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Archive for April 9, 2009

Lass: “I was taught how to work hard and suffer as a child”

Lass Diarra has become a fan favourite in no time. The player talks about how he started playing and shares his views on the role someone in his position should have.

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I learned how to think as a central midefielder by watching Makelele. I was 20 years old and learned what to do at precise moments in each game by watching him play. I learned how to start a play, how to wait, what distance to keep with the defenders and the forwards, when to run down the wings, when to stay in the centre… We are nevertheless different players; he is a pure defensive midfielder, whereas I can venture more in attack.

You shouldn’t make things too complicated when you play in my position. My job is to steal the ball and pass it on. I’m not Zidane. The French national coach always tells me I should help out more in attack. Juande does too. I work hard to make progress and I may be able to do more for the team in the future. Xavi is a great example of a central midfielder who is capable of playing as a number ’10′ or a number ’8′.

I was very small when I was 14 and 15 years old. I still am. Technical coaches used to tell me I wouldn’t be able to become a professional. I had good touch on ball, but they always said the best I could do is go back home. Great players are those who stay strong when the going gets tough. It’s easy to feel fine when everything works out for you, but I’ve learned how to feel well in tough times: when I didn’t play at Chelsea, when things didn’t turn out as I had planned at Arsenal, when I took a step back in my career by signing for a family club like Portsmouth -I always thought I should end up playing on a Champions League team-.

My father is a builder and my mother a house cleaner. We didn’t have much money when I was a child. It wasn’t easy for my parents. They got up at 6:00 and returned home at 20:00. They taught me how to work hard and to how to suffer. My father used to get happy when things didn’t work out for me. ‘This way you’ll learn,’ he used to say, ‘you’ll benefit from suffering.

April 9, 2009 | Categories: Comments | Tags: | Leave A Comment »

Dani Parejo to Realmadrid.com

Dani Parejo is a true Madridista. Bred in the youth system, the midfielder was loaned out to Queens Park Rangers at the start of the campaign, only to be brought back to join the first team in the winter. Parejo firmly believes the team can win the league title.

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What do you think of your first few months on the first team?

I feel fit and I’m anxious to help the team out any way I can. I want to learn in order to improve as a player.

How was your experience in England like?

It was very nice. It helped me mature both as a player and as a person. It was hard for me to leave Real Madrid for the first time, but I think I made the right decision.

Was your adaptation to English football difficult?

My parents moved with me and that helped. I was treated very well at the club from the very first day.

Are both leagues very different?

They play a different game there. It’s very aggressive and long passes and aerial game rule throughout. That experience will help me adapt easily to any other style of football.

Your dream came true when you were brought back to join the first team in the winter…

I think it’s the dream of every kid who likes football. I hope to stay for many years. I’ve reached the sky.

How real are your chances to win the league title?

We firmly believe we can win. Anything’s possible if this streak continues. It happened two years ago and it could very well happen again. I hope it does.

How did you feel when you made your debut against Sporting?

It was my dream. I worked hard to make it and I feel something special when I stepped onto the pitch at El Molinon. I will never forget that game.

Do you follow Real Madrid Castilla?

Very often. I go to the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium whenever I can to see the progress my old team-mates are making.

Do you believe they can get promoted to the Second Division?

I really do. They are having a splendid season.

Which have been the best and worst moments in your career?

The best was winning the Under-19 Euro. Injuries have always been the worst moments. I once had a three month-long injury on one of my arms.

You once said you would have also liked to be a journalist…

I love football, so I would have also liked to be a sport journalist. It would have been a great alternative career and I haven’t completely forgotten about it.

What do you dream of?

I dream of winning La Liga and helping my team-mates as much as I can.

April 9, 2009 | Categories: Interview | Tags: | Leave A Comment »

Marcelo press conference

Marcelo has been niggled since he returned from playing with Brazil, but he says he may be ready to help the team defeat Valladolid this weekend.

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How do you feel from your injury?
I feel fine. I trained today. It felt good to work-out with a ball.

How does the squad feel about the victorious streak it’s having?
We are doing a very good job. We also managed to win the game following the league stoppage. We will try to defeat Valladolid because every point is important.

Do you think Barcelona may start feeling tired for playing in three competitions?
Of course. They have to have a downslide some time. We must remain calm, play our game and take more points. If we keep winning, all we’ll have to do is wait for Barcelona to lose in order to catch up with them.

What did you think of their 4-0 victory last night?
I wasn’t able to watch the game, but I knew about the score. It’s good for them to score four goals.

Do you think the match against them at the Bernabeu will be key to win La Liga?
I’m sure it will be an important game, but we can’t think about it yet. We have to face other teams first and we’ll have to defeat all of them.

Are you ready to return to the starting line-up?
I don’t know. I trained aside from the squad today, but I think I’ll be fine tomorrow and that I’ll be able to train with the rest. I’m sure I’ll be able to play this weekend if that happens.

April 9, 2009 | Categories: Press Conference | Tags: | Leave A Comment »

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