Gago press conference
Fernando Gago said the team should not relax and pointed out that the season hasn’t been decided yet.
Does the squad want the season to end?
We still have to play the important games that remain. Our match on Saturday was rather ugly and complicated things for us, but we still have a mathematical chance to win the title, so we must keep figthing for it.
What do you think of rumours regarding who will leave and join the team?
There isn’t a new President yet. We must concentrate on playing and training as the professionals we all are in order to win on Saturday and make the fans happy. Barcelona can still drop points. People shouldn’t talk about that yet out of respect for the players.
Your name has come up…
I don’t know anything about it. It isn’t true.
Juande Ramos must have told you this crest is important and that you shouldn’t give up…
Sure. We have our pride. We have to win again for the fans and for ourselves. We have to end the season leaving a good impression on people after the run we’ve had.
How did you feel when Barcelona qualified for the Champions League final? Have you spoken to Leo Messi yet?
It was a strange game. I congratulated Leo and Tevez, who plays for Manchester. I’m very happy because they are friends of mine. I hope the best team wins the final.
Do Barcelona deserve to be in the final?
They’ve had an incredible season. You may have disliked yesterday’s match, but Barcelona deserve to be in the final.
What conclusions did you come up with after the Clasico?
There were many. Each of us makes a personal analysis after such a defeat. It will hurt for a long time. We must move on; we’ll have a chance for a rematch in time.
The match in Valencia will be impoortant.
It will be a complicated fixture because they came close to defeating Barcelona. We have to try to win in order to keep our mathematical chances of wining the title alive. We must try to take three points.
Is there anything in particular that worries you about Valencia?
They have very good, quality players. We’ll have a great chance to showcase our style on Saturday.
Do you think they are favourites to reach the Champions League next year in their fight with Villarreal and Atletico Madrid?
It’s going to be tough for them because the three teams are good. I think the outcome will be decided in the final match of the season.
Has anyone talked to you about Florentino Perez? What do you think of the possibility of Valdano rejoining the Club?
I haven’t asked anything. I’ve had dinner with Jorge a few times, but all we talked about was football. I like his view on the sport and his style, but we’ll have to wait to see what happens.
Do you think people value your 17-straight victory record enough?
It is very positive. We’ve had a great run in the second leg. We are fighting with a team that is in better form than us and that has a large cushion over us, but we managed to reduce it in the last few weeks. I am very proud of what we’ve done. Saturday didn’t unfold as expected, but we have to win our next four games to keep our streak alive. We’ve done a good job; we won the title last year with 85 points.
People say the team captains were rude to the IOC delegates…
I didn’t know anything about that. I’ve read about it, but I haven’t spoken to them.
It seems Juande Ramos has been dropped from the future coach lists after the defeat…
Whoever arrives at the Club should value the season we’ve had. It is still soon to talk about that… We’ll see what happens when the new President arrives.
Javi Garcia press conference
Javi Garcia said Real Madrid will fight hard to win the title while there’s still a chance.
Do you think it’s still possible for Real Madrid to win the league title?
It isn’t impossible. Barcelona aren’t the mathematical champions yet. It’s complicated, but we aren’t going to throw in the towel out of respect for this badge and for what’s at stake for the teams we are yet to face.
Your shirt name was Javi ‘Gracia’ on Saturday. Did that bother you?
My father told me after the match. I didn’t even notice.
How is the team preparing for the clash in Valencia?
Much will be at stake for Valencia on Saturday. We will do our best to put more pressure on Barcelona.
How is the team preparing for the rest of the season?
We are having a sensational second leg and we will fight for the title while there’s still a chance. We have to give 100%.
Is it hard to get motivated when there’s going to be an election soon?
We should be above all that. We are used to it. All we have to do is work hard and end the season as best we can.
Do you think you’ll play in any of the remaining four games?
I’ve always said I work hard to play as much as I can. I haven’t had many chances this year, but I’ve been playing more lately. I will do my best till the end.
How do you see your future?
Next season is still along way off. You never know what tomorrow may bring in this world. I just think about tomorrow’s training session.
Should the Club imitate the model Barcelona are using?
Every club has its own philosophy. Nothing should be copied, despite the fact that they are doing a good job. It all comes in streaks; no-one imagined we would be so close to Barcelona.
What do you think of Wenger as a coach?
He’s done great things at Arsenal and the team has always been young.
I’ll get you Drogba, Ivan Marcano and Keirrison says Eduardo Garcia
Eduardo Garcia, a candidate for the presidency, claims to have an agreement with Didier Drogba. He also added that he would sign a Brazilian play-maker currently plying his trade in his homeland and a left-back from Racing Santander. Reports in Spain suggest the duo could be Palmeiras ace Keirrison and 21-year-old defender Ivan Marcano.
He says that should he win the Primera Liga club’s elections in June, he will deliver the Chelsea striker. While speaking to AS he said:
We have agreements with three players. A Champions League centre-forward who scores goals in England. We could present him just after being elected. With people like Drogba we are looking for immediate results.
Royston Drenthe too seems to be interested in presidency. Sadly, his span at the club isn’t that big for him to be a candidate. The Dutch midfielder though has claimed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be a Real Madrid player next season. Heis quoted as saying on sportmediaset.it that:
Everyone at Real Madrid knows that he (Ibrahimovic) will be here next year.The money to buy Ibra is not a problem.
What have you got to offer Senor Perez?
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Rubén de la Red is just waiting for the green signal
Ruben de la Red is hoping to be given the green signal to resume his career in the next few weeks. The midfielder has been sidelined for the most of the current campaign after he collapsed during a King’s Cup match against Real Union on 30th October. He returned to Madrid the following morning after spending the night in a hospital. He has been out of action ever since.
The player finished his first set of medical examinations on 3 December. During the previous four weeks, he took several tests, such as electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, Holter ECGs, ergometry tests, nuclear cardiac megnetic resonances, coronary exams, electrophysiological studies and genetic studies.
He underwent further medical examination as a preventive measure and was discharged from the Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital on Friday and is currently resting in his home.
Carlos Diez, Director of Real Madrid’s Medical Services, summoned eight world renowned cardiology experts to assess the results of the tests. Their verdict was:
The player fainted due to efforts that had a probable cardiological origin.
This caused the our Medical Services to decide that de la Red should not do any physical activity until the results of the genetic tests arrive and ergo he is yet to be free to make a return to professional football and remains a frustrated figure.
One more test is set to be carried out in the next few months, with De La Red hoping that will provide medical staff with the positive results they are looking for. While speaking to El Pais he said:
They (the doctors) have told me this really is the last test and that in a month-and-a-half I will have the final results. All the results have been negative so far.
I hope he returns soon. I know we all do.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Election calendar: Official dates approved by the Board
As per Tuesday’s Board of Directors meeting at the Santiago Bernabeu, the following is the official calendar the forthcoming elections to the Presidency and Board of Directors of Real Madrid will follow.
18 May: Board meeting.
19 May: President addresses Electoral Board.
20 May: Electoral Board sends official summons to be published on noticeboard and in two Madrid-based newspapers.
21 May: Summons published on club’s noticeboard and in Madrid-based newspapers.
22 May: Ten-day limit for presentation of bids begins.
31 May: Final day for presentation of bids.
1 June:
- If no last-minute resources are presented, the Electoral Board will announce the date of election will be held. If there are, there may be a two to four day delay.
- If there is only one valid bid, its members will immediately be proclaimed as the new members of the Board of Directors. If there is more than one, elections will be held no later than 15 days subsequent to the presentation of bids.
14 June: Election day.
15 June: Investiture.
Higuain press conference
Gonzalo Higuain was sad about the defeat in the Clasico, but he said the team must move on and do its best to win the next four games.
How does the squad feel a few days after the Clasico?
It was a tough game, that’s all. We know we can’t do anything about it and we’ll have to look at the games we have left. We will try to do our best for our prestige and for the fans.
Do you think the team’s had a good season?
We stood undefeated for many games and that’s something to be proud of. Barcelona have had a phenomenal season, but it isn’t over yet. We want to win the four games we’ve got left.
Does the squad believe it can still win the league title?
It’s very hard, but we are going to carry on. Barcelona are playing at a very high level, but we have to try out of respect for this crest.
How do the players feel when there’s rumours about their future?
That’s normal at Real Madrid. We have to try to do a good job and wait to see what happens.
Does the squad need drastic or minor changes?
I don’t think it comes down to the players. We will try to end the season as best as we can in order to put pressure on Barcelona. There’s talk about signings every year, but that’s normal at such an important club.
Have you ever felt worse than during the Clasico?
It was hard to lose like that, but we shouldn’t think about it any more.
What did you talk about before training?
That’s between us, but it is our duty to win our last four games.
Are Real Madrid and Barcelona really that different?
I don’t think we should talk about that. They are having a great season, but we’ve also done a good job and we must now take the points that remain in order to have 90 at the end of the campaign.
You have a long contract and you’ve scored 21 goals this season. Are you sure you’ll stay next year?
I hope I do. I dream about wearing this shirt many more years. I am very happy here.
Who do you want to win, Chelsea or Barcelona?
Whoever deserves it more.
I’m not sure the squad has enough strength to keep fighting after such a hard blow…
It’s tough, but we can’t fix what happened on Saturday. We have to win our next four games in order to put as much pressure as we can on Barcelona.
Do you feel it is impossible to catch up to Barça?
It’s tough when the other team doesn’t make mistakes after you’ve had such an amazing run, but we have to move on.
Casillas said the team lacked competitive players and Juande agreed with him. What do you think?
We have to recover the prestige the team had against the greatest sides in the world and we’ll have to do things well in order to achieve that.
Once a Cunt Always a Cunt ft. Luis Enrique Martínez García
We all know who cunts are. There are several in the world right now. What we also know is that the moment someone turns out to be a cunt then such a someone will always remain a cunt no matter what happens. We’re going to see about one such cunt in…
Luis Enrique Martínez García
Luis Enrique Martínez García (born May 8, 1970 in Gijón, Asturias), known as Luis ‘el coño’ Enrique, is a former Spanish international cunt. His usual position was right or attacking midfielder where he was unequivocally harmless, but he was notable for his good-for-nothing character, having played in all positions throughout his career except central defenderand goalkeeper only because if he had played there then even my grandma would have scored three and made two.
After starting his career with Sporting de Gijón, Luis Enrique spent most of it with the two biggest Spanish clubs: first Real Madrid for five seasons where he was picked for humanitarian reasons and, in a stunning move which proved the cunt-stein law that once a cunt always a cunt, he saw out his contract and moved to FC Barcelona on a free transfer. The Catalan club’s supporters were at first understandably hesitant about their new acquisition contemplating whether he was a true cunt or a fake one as he was from Real Madrid of all teams, but he soon won the culés heart, staying eight years amongst pure cunts, and even becoming first-team captain.
On August 10, 2004, at the age of 34, he announced his retirement, feeling that he could no longer keep up to the standards he set for himself. His career as an active cunt was over as he thought he was no longer fit enough to be a cunt.
In June 18, 2008, Enrique returned to Barcelona, taking over the reins of FC Barcelona B, which was renamed FC Barcelona Atlètic Cunts for 2008-09. He stated:
I have come (to the) home (of cunts), I finished playing (and became a professional cunt) here and now I will start coaching (the upcoming young cunts) here.
Vete a la mierda coño!
Hala Madrid!!
P.S: The title should have been Where Are They Now: Luis Enrique Martínez García, but hell I don’t give a crap about where he is now!
Real Madrid Castilla 2-1 Navalcarnero
Real Madrid Castilla are still well in the playoff hunt. Acunña scored a late winner to give the academy side an important win against Navalcarnero on Sunday. The visitors gave the Whites all they could handle, but thanks to the victory, Castilla head into the final week following a formidable season.
REAL MADRID CASTILLA: Felipe Ramos; Velayos, Marcos Alonso, Schorch, Gary, Tebar, Vazquez (Mosquera min. 59), Zamora (Denis min.82), Palanca; Acuña, Bueno (Javi H. min. 65)
NAVALCARNERO: Escribano; Ruben, Alvaro, N.Gonzalez, Arribas, Jorge (Rafael min. 31); Boris; Gonzalo,Tello (Redondo min. 68), Zafra (Valentin min.62); Rayco.
GOALS:
1-0: Jose Zamora
1-1: Redondo
2-1: Acuña
Real Madrid 2-6 Barcelona
Real Madrid battled until the very end, but Barcelona were too much to handle at the Bernabeu. The Whites felt the absence of Guti and Sneijder in the midfield and Pepe in defense, the two sections of the pitch dominated by the Azulgranas. The defeat brings the impressive 18-match undefeated streak to an end and distances Real Madrid from the league title.
The Clasico got of to a pacey start as Xavi quickly tested Casillas and Robben had a shot sent to corner by Puyol. With the upper hand in the title race on the line, Juande Ramos asked for more intensity from his players. Eto’o tried his luck on 6′ but was stymied by Casillas. The match slowed and tension increased, but Higuain broke the ice by placing a header into the back of the net following a run by Robben down the right flank and cross by Ramos. Madrid took the early lead and appeared to be well on track, but Barça were just getting started.
Five minutes after the Bernabeu exploded in jubilation Henry received a pass from Messi and beat a charging Iker. With barely any time to reorganize, Barcelona managed to strike again. Puyol met Xavi’s free kick and beat Casillas to give the visitors the lead. Real Madrid responded and the Robben-Higuain connection nearly saw Alves put a ball past his own keeper, but Barcelona claimed possession and ten minutes before halftime Messi put the third on the scoreboard. The Argentine received a pass from Xavi and with his left foot placed the ball between Casillas and the right post.
The Whites reduced the deficit early in the second half when Sergio Ramos met a cross by Robben to beat Valdes and give hope to Madridista faithful. But the excitement was short-lived as Henry capitalized on a mistake by Casillas to score in front of an open goal. Juande Ramos sat Marcelo and brought in Huntelaar in search of an epic turnaround. Barcelona cooled their engines while Real Madrid fought for every ball with all their might. It simply wasn’t enough. The undeniable Azulgrana talent continued to produce results. Xavi combined with Messi, who squeeked a ball by Casillas’ near post.
Barcelona weren’t done yet and Pique got in on the action down the home stretch of a Clasico that had only one owner. Barcelona were by far the best team to visit the Bernabeu this season. Hats off to Madridistas for their good sportsmanship as they bid farewell to the victors with applause. An important battle was lost, but Real Madrid will continue fighting for this league until their very last breath.
Lineups:
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos (van der Vaart 71′), Cannavaro, Metzelder, Heinze, Marcelo (Huntelaar 58′), Gago, Lass, Robben (Javi Garcia 78′), Higuaín, Raúl;
Barcelona: Víctor Valdés, Dani Alves, Puyol, Piqué, Abidal, Xavi, Touré Yaya (Sergio Busquets 85′), Iniesta (Bojan 85′), Messi, Eto´o, Henry (Keita 60′);
Goals:
1-0, min. 14 – Higuaín
1-1, min. 18 – Henry
1-2, min. 20 – Puyol
1-3, min. 35 – Messi
2-3, min. 55 – Sergio Ramos
2-4, min. 57 – Henry
2-5, min. 74 – Messi
2-6, min. 82 – Piqué
Referee: Undiano Mallenco.
Booked: Abidal, Sergio Ramos, Puyol, Marcelo, van der Vaart, Javi Garcia.
Stadium: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.
Attendance: 80,000.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona | Spanish Primera Liga | Round 34 | Preview
There’s little left to tell about Saturday’s epic showdown between Real Madrid and Barça, when the world come to a halt to watch the mother of all matches. This year’s Clasico is easy the match of the year; a game that has no bearing on the league table but that may just change the final outcome of the championship.
“The only favorite when playing at the Bernebeu is Real Madrid,“ said Raul two days before the Clasico; an opinion seconded by the entire squad and all of Madridismo. Bettting houses reduced the odds favoring Barcelona in recent weeks and the Whites continue earning more respect heading into the showdown. If Real Madrid really want this Liga, it’s time to prove it. A victory would move the current champions within one point of the lead. It’s as easy as that, and to accomplish the feat Juande Ramos has called up 19 men.
The most notable absence will be that of Guti, who sprained his ankle on Wednesday and will now watch from the stands. Sneijder is also unavailable with muscle problems in his left leg. Despite not being able to count on these two important players, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Arjen Robben recovered sooner than expected and has been given the green light. It still isn’t known however whether he will be included in the starting eleven or come in as a replacement once the game is under way. Heinze will also suit up for the first time in two weeks.
Barcelona know it’s time to take care of business. Despite having the smallest of cushions, they are well aware of what Real Madrid are capable of. A defeat at the Bernabeu can put their title hopes in serious jeopardy. With the second leg of the Champions League semifinal just around the corner, Pep Guardiola may be forced to make some changes with next week’s match at Stamford Bridge in mind.
The most significant loss for Barça is that of Rafa Marquez, who tore his meniscus against Valencia. Pique and Puyol will control the center of the defense accompanied by Alves and Abidal along the flanks. Questions remain to be answered in the midfield and attack, where Henry may be asked to sit for kick off and Iniesta moved to the wing with next Wednesday’s match in mind. Busquets or Keita could get the nod in the midfield, while the presence of Eto’o and Messi in attack is most probable.
The spirit of the Clasico is reverberating in the air as the hours, minutes and seconds until kick off wind down. This is always the most special of matches, and this year it is almost worth a league title.
Robben makes the cut
Juande Ramos has chosen 19 men for Saturday’s 20:00 CET match against Barça. One of them will have to be dropped before the match kicks-off. Arjen Robben has recovered from the fibrilar tear on his right leg and will be able to play. Henize has also recovered and will be able to face the eternal foe. Sneijder and Guti will miss the clash because of their injuries. Salgado, Pepe and Codina have been left out. Faubert is on the list.
SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek
Defenders: Heinze, Torres, Marcelo, Ramos, Cannavaro, Metzelder, Garcia
Midfielders: Van der Vaart, Parejo, Gago, Lass, Robben, Faubert
Forwards: Raul, Higuain, Huntelaar, Saviola
INJURY REPORT:
SNEIJDER: Grade II tear on the left femoral biceps. Medical treatment and physiotherapy. Gym and field work.
GUTI: Grade II sprain on the lateral external ligament of the right ankle. Medical treatment and physiotherapy. Gym and field work.
Juande Ramos press conference
Juande Ramos gave a press conference the day before the crucial clash with Barcelona.
You placed your bet on Barcelona in the first leg. Who do you bet on now?
That’s not true. I said that if people wished to become millionaires they should bet on Real Madrid. I’m not going to place any bets this time.
Now that Barcelona have faced Valencia and Chelsea, do you think the formula to play against them has been revealed?
Every team is different. We all have to try to improve without our defects showing. I think you can use many different formulas to do things well.
Is this the most important game of the season?
It is because it’s our next game. Last week it was the match in Sevilla because losing would have probably meant we’d have no chances of winning the title. If we fail to win tomorrow, Barcelona will distance themselves from us. The match against Valencia will be the most important game next week, because it is the one that follows.
Faubert doesn’t play. Are the Club’s doors shut to him?
Robben plays in his position and he is performing magnificently well. Faubert arrived to help the team if it lacked something. He hasn’t had many chances because the team is doing a good job. No-one here has the doors shut to him.
Would it be a huge prowess to win the title?
The only reason why Real Madrid aren’t leaders after such an impressive run is because another team is also performing well. Both are quality sides and neither will give up the fight. I hope we can get closer to Barcelona.
Which is Barcelona’s weak spot?
Barcelona are doing a fantastic job. They have few weaknesses. We will try to prevent them from having a good day because we have a chance to be just one point behind them.
Will Robben be a starter?
He’s trained in the last couple of days, but we will have to decide if we need him from the start; playing him early on could be risky.
Have you got an anti-Messi plan?
I have an anti-Barcelona plan. Do you think Xavi, Iniesta, Alves and Eto’o don’t pose a threat? Focusing on Messi does not give us any sort of guarantee. We will have to work hard as a team to stop Barcelona as a whole.
Do you think you are proving to be a great coach?
I coach for my team, not to prove anything. I’m only worried about working with my team and do so the best way I can in order to catch up to Barcelona. My individual role is of no importance; Real Madrid is above all that.
Could Barcelona still feel tired from their match against Chelsea?
They are playing in three competitions and that usually gets teams more tired, but it doesn’t guarantee anything. It could be a reason for them to be even more excited about the match, which wouldn’t be good for us.
Is Guti’s absence very important?
It is always bad whenever a player is injured. Guti played very well in our last few games and his absence is important, but other men on the team can do equally well.
People say the match will be a clash between Barcelona’s beautiful football and Madrid’s different style.
Both teams are different. Each has its own style and capitalises on it. Barcelona’s brilliant football earns them good results. Our style is different, but we also earn good results. Despite what everybody says, Real Madrid have played very good games. Goals don’t just happen. We are doing a good job. We’ve played good, not so good and a couple of bad games.
Would it be fair for Real Madrid to win La Liga?
There’s no doubt about it. The most regular side wins the league, which is the fairest championship there is.
Will few goals be scored in the match?
The final result is what counts. We will have greater chances to win the better we play, but no-one believes showcasing a brilliant style is more important than a good result. The game will be even if neither team risks playing for it.
Have you a surprise hidden up your sleve?
It is hard to surprise when it comes to Real Madrid and Barcelona. People know what variations on both teams may be like.
Will it predominantly be a game of players or coaches?
We all have our role to play. They play and I coach.
Would it surprise you if Messi or eto’o didn’t play in order to be fit for Chelsea?
I would have to know how fit they are. I would use my best men for the match if they are all ready. I wouldn’t if I had doubts because I’d rather they played in Chelsea. Barcelona will still be leaders if they lose at the Bernabeu, but they risk elimination in London.
Are you worried about the goal average?
We will try to do our best in 90 minutes. I don’t know how many goals we’ll score. We just want to win. The more we score the better, but victory is what really counts.
Torres to Grada Blanca
Miguel Torres has been playing as a starter in recent games and giving great performances. The defender dreams about being a starter against Barcelona and hopes the team cuts distances even shorter with the eternal foe.
You must be excited about Saturday’s game.
The truth is it is the most anticipated match of the year and it is going to take place at the right time. I think we couldn’t have done our homework better and the most beautiful part of the campaign is now about to begin. We hope the fans have fun and that the match is intense. We especially hope to win and take three points. That’s what’s essential.
Would you be afraid to play at the Bernabeu as a Barcelona player on Saturday?
Sure. I think every team that plays at the Bernabeu has a sense of fear because they have to give 120% if they are to win. It’s a difficult situation for them because they have to prove they are better than us. We are doing a great job and I believe the match will be beautiful and no-one should miss it. I hope we win; if we don’t, everything we’ve achieved until now will be meaningless.
Petitions for tickets have been so overwhelming that the Bernabeu would have been packed twice. The atmosphere is going to be impressive.
It will be spectacular. The support we get from Madridistas in games like these is incredible. We can’t disappoint the people that worry about us and support us every weekend. The least we can do is win. It will be even better if we do so by playing well.
Is there a favourite to win the match?
I believe we are the only favourite side when we play at home, but both teams are playing at a very high level and they both have excellent players that have to prove their worth in encounters like these.
There are polls in Barcelona in which Real Madrid come out as favourites to win the clash.
That’s interesting because Barcelona should have a majority of Barça fans. Nevertheless, these polls mean nothing to us because they are really aimed at the fans. We have to prove why we are so close to Barcelona and we believe we can win the match. We wouldn’t be in this situation if we believed otherwise. We have a chance to cut the distance by three more points and put even more pressure on them. I hope everything turns out as we expect it to, but if not, there are still four games in which we can make a comeback.
What does the squad talk about?
We talk about football despite all the things other people talk about trying to destabilize us. There is a spectacular atmosphere on the squad. We all get along and every player is ready to give 120% on Saturday. There are players on the squad that haven’t been given many chances this year that are nevertheless performing very well now.
When Robben’s missing, Marcelo scores. When Pepe’s out, Metzelder steps up and serves an assist. You did the same when Heinze missed a game. The defensive line is amazing and the entire squad is proving its quality.
What’s important is that we all consider training sessions to be some sort of exam. It’s important to work hard throughout the week because there’s room for all of us to play and we must show the coach that those who normally don’t play could easily be starters if given the chance. I’m happy with the chances he’s giving me and also because I see that some team-mates who’ve had a rough year are being given playing time now.
What’s the magic formula to defeat Barcelona?
I don’t know if there is one, but there strength lies in keeping ball possession. They have players that are very good at keeping the ball and they all pull off fast counterattacks. I think we’ll be able to cause some damage if we focus on keeping ball possession as opposed to running around chasing the ball. We are scoring many goals from the few chances we get. Our attacking front is having a great run. We have to capitalise on our strengths.
Who scares you the most, Eto’o or Messi?
If I’m lucky to play, I will just focus on whomever I have to mark in my position. I will keep an eye on every player because we have to stand united and help each other out. I hope things turn out well and that people end up saying the performance of the player I shadowed was weaker than mine.
Will the outcome on Saturday be decisive?
It will for the time being, but many things could happen in the games that follow. We will face the leaders, so I believe it’s the most important match of the season at this point.
Do you think Barcelona will give in to pressure if you win?
I hope so. They’ve been leaders for many weeks and they’ve seen us fight hard right behind them. Winning would leave us so close to them that it would be much easier for us to overtake them in the future. I guess they will feel pressure, especially knowing they will face sides for which much is at stake at this stage in the competition.
Do you feel the necessity to win by more than two goals in order to win the goal average if you were to draw at the top of the table?
That’s important, but I think winning with whatever result, even 1-0, is paramount. We will naturally try to score as many goals as we can, especially if the game happens to be unexpectedly comfortable for us. We’ve proven we can score throughout a game, even in the very last minute. I hope we can also win the goal average.
Can the squad resist not looking at what’s left in the calendar and using math to see what its chances to win the title are?
I think that’s something the coach and his staff do because they plan out each week. We footballers focus on each game at a time. Barcelona are our next opponent and we will face them in a highly anticipated match at the Bernabeu. Our primary goal is to defeat them; we will worry about the points we need to win after that.
You experienced a similar situation on the team two years ago. Do you think it could happen again and that you could win the title this year?
This reminds us of that, but I think each season is different. We have enough points to probably win the title in past editions of the championship, but the situation now is different. Our mentality has to change. We have to win come what may. I think we have chances of pulling it off.
The team is earning spectacular numbers…
Barcelona are having a spectacular season and the only way to beat them is by doing what we’ve been doing so far. I think we are doing the best we can and proving we are capable of pulling through difficult times. I’m very happy with the team’s reaction to adversity. We have to prove that everything we’ve done so far has had nothing to do with chance.
Just another Madridista
Post-match comments
Real Madrid Sporting Director Pedja Mijatovic assessed his team’s defeat at the hands of Barcelona. With little to say, Juande Ramos gave his impression of the Clasico. Raul was one of the most visibly upset players following Real Madrid’s defeat in the Clasico. Iker Casillas and Gabriel Heinze spoke to the press following the bitter Clasico defeat.
Pedja Mijatovic
Juande Ramos
Casillas
Heinze
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May 3, 2009 | Categories: Post-match Comments, Spanish Primera División | Tags: El Clásico, Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, FC Barcelona, Iker Casillas, Juande Ramos, Pedja Mijatovic, Raúl González Blanco | 1 Comment »