 and commented on the performances of recently signed Huntelaar and Lassana Diarra. Although Juande Ramos believes his men worked hard for their victory on Sunday, he also thinks the team has room for improvement. Klass-Jan Huntelaar was very pleased with his first game as a Madridista. Arjen Robben scored his second goal of the season on Sunday and it proved to be the game-winner against Villarreal. Pepe and Fernando Gago commented on their year-opening win against Villarreal, and also pointed out the importance of working as a team and focusing on winning matches.
MIJATOVIC:
JUANDE RAMOS:
HUNTELAAR:
ROBBEN:
PEPE:
GAGO:
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January 5, 2009 | Categories: Post-match Comments, Spanish Primera División | Tags: Arjen Robben, Fernando Gago, Juande Ramos, Képler Pepe, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Pedja Mijatovic, Villareal CF | Leave A Comment »