Who needs El Niño when you can get El Guaje!
Now that we’ve officially signed Kaká, David Villa Sánchez is apparently our number one target. MARCA reports that Real apparently have agreed a contract worth 38 million euros with Los Che, Villa’s current employers, and that the move is set to be complete very soon.
Earlier reports emanating from Spain said that Chelsea and Real Madrid were battling it out to sign the prized Valencia striker. It was said that the Blues are reportedly prepared to pay £38million in cash for the 27-year-old, while the Spanish giants are said to be offering £24million plus striker Alvaro Negredo. Also Chelsea’s sporting director Frank Arnesen and Jorge Valdano of Madrid are currently in Valencia for make-or-break talks with the club and his agent, Jose Luis Tamargo.
Villa is set to decide this week on which he prefers, with reports in Spain saying he is close to joining Real. But while Tamargo has previously insisted that the Spanish international will not move away from his homeland, he now says ‘sporting ambition’ is also important in the decision. Tamargo told The Sun:
The key here is not just the money being offered but the sporting ambition of the club. David has never only been interested in money.
Chelsea nor Real have yet to comment on the speculation linking them with Villa.
If we do get Villa as said above, we will definitely be offloading two of our strikers other than Negredo. Javier Saviola is surely going to be the first one to leave. The second one, even though it is going to be tough, has to be Ruud van Nistelrooy. Manu Pellegrini is said to have the final say in deciding over Ruud’s future at the Bernabeu with Tottenham and Panathanaikos said to be interested buyers.
On the other hand, rumor has it that Florentino Perez’s next target is… wait for it… yes, Cristiano Ronaldo. Buoyed after signing Kaka, the club’s supremo said:
We’re always thinking about great players, Cristiano Ronaldo and (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic are among other great players around the world,” Perez said. “We all know that these are players that we would like but they all can’t come. Ronaldo is a great player who we’d like to bring to the club, but first we have to speak to Manchester United because the important thing is for us to maintain a good rapport with everyone.
In other news Barca are set to be behind Karim Benzema and Javier Mascherano. So I guess whatever we are intending to do, whoever we are intending to buy we need to do it fast.
What do they say about Kaká…
The votes are in, and according to everyone from Pele to Giorio Armani, Kaka is one of the most admired men in the world of football.
Leonardo:
It was love at first sight. He was talented when he arrived and I could really identify with him.
Carlo Ancelotti:
He is very difficult to cover, he is good at reading plays, he gets in on the action… and he also has the same instinct and ice in his veins that Platini had in front of goal.
Genaro Gatusso:
He has become one of the symbols of our team and we all appreciate him.
Franco Baresi:
He is elegant, yet defining. His technique is flawless, but what is amazing is that his movements are always vertical when he executes at top speed.
Enzo Francescoli:
He has proven that he is the best player in the world and Milan revolves around him.
Butragueño:
There is no question he is one of the best in the world. He has always behaved correctly and he would be an important player for Real Madrid.
Pele:
Kaka is a role model. He is a balanced athlete who is responsible and worries about his career.
Zinedine Zidane:
I wouldn’t mind if he wore my shirt. In fact, I would love for Kaka to wear number ’5′.
Giorgio Armani:
I admire him for his talent. My company aspires to be like him: a natural and elegant face. He doesn’t need to shout for attention. His character naturally attracts people, whether it is on the field or in a company meeting room.
Iker Casillas:
He is an exceptional player and magnificent professional. We are thrilled to have him because he is here to contribute.
Fabio Cannavaro:
Kaka is going to a great city. He will feel right at home. He will have to work hard all year to hasten his adaptation.
Jorge Valdano:
Real Madrid should always be present in these decision forums because, amongst other things, it has to defend its interests. Everyone knows that every sport, especially football, is an emotive event. They all attract the media, which makes them get out of hand sometimes. Regulation organisations should be established in order to let sport return to common sense.
Kaka’s signing wasn’t an easy process, neither with his former club nor with the player himself. It was a complex process because everyone was in a different place. What at first looks easy really isn’t. We have to assimilate Kaka’s signing before announcing future players. We have to take things slowly because we’ve done a lot in just one week. We will work as intensely as before, but we also depend on other clubs and we have little time in which to make a move.
Kaka is the sort of player that will put the Club back in the spotlight, but it will also help it return to excellence. That’s what the Club strives to achieve. The summer is long and we’ll try to build a competitive team. It’s always good news to see a competitive player at the Bernabeu.
The Club is working on many things simultaneously. We will have to mend things along the way because some of our goals probably won’t be achieved. We’ll have to look for alternatives with the transfer of some of our players.
We have needs we’ll have to try to compensate by making signings that have to make us better. Kaka’s is one of them and that’s why we’re happy. But we depend on the market and things aren’t running as smoothly as we would like them to. We will work simultaneosly on signing players and transferring others, and we’ll see what sort of squad we have left in the end. It will probably be better than the squad we had last season; that is our primary goal.
Profile: Kaká
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, best known as Kaká, was born on April 22, 1982 in Brasilia to Simone Cristina Santos Leite and Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite (a civil engineer). He had a financially-secure upbringing that allowed him to focus on both school and football at the same time. His younger brother, Rodrigo (known as Digão), is also a professional footballer.
When he was seven, his family moved to São Paulo. His school had arranged him in a local youth club called “Alphaville,” who qualified to the final in a local tournament. There he was discovered by Brazilian side São Paulo, who offered an assignment. At the age of fifteen, Kaká suffered a career-threatening and possibly paralysis-inducing spinal fracture as a result of a swimming pool accident, but remarkably made a full recovery. He attributes his recovery to God and has since tithed his income to his church.
São Paulo (2001-2003; 59 appearances; 23 goals)
Kaká began his club career with São Paulo at the age of eight. He signed a contract at fifteen and led the São Paulo youth squad to Copa de Juvenil glory. Kaká made his senior side debut in January 2001 and scored twelve goals in 27 appearances, in addition to leading São Paulo to its first and only Torneio Rio-São Paulo championship. He scored ten in 22 matches the following season, and by this time his performance was soon attracting attention from European clubs. Kaká made a total of 58 appearances for São Paulo, scoring 23 times.
AC Milan (2003-2009; 270 appearances; 95 goals)
The steady European interest in Kaká culminated in his signing with Italian club A.C. Milan in 2003 for a fee of €8.5 million euros, described in retrospect as “peanuts” by club owner Silvio Berlusconi. Within a month, he cracked the starting lineup, and his Serie A debut was in a 2–0 win over Ancona. He scored ten goals in thirty appearances that season, as Milan won the Scudetto and the UEFA Super Cup.
Kaká was a part of the five-man midfield in the 2004–05 season, usually playing in a withdrawn role behind striker Andriy Shevchenko. He scored seven goals in 36 domestic appearances as Milan finished runner-up in the Scudetto race. Despite Milan losing the 2004–05 Champions League final to Liverpool on penalties, he was nonetheless voted the best midfielder of the tournament.
2005–06 saw Kaká score his first hat-tricks in domestic competition. On April 9, 2006, he scored his first Rossoneri hat-trick against Chievo; all three goals were scored in the second half. The following season, he scored his first Champions League hat-trick in a 4–1 group stage win over the Belgian side Anderlecht.
Shevchenko’s departure to Chelsea for the 2006–07 season allowed Kaká to become the focal point of Milan’s offense as he alternated between the midfield and striker positions. He finished as the top scorer in the 2006–07 Champions League campaign with ten goals. One of them helped the Rossoneri eliminate Celtic in the quarterfinals on a 1–0 aggregate, and three others proved fatal for Manchester United in the semifinals despite Milan losing the first leg.
Kaká added the Champions League title to his trophy case for the first time when Milan defeated Liverpool on May 23, 2007. Though he went scoreless, he won a free kick that led to the first of Filippo Inzaghi’s two goals, and provided the assist for the second. For his stellar play throughout the competition, he was voted the Vodafone Fans’ Player of the Season in a poll of over 100,000 UEFA.com visitors. On August 30, Kaká was named by UEFA as both the top forward of the 2006–07 CL season and Club Footballer of the Year.
He played his 200th career match with Milan in a 1–1 home draw with Catania on September 30, and on October 5, he was named the 2006–07 FIFPro World Player of the Year. On 2 December 2007, Kaká became the eighth Milan player to win the Ballon d’Or, as he finished with a decisive 444 votes, long ahead of runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo. He signed a contract extension through 2013 with Milan on February 29, 2008.
Due to his contributions on and off the pitch, Time magazine named Kaká in the Time 100, a list of the world’s 100 most influential people, on May 2. On October 14, he cast his footprints into the Estádio do Maracanã’s sidewalk of fame, in a section dedicated to the memory of the country’s top players. He won the honor again in 2009.
Brazil (2002-present; 63 appearances; 23 goals)
Kaká was called up for the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship but the Brazilians crashed out to Ghana at the quarterfinals. Few months later, he made his debut for Brazil in a friendly match against Bolivia on January 31, 2002. He was part of the 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning squad, but played only 25 minutes[31], all of which were in the first round match against Costa Rica.
In 2003, Kaká was the captain for the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament, where Brazil, competing as with their Under-23 team, finished as runner-up to Mexico. He scored three goals during the tournament. He was included in Brazil’s squad for 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany He appeared in all five matches and scored one goal in a 4–1 win over Argentina in the final.
Kaká started in his first FIFA World Cup finals in 2006, scoring his first and only goal in a 1–0 victory over Croatia in Brazil’s opening match. He was unable to keep up the momentum for the remainder of the tournament, as Brazil was eliminated by France in the quarterfinals. On September 3, 2006, he received the ball off a deflection from an Argentina corner kick and outran Lionel Messi while taking the ball down three quarters of the field to score.
On May 12, 2007, citing an exhaustive schedule of Serie A, Champions League and national team play, Kaká openly bowed out of the 2007 Copa América, which Brazil won. After missing out on the Copa América, he returned to play in Brazil’s friendly match against Algeria on August 22, 2007.
Personal Life
He lives a healthy lifestyle. He doesn’t drink alcohol, he doesn’t party at night and he dribbles past temptation as easily as he does past his markers. He is a good person, an exemplary husband and he leads his life based on strong religious convicition. He belongs to the Evangelical Church and one more than one occasion has confessed to wanting to be a minister once he hangs up his boots. That is Kaka.
Kaka once explained during an interview on Brazilian television that his life revolves around religion and that it is the secret of his success being that God shows him the way. Faith is such an important aspect of Kaka’s life that he contemplates becoming a minister of the Evangelical Church once he retires. At the age of 18 he suffered a career-threatening and possible paralysis-inducing spinal fracture, but according to Kaka, Jesus allowed him to recover and become the footballer player he is today. It’s not about the fame, money or glory for Kaka.
An emblem on his boots reads Dio e fedele (God is faithful), but it isn’t the only religious reference Kaka has made during his football career. During the 2007 Champions League final between Milan and Liverpool, Kaka knelt down on the turf and removed his shirt to reveal a t-shirt reading I belong to Jesus.
Kaka and Carolina Celico met and began dating in 2002. The relationship remained intact when Kaka left Sao Paulo for Italy in 2003. She was still in school and they would only see one another when Kaka returned home for short visits, but Carolina’s plan was to move to Italy. Although he began thinking about marriage when he was 20, Kaka had to wait another three years because Carolina was too young. The couple finally tied the knot on 23 December 2005 in an Evangelical church in Sao Paulo. Their first child, a boy named Lucas, was born on 10 June 2008.
Kaka and Carolina Celico
His nickname is pronounced as it is spelled, with stress on the second syllable, and is a common term of endearment of “Ricardo” in Brazil. In Kaká’s case, it was born from younger brother Rodrigo calling him “Caca” due to his inability to pronounce “Ricardo” when they were young; it eventually evolved into Kaká. He is occasionally called “Ricky Kaká” by the European media.
Honours
- Copa São Paulo de Juniores: 2000
- Torneio Rio-São Paulo: 2001
- Super Campeonato Paulista: 2002
- Serie A: 2004
- Italian Super Cup: 2004
- UEFA Champions League: 2007
- UEFA Super Cup: 2007
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2007
- FIFA World Cup: 2002
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 2005
- Revista Placar Bola de Ouro: 2002
- Campeonato Brasileiro Bola de Prata (best player by position): 2002
- CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI: 2003
- Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year: 2004, 2006, 2007
- Serie A Footballer of the Year: 2004, 2007
- UEFA Champions League Bronze Top scorer: 2005/2006
- UEFA Champions League Best Midfielder: 2005
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2006, 2007
- FIFPro World XI: 2006, 2007, 2008
- UEFA Champions League Top Scorer: 2006–07
- UEFA Champions League Best Forward: 2006–07
- UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2007
- FIFPro World Player of the Year: 2007
- Ballon d’Or: 2007
- FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2007
- Toyota Award: 2007
- FIFA World Player of the Year: 2007
- Onze d’Or: 2007
- IFFHS World‘s Best Playmaker: 2007
- IAAF Latin Sportsman of the Year: 2007
- Time 100: 2008
- Time 100: 2009
- Maracanã Hall Of Fame: 2008
- Samba d’Or: 2008
- FIFA Team of the Year: 2008
Kaká becomes a Madridista!
YES. IT IS TRUE.
THE MAN IS HERE.
REAL MADRID CF HAVE SIGNED BRAZILIAN MIDFIELDER KAKÁ FROM AC MILAN IN A REPORTED €65M DEAL FOR THE NEXT SIX YEARS.
THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ON OUR WEBSITE:
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, Kaka, now plays for Real Madrid following the deal reached with A.C. Milan. The Brazilian footballer satisfactorily passed a full medical checkup. Kaka has signed a contract linking him to Real Madrid for the next six seasons.
THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ON AC MILAN’S WEBSITE:
From next season, Kaka will play at Real Madrid. AC Milan thanked the man and the great champion Kaka for his decisive contribution to the many victories achieved in the six years of his commitment. The loss of technique, while serious, can be remedied. It will be very difficult to fill the void that will be left by Kak, a shining example of professionalism, commitment and professionalism. AC Milan, (according to) the wishes of the managers, players and supporters of the Rossoneri, offer him the most cordial and affectionate wishes for the continuation of his sporting career.
A press conference with the 27-year-old is planned for 0100 BST on Tuesday. The fee is reported to be £56m, which would be a new world record in pounds, surpassing the £45.6m Madrid paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001. The official unveiling though would have to wait till the end of the month as Kaká would be on international duty with Brazil in South Africa at the Confederations Cup.
Para Siempre Blanco!!
Hala Madrid!!
From next season, Kaka will play at Real Madrid.
“AC Milan thanked the man and the great champion Kaka for his decisive contribution to the many victories achieved in the six years of his commitment
“The loss of technique, while serious, can be remedied.
“It will be very difficult to fill the void that will be left by Kak, a shining example of professionalism, commitment and professionalism.
“AC Milan, (according to) the wishes of the managers, players and supporters of the Rossoneri, offer him the most cordial and affectionate wishes for the continuation of his sporting career.”
Kaká Update: Kaká undergoes a medical
OK. I’m trying to be cool here. This is the news that is out. Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite ‘Kaká’ has undergone a medical under the carefful eyes of Real Madrid doctors according to the Brazil’s Football Confederation (CBF). A statement on the CBF website read:
The technical committee of the Brazilian national team attended the request of Kaka and the board of Real Madrid and released the player to perform the routine examinations in a clinic in Recife. The CBF had to make all the arrangements for the test through its Medical Department head Jose Luiz Runco, who accompanied the player during the tests.
This generally is the penultimate step before the official signing of a contract by a player. Long story short Kaká is hours away from completing the switch to Real Madrid.
And as always it was MARCA who reported this first. Gosh. I’ve to start believing them sooner rather than later.
Hala Madrid!!
Where Are They Now: Luís Figo
Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo (born 4 November 1972 in Almada) is a former Portuguese footballer who played as a midfielder for Real Madrid between 2000 and 2005. He also played for other European giants like Sporting Clube de Portugal, FC Barcelona and Internazionale during a career which spans over 20 years. He retired on 31 May 2009. He won 127 caps for the Portuguese national football team.
Luís Figo started his career at Sporting Clube de Portugal. He won his first senior international cap in 1991. Prior to that, he won the Under-20 World Championships and Under-16 European Championships with Portugal junior sides, alongside Rui Costa, João Vieira Pinto and he was also a significant part of Portugal’s “Golden Generation”. In 1995, Figo looked poised to join one of the big clubs of Europe, but a dispute between Italian clubs Juventus and Parma, with Figo having signed contracts with both clubs, resulted in an Italian two-year transfer ban on Figo, effectively stopping any moves to Italy. However, the situation was eventually resolved for Figo, with a move to Spanish club FC Barcelona for a £2.25 million fee, under Dutch coach Johan Cruyff. It was with Barcelona from 1995 that his career really took off: Figo won a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1996–97, successive Primera División titles and went on to appear 172 times for the Blaugrana, scoring 30 goals.
In 2000, Figo made a hugely controversial move to Barcelona’s bitter rivals Real Madrid for a world record fee. The fee was quoted between £38m and £53m. Many Barcelona fans felt betrayed by his transfer and turned against him, despite Figo having many years of success with Barcelona and having been a fan favourite for over five years. When he returned two seasons later in the semi-final of the 2001-02 Champions League, he got a heated reception from the crowd and many started throwing objects at him as he took corners and throw-ins, including a pig’s head, which resulted in FC Barcelona incurring a fine.
Figo left Real Madrid to join Internazionale in the summer of 2005 on a free transfer after his contract with Real Madrid had expired. This meant that Figo would finally be able to play for a club in Italy, something he had the chance to do before his move to FC Barcelona. During the summer of 2008, Figo’s compatriot José Mourinho joined Inter on a managerial level. This has been said to please Figo, as he would have several Portuguese teammates during the remainder of his stay at Inter.
On 16 May 2009, Figo announced his retirement from football, the same day Internazionale won the 2008-09 Serie A, and re-confirmed this on the 30 May; his final game was on the 31 May against Atalanta at the San Siro.
Figo is married to Swedish model Helen Svedin. They met at a flamenco show and are now married with three daughters – Daniela (born in March 1999), Martina (born in April 2002), and Stella (born 9 December 2004). They are currently expecting their fourth child.
- Real Madrid Honors:
- La Liga: 2000-01, 2002-03
- Supercopa de España: 2001, 2003
- UEFA Champions League: 2002
- UEFA Super Cup: 2002
- Intercontinental Cup: 2002
Individual Playing Honors:
- Ballon d’Or: 2000
- FIFA World Player of the Year: 2001
- FIFA World Player of the Year: (runner-up) 2000
- FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2006
- FIFA 100
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2003
- Portuguese Footballer of the Year: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
- Portuguese Golden Ball: 1994
- Best Portuguese player in the past five years (A Bola)
Kaká update: Zidane says “Kaká deal is done”!
In an interesting turnaround Zinedine Zidane, who is the Adviser to President of Real Madrid, believes a deal has been agreed to secure Kaka’s move to the Bernabeu. Zidane said while speaking to Corriello Dello Sport after playing in the Vincent Candela testimonial that:
Kaka has already signed for Real. I would be happy if he were to take my number, the No.5, I would not be jealous.
What he also did was recommend the signing of Zlatan Ibracadabra stating that he was the protagonist behind Inter’s Scudetto.
Was he drunk?
Hala Madrid!!
Florentino Perez to Cadena COPE
Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez discussed the past, present and future of the club on El Tirachinas, a radio show on Spain’s Cadena COPE.
Real Madrid’s most precious good is its prestige, and I couldn’t watch as it was lost. Our reputation declined over the last three years and the institution is hurt, which is one of the reasons I decided to run for president. I want the passion of being a Madridista to return. I have kept quiet for three and a half years, which I thought was the responsible move. During my first period as president we understood that working for Real Madrid was an honor. My primary objective is to reinforce the club so that it is never discredited again.
The investment in players may seem high, but it is profitable. It is necessary at a club that only makes money through its image and prestige. We can survive thanks to great players. This is the model to use, and the more great players we have, the higher the profit and healthier the finances. A lot of money was spent in recent years and several great players arrived. We must make up for lost time and put together a team that is capable of competing against Europe’s best.
We are coming off turbulent times. The president and Board know that what we do reverberates throughout the club. We preside over the world’s most important and prestigious sports institution. Everyone will understand the message. The players aren’t the only ones who should.
In a global economy, game times should be adjusted for all continents. That is why the Premier League is so followed in Asia. I think it is a subject to consider. When I was small, matches were played at five and many at three in the afternoon. It would be great to globally broadcast one of the best leagues in the world.
I have always been a basketball fan. Europe isn’t the Primera Division of basketball. We are in an unevenly-matched competiton. The best players leave Europe. Real Madrid must return excitement to basketball fans and put into place a great European project.
We can only register 25 players and we have 27. We will have to cut some to sign others, but we must respect the players and their contracts without veering too far off course from our project. There are months of negotiatons ahead, but we will not stray from our objective.
Our history is full of titles. Winning is expected. Winning two league titles and then losing your place in the world is very possible. We want to win with great performances and by being loyal to our history. We want to seduce fans from around the world with a magnificent team. A team can go a year without winning and not lose its place in the spotlight. We are not a top seed in the Champions League for the first time ever.
The negotiation process must be transparent. It was always that way during my first period as president. In Spain there are recission clauses and using them is seeing contracts through.
When I arrived in 2000 we paid off the debt and improved the facilities. We spent 30,000 million pesetas to improve the Santiago Bernabeu. Now it’s one of the great stadia of the world and we will continue making improvements. The stadium is in a spectacular place and it is always full. Such an important asset must not be lost, but improved.
Valdano to Realmadrid.com
Player, coach, Sporting Director and now Director General and Presidental Aide. All Jorge Valdano’s experience and know-how converge as the Argentine takes on his new role with Real Madrid.
Welcome to Real Madrid, Jorge Valdano.
Thank you very much. I have returned to Real Madrid after first arriving 25 years ago. I have held several positions during various eras at the club, all of which I performed with pride and satisfaction. Now is the time to start a new page; a time for major change. I must say that I am very excited.
This is your fourth stint with Real Madrid. You have been a player, coach, Sporting Director and now Director General and Presidential Aide. What is different about this post than the others?
It’s more of an institutional role. Miguel Pardeza is in charge of the sporting aspect of the club, and I will try to lend him a hand. But my new role is more institutional.
What made you decide to accept Florentino Perez’s offer to work with him again?
It’s hard to say ‘no’ to Real Madrid, and everyone knows that Florentino and I have a great friendship and admiration for one another. Being in charge of a project that presents so many challenges sounded interesting to me.
Your first decision was to name Miguel Pardeza as the club’s Sporting Director.
We named Miguel Pardeza our Sporting Director and Manuel Pellegrini as the head coach of Real Madrid. You must consider that we began working 14 days earlier than planned. Furthermore, we have only been here for three days. We have made decisions that add consistency and allow us to work with less anxiety.
Why did you choose Pardeza as Sporting Director?
Miguel is a Real Madrid man. He first arrived at the age of 14 and left six years later. He knows what a young player feels when he arrives and dreams about being a footballer. He is very intelligent and has experience in this role. Take into consideration that sporting directors only appeared in Spain about ten years ago, and he has been one for six already. He knows all the right contacts. Pardeza has all the right attributes and will bring us a lot of happy moments. He is also very loyal.
How would you describe Manuel Pellegrini as a coach?
Manuel is a very serene man. That, in a role as turbulent as the one he is about to take on, is an essential trait. He has a good taste in football, which all Spanish football fans should know. He has rich experience and has known how to adjust to different countries and situations. He has already shown what he is capable of. Throughout the course of a season he can manage difficult situations. Manuel Pellegrini coached a Villarreal team that revolved around Riquelme, and he later knew how to build a good team that played as one. And he always did so in record-setting time. I don’t think he applies the rulebook to every situation, but rather adapts to what he has in order to reach the final objective.
What is the most immediate matter of this sporting project that must be resolved?
Right now it is time for transfers and signings. Newspapers this summer will be full of information, rumors and expectations. We will continue working and trying to ensure that the coach has enough time to prepare, all in a as stress-free environment as possible. The more stress there is, the worse off we will be.
What kind of priority will the academy receive with this project?
The academy has high priority. The problem with the academy, where development of players plays such a crucial role, is that results can only be measured in months or years, and never in days. In that sense it differs from the first team, where you can respond on a daily basis.
How will the new project affect the basketball section?
It will have an important effect as well. We are going to increase the budget and hopefully see Real Madrid return to where it always used to be.
The strong push the club has made in a sporting sense over the last three days has agitated the football world. The word ‘arrogance’ has come up, for example.
We haven’t said a word yet. Our behavior therefore couldn’t have been more cautious. What has happened is that the decision making process is what the press love to cover. But we aren’t the ones provoking it. Real Madrid produces this kind of attention. In the last three days the number of people connecting to the internet has doubled as people read about us… Madrid has recovered a place of honor. We plan on remaining prudent and humble, but with the objective of making Real Madrid great. We do not want to hear the word ‘arrogant’.
It is also being said that Real Madrid is inflating the market.
The market is what it is. Many cases are about the best and most sought after players in the world. We must keep up with the times. Some may consider them expenditures, but we consider them great investments. They are players who match up well with the history of Real Madrid and who will the club to project itself in a completely different manner. I recommend that no one forget about when Florentino arrived the first time. Real Madrid’s revenue increased from 100 million to 300 million in no time at all. What is really an investment is many times considered an expense. That’s how we see it and we only adjust to the behavior of the market; we don’t dictate what it does.
You have played here, coached here, been the Sporting Director and now you are the Director General and Presidential Aide. And you are just as enthused as you have always been.
Exactly the same. You can only make it to Real Madrid if you have all the enthusiasm in the world. It’s a place that demands a lot. There is a lot of pressure, but you can only handle it if you have a lot of energy and a ton of enthusiasm.
Kaká update: Kaká to decide by Monday
As a sudden twist in the tale Silvio Berlusconi has said that Kaká will himself decide whether or not to move to Real Madrid with the deadline set to be on Monday. Speaking to the Italian media the Prime Minister of Italy and President of AC Milan said they went through the same process before selling Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea a few years ago. AC Milan sold Shevchenko to Chelsea for about £30m, before the Ukraine striker returned to Italy two seasons later on loan, and Berlusconi believes the current Kaká situation is very similar.
Comparing the sale of Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea in 2006, Berlusconi said:
It is always our lads who decide where they want to play. Now we will see. I can only say that we were very attached to Sheva. When an offer arrived that we could not equal, because I had a great friendship with him, I did all I could to convince him but in the end I left it up to him.
Chelsea, meanwhile, insisted reports of a £73.5m offer were “totally untrue”. A statement from the London side said:
We’ve never made an offer to AC Milan for Kaka. As a consequence we have not discussed a salary with the player either. Any reports to the contrary are totally untrue.
Sky Sports reported earlier in the day that the world record bid has been tabled in an attempt to bring the gifted Brazil international to Stamford Bridge. The package is reported to include wages of £10million a year after tax, even more than Manchester City were prepared to offer during their failed swoop during the winter transfer window.
We’ll just have to wait and see.
Oh btw, Marca reports the same stuff as Kaká will sign for Madrid on Monday. I would love to trust them.
Hala Madrid!!
And the winner is Ruud van Nistelrooy!
Ruud van Nistelrooy was today presented with the Deporte Gredos de Guisando Award in recognition of his career in sports and humanitarian efforts.
“He’s a charming person,” said Jose Miguel Blazquez, Director of the Award committee who, along with Real Madrid doctor, Juan Carlos Hernandez, handed Van Nistelrooy the lucky jug. “Hopefully it will help me recover and have a good season. That’s the plan,” commented an appreciative Van Nistelrooy.
Past winners include singer Miguel Bose, actress Elsa Pataky, the current Primer Minister of Spain, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, and Real Madrid’s own Raul Gonzalez and Iker Casillas.
Shortly after receiving the Deporte Gredos de Guisando Award, Ruud van Nistelrooy spoke to Realmadrid.com about the day’s events and new Real Madrid coach, Manuel Pellegrini.
It’s great to be working with Diarra. We are going through similar situations and have been helping one another a lot. Doing this together makes all the effort much easier. I am still working hard to recover and I still have a few days left before going on vacation. I started running again and am happy I was able to. Running for the first time in seven months felt great. Pellegrini did a great job at Villarreal over the last few years. All those who know him and have worked with him only have kind words about him. Let’s see how everything goes, but I am sure it will all go well. This is a new era and we all start from scratch. My only thoughts now are on my knee and recovering as soon as I can so that I can get back to work.
To add to this good news, Ruud, Diarra and Ruben de la Red had are back. The first two jogged at the Valdebebas on their own whereas De la Red played a charity match for Fabio Celestini’s foundation.
Hala Madrid!!
Pardeza to Realmadrid.com
More than 20 years after playing for Real Madrid, Miguel Pardeza has returned. The new Sporting Director of Real Madrid sat down with the club’s own media to discuss the job that awaits.
You are back at Real Madrid after a hiatus of more than 20 years, but this time you’ll be in an office and not on the pitch.
I am very happy to return to where I played football since the age of 14. I am very proud to be here and it’s a tremendous honor. I have a feeling that my return I will end my activities related to football with a great miracle (Pardeza played for Real Madrid prior to joining Zaragoza, and now joins Real Madrid after working for Zaragoza).
What does Real Madrid mean to you? What does the crest represent?
It represents a miracle, the fortune of football and social greatness. It’s a priceless cultural heritage that unites the most diverse people from every corner of the world. Real Madrid is more than just a mere sporting institution.
It was impossible to decline the offer to return, wasn’t it?
I came to Madrid to spend a weekend with my wife’s family and I received a call from Jorge Valdano, who invited me to join this project. I had spent a year not doing anything football-related, but it was an offer I couldn’t refuse.
You and Jorge Valdano coincided as players. Now you will work side by side in the office.
It’s a real pleasure to work with him again. We’ve known each other for a long time and we have similar tastes when it comes to football. We both want Real Madrid to occupy the privileged place it always had and deserves.
What do you expect from your post? What will your duties be?
Having a say in the day to day events at the club. My job is to help design and build a team with Jorge Valdano and Florentino Perez. I must also attend to and coordinate all football matters, among which is Valdebebas.
What have the first two days been like?
Very busy and overwhelming. I am still trying to get familiar with everything. We have already met with Manuel Pellegrini a couple times to discuss things like the preseason, his first impression of the squad…
There will be no lack of enthusiasm and excitement, will there?
That’s how this role needs to be taken on. It’s a demanding and complicated job, but it is also very attractive and interesting. I will not skimp out on any resources or determination to carry it out correctly.
What was the first order of business you proposed?
The most pressing matter was to finish organizing the preseason, for which I met several times with Jorge Valdano and Pellegrini. I must also prioritize the needs of the first team so that I can later learn how Real Madrid City really works to make any necessary improvements.
The first stone has been set. Manuel Pellegrini was unveiled yesterday as head coach; a coach who has proposed a style of football that should please the Santiago Bernabeu.
I completely agree with his proposal. I knew Manuel Pellegrini because of his track record at Villarreal, a team he guided to excellent results and tremendous football one Sunday after another. Over the last few days I have also come to realize that he is a very stable, serene person who has an eye for football that goes hand in hand with what our fans want.
Pellegrini will therefore coach a team that doesn’t just intend to win, but to convince.
Real Madrid must always win, but it must also be sensitive to the fans. Our followers should go home with something more than just a victory. It is important to define a style of play that the fans can identify with.
Another cornerstone of the project is the academy; a youth system full of talent that has produced excellent players, including yourself.
The facilities at Valdebebas are extraordinary, surely the best in the world. Real Madrid’s youth system continues producing, but it’s necessary to understand that you can’t expect results with the touch of a button. It is hard to produce tailor-made talent. We must treat it with care, attention and all the means necessary so that it produces first team players. This last objective requires time, patience and a lot of attention.
Under what philosophy should the academy operate?
It must undoubtedly reflect the values of the first team. A Real Madrid that plays to win, that never gives up and that maintains the fighting spirit that it has always been defined by over the course of history. They must respect good football, promote sportsmanlike values and be an example to everyone.
All that is left is to wish you good luck.
Thank you very much.
Gracias Juande!
Juande Ramos posted praiseworthy stats during his six months as head coach of Real Madrid.
Despite losing five straight matches to finish the season, Juande Ramos did an excellent job during his six-month stint as head coach. Ramos inherited a Madridista squad that was fifth in the table and managed to lead them to a runner-up finish with over five matches still to be played. The Whites finished the second half of the season with three more points than Mallorca and Barcelona, four ahead of Atletico Madrid and were three and five points away from the best second half in club history and league history, respectively. Real also set a new record for the most consecutive road wins (8), were one victory away from the most road wins in one season (12), and only two goals shy of the most away goals in one campaign (36).
Juande Ramos bid farewell to Madridismo and the club through a letter on his website.
It is time to say goodbye and until next time. It was an exciting, intense adventure full of hard work. I would accept the same challenge again even with my eyes closed.
I accepted the job to coach Real Madrid for six months knowing the challenge it entaild and the circumstances the team found itself in. We had to correct a string of poor results. The team was fifth in the table, but I like difficult challenges, which is why I didn’t ask for a contract under different terms. I walked into an excellent group of professionals with the best predisposition possible. The commitment put forth was unwavering. I saught their affinity and it was unconditional. Together we began to believe and made others believe that the league title was possible.
They were six months of intense work, but I had a great time. I also received the full collaboration of all the club’s professionals. Together we created a winning attitude accompanied by an excellent run of results. We created excitement among fans. We found ourselves up against a better opponent. We tried and gave it our all, but it wasn’t to be. I have a clear conscience. The team finished second and qualified for the Champions League much earlier than I first thought possible.
I would like to thank all those who had confidence in my work. I would like to offer my gratitude to Vicente Boluda for his support at all times. And to my direct collaborators; those who helped the team on a daily basis.
Above all, my thanks to the fans for the kind hearts they opened to me. The team wouldn’t have gotten to where it did without their help. I feel cared for and appreciated by the Madridista family. To all, including those who personally shared their feelings with me and those who sent messages through my website, thank you. My greatest satisfaction is the care and affection received over the last several months.
I would have liked to stay on as coach of Real Madrid. It is a logical feeling. I feel capable based on technical resources, experience and titles won, but I understand perfectly that new projects bring with them new ideas and new professionals. I understand that my image corresponds to a stage that has ended. I wish all the new staff the very best because that is what is best for Real Madrid. No one knows if destiny will bring us together again. It was a fascinating adventure.
My best wishes and a hug for all.
Goodbye Juande!
Hala Madrid!!
Kaká update: Its all about sealing the deal now…
Kaká is NOT officially a Real Madrid player yet (But that ain’t the case in my FIFA manager mode team). But he soon will be. Marca reports that Bosco Leite, Adrian Galliani and Florentino Perez met up at the ACS headquarters (Florentino’s company) in order to discuss the deal which would make Kaká the most expensive transfer in world football, a record set by none other than us 8 years ago when we signed Adviser to the President (I just love saying that) Zinedine Zidane from Juventus. Apparently the deal will be done within this week and that Kaká will officially be presented at the Presidential Balcony as Perez’s first signing as a part of the Excellence returns programme.
But Milan are denying it just like any other club will when their star player is about to leave. A statement released on Milan’s website read as follows:
The general manager of the Rossoneri, Adriano Galliani, is in the city of Madrid exclusively for the investiture dinner of Florentino Perez, the new president of Real Madrid.
Excellence all the way!!
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite ‘Kaká’
Read this.
I don’t know if we’ll be able to keep Kaka at Milan because they offer him so much money.
Silvio Berlusconi, President, AC Milan
Lets paint the world white!
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Manuel Pellegrini to Realmadrid TV
Manuel Pellegrini gave his first exclusive interview as Real Madrid’s new coach.
Welcome to Real Madrid.
Thank you very much. I already feel very much at home alter my first few hours here and I am very happy with the reception I was given.
What were your first few hours like as the new coach?
It’s an incredible feeling because all coaches would love this job. I have the task of carrying out this project and it makes me very proud. There are a lot of expectations riding on me and I hope to be here many years.
Does every coach no matter what corner of the world they begin their career dream of ending up at Real Madrid?
It’s a coincidence, but I did think it. I told my brother when I first began that no Chilean had ever reached such heights. I started off and never thought this was possible. We work hard to try to go as far as we can, and alter successful campaigns in Chile, Venezuela and Argentina I was able to move to Spain. People here now have an idea about who I am and how I like my teams to play. My style is quite obvious and I want to implement it to the fullest extent. I want Real Madrid to play the same way my other teams have. Valdano said that is what the Bernabeu likes to see. I arrived at just the right time.
The president said that your job is to place Real Madrid back on the world stage, similar to what you did With Villarreal by accomplishing unimaginable goals.
What we accomplished at Villarreal was unimaginable when I first arrived. They would have thought I was crazy had I proposed such success. But the truth of the matter is that I am a very practical person and I believe dreams can come true. Dethroning other institutions and putting Real Madrid back where it belongs is a great challenge.
What would you like to say to the fans, who know your work at Villarreal?
I am very proud of the praise we received at Villarreal. I believe Real Madrid will meet everyone’s expectations and play good football.
You were present in Zidane’s farewell match…
I was there as Villarreal’s coach and I was also present in the tribute River Plate paid to Alfredo di Stefano… It is shocking to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. It is a luxury that comes with great responsibility. The team will win because it has always won, but I will try to give it a new identity, that something extra it’s been looking for.
How do you deal with players?
I think I work on my relationship with them on a daily basis. I’ve never been at the forefront and being at Real Madrid is not going to change that. It isn’t my place to be in the media everyday.
Thank you.
Thank you. I will help you with whatever you may need. I am very excited about working for this club.
Manuel Pellegrini press conference
Manuel Pellegrini offered his first press conference as the coach of Real Madrid amid the tremendous expectations his arrival caused. Alongside the Chilean were Director General, Jorge Valdano and Sporting Director, Miguel Pardeza.
You said you are fulfilling a dream. How do you feel with so much expected of you?
Coaching Real Madrid what all coaches dream of. It’s a huge responsibility. Dreams come true through hard work and accomplishing goals. This is a great challenge for me. I am proud to have the opportunity to coach Real Madrid. I have coached important teams in all the countries I have worked in, so I have experience in that respect.
Surely you have already noticed a difference between Real Madrid and Villarreal. Does the pressure scare you?
I’ve spent the last five years in Spain, so I was already aware of the difference. There was a lot of pressure in Ecuador and Argentina, but it motivates me rather than worry me. I will not change. It came at the right time and with the conviction of what must be done: excellent play and results.
What is more worrisome, the team’s needs or the fact that Barcelona need to maintain their form?
I don’t think Madrid needs to depend on anyone. There is no greater demand than here. I don’t pay attention to external factors. I have been just as demanding throughout my entire career. I want my teams to play the way I like and I am convinced that we will accomplish just that.
Stability has been a constant throughout your career. Are you confident you can spearhead a stable project?
Of course. I am confident I can. Teams will always have their ups and downs, but that is why the right people are in place to overcome them. I am not frightened by the past or future and have complete faith in my work. We will see how we overcome matters when they arise, but such expectations only motivate me.
How will you manage the combination of the club’s immediate need to win titles with a long-term project?
Great clubs are expected to win every Sunday. It’s hard to make a project work if that isn’t the case. Usually those that have a long-term project and know how to keep them intact are those than produce the best results.
You mention that your arrival is taking place at the perfect time in your career. Do you think it is also the perfect time for Real Madrid?
I think I am joining Real Madrid at the right time for all of us. It is ideal time when there is a solid project with people who are prepared. We want to make the fewest mistakes, but it is too early to get into any further details.
The President has said that you like elegant football. What kind of players do you need to make that happen?
I like football that is well-played because that is what usually wins games. Real Madrid is looking for and needs something similar. The players needed, reserves and similar matters will be dealt with at the right time.
What kind of Real Madrid team did you see last year and what would you like to change?
I don’t want to speak about the past. I saw Real Madrid finish as champions and obtain good results, but the project was never seen through. That for me is the challenge: the combination of results and good football.
What was your departure from Villarreal like? It appears that all parties were satisfied.
I am very happy with the transition. Since I first arrived, the president and I both knew that I wouldn’t leave until I received an offer from one of the teams that interested me. I received some very succulent offers, but I turned them down. The chance to coach Real Madrid is very important to me. I was very comfortable at Villarreal and they are who opened the doors to Spanish football for me. I am grateful to the president and left many friends there.
Until Saturday, you said you hadn’t received any news. How did everything unfold? How did you feel?
I said that nobody had spoken to me, and that was the case until the league ended. With so many rumors it appeared there was actual interest. In terms of how I felt, I was very proud to be the chosen one. I knew I would be joining a club where expectations are very high, so I have to prove I am capable of coaching here.
It has been said that there will be five or six signings. What are your thoughts on the rumors?
This club will only sign the best. Many names have come up and all are great players. Every club in the world would love to have them, but the club has made no official statement. This project will be huge, but the names will have to wait for now.
You already coached Forlan at Villarreal. Might he be the big surprise?
Again, many names have come up and all are great players. It’s a great project, but we still have no names set in stone.
Much has been said about your good seasons, but how have the bad patches helped you reach this point? Are you the most important Chilean coach ever?
I am not responsible for evaluating myself. It’s not my job. Everything I have learned throughout my career has helped me. The frustrations, the countries… everything. You need a lot of experience and proper development to make it to Real Madrid, and I have done just that through many years of hard work. Every phase helps, and I hope to continue learning and improving.
How much influence in the decision-making do you expect to have?
That what coaches who are in charge of their teams have. I am staying in Madrid for a few more days to get a better grip on some personal matters.
You knew that other coaches were being considered for the job. Did you ever feel like you were a back-up choice?
I feel fortunate to have been chosen for this project. It would be arrogant of me to think that I was the only candidate. Having been chosen and the why I was chosen are all that matter.
You had some of the best South American players playing for you at Villarreal. Might we see a repeat of that here?
The best players need to come no matter where they are from. We need to build a great team, but without considering their nationalities. At Villarreal we had great South American players, but we also had very talented European ones.
Do you consider yourself as a ‘galactico’ coach?
I don’t and coaching the greatest team in the world is not going to change who I am. I’m satisfied with what I’ve achieved, that’s all.
Would you like to say something in particular to the fans?
I think Madridistas, independently from what Barcelona have achieved this year, have moved on. We will start from scratch, believing we will perform well in ever competition. Real Madrid have written their great history; they’ve never looked at what others have done.
Real Madrid have been eliminated in the Last 16 of the Champions League five years in a row. You reached the quarterfinals and the semis with Villarreal. Are you aware of how important it is for the fans to see the team back in the European elite?
I know Madridistas always want their team to win and I’m aware of the special relationship the Club has with the Champions league. But we shouldn’t forget about La Liga or the King’s Cup. We want to build a competitive team on all fronts. I understand the fans’ frustration, but we can’t forget about the other competitions.
You said you wouldn’t be pleased if the team won without playing how you wanted. What is it you want?
I never get angry if I win, but there are different ways with which to look for success. Eighty thousand people want spectacle, not a team that scores one goal and spends the rest of the game keeping that result. They naturally want more. It will all start by trying to win and then working on how to win.
Have you requested to have the liberty to decide what to do?
We will start working on this great project today and we’ll see what we can do to build the most competitive team possible. The team will have all August to come together. We have enough time to work and we’ll try to make as few mistakes as we possibly can.
Having many stars on the team can give way to conflict. Will the President support you if this happens?
What happened with Riquelme at Villarreal was an isolated case that took place in one year. I think I have enough experience to deal with situations like that. I’m here because of the way I work, so I’m not going to change. I think leadership and relationships are very important, and I believe I can deal with an important squad.
What do you have to say to those that aren’t convinced by the Club’s decision to sign you?
Nothing. I can only do. It would have been unrealistic to expect unanimous approval. This job comes is always debatable. Facts are what really count. That’s what I hope to get.
Everyone knows you believe dialogue to be very important. Do you think it’s important in a star-studded squad like Real Madrid’s?
There are always conflicts on teams and they are resolved without much hassle. I do believe talking is important, but everywhere, not just in football.
What do you think of Raul?
This is no time to share opinions. We all know how important Raul has been for the team. He’s proved it in every season.
What’s your project going to be like?
Real Madrid need to work hard on a daily basis. That’s the only way to be very demanding with yourself. We’ve come with new ideas and we hope to implement them as soon as we can. But my only limitation will be the results we earn. I believe in what I’ve achieved so far and I will keep on doing it.
Presenting Manuel Pellegrini
Manuel Pellegrini is officially the head coach of Real Madrid. President Florentino Perez, President of Honor, Alfredo di Stefano, Director General and Presidential Aide, Jorge Valdano, Sporting Director Miguel Pardeza and the Board of Directors were on hand as the Chilean signed his contract. Florentino Perez then presented Manuel Pellegrini as the team’s new coach in the Presidential Balcony of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Manuel Pellegrini entered the Board room at approximately 11:45 to ink a two-year deal with Real Madrid. The new head coach was joined by President Florentino Perez, President of Honor, Alfredo di Stefano, Director General and Presidential Aide, Jorge Valdano, Sporting Director Miguel Pardeza and the Board of Directors.
“Thank you and welcome to the club,” said Perez to the new Madridista skipper.
President Perez and his entire Board of Directors entered the Presidential Balcony at 12 pm with Honourary President Alfredo di Stefano. Manuel Pellegrini made his entrance a few moments later.
Florentino Perez:
Thanks you for coming to the presentation of Manuel Pellegrini as Real Madrid’s new coach. The challenge we face is one of the greatest in the history of this club and I will never fail to stress the devotion and psychological strength we will all need to achieve our goals. Jorge Valdano, Miguel Pardeza and Zinedine Zidane are already working non-stop. We know which way to go and Manuel Pellegrini knows this. We want each game to be a fascinating experience for our fans and Club Members because that’s what they all dream about. We want to sign players of unquestionable quality throughout the world, top Spanish players and use the youth system as our strategic foundation, just like Santiago Bernabeu did, whom we especially remember today.
We want to build a spectacular team, one that needs a man like Manuel, capable of facing responsibility with great character. He is a coach that likes touch foootball, always has an elegant style and good taste. That’s why he’s here; he is sufficiently brave to have faith in young talent, and is serious enough to coach a team like Real Madrid. His career has been excellent so far and he knows the Spanish league and the Champions League inside-out. His experience is even greater given that he coached in South America, where he combined passion with elegance.
As Jorge valdano says, Manuel Pellegrini is a football expert and believes Spanish football is better than its English counterpart. That motivates me personally. Football is all about taking risks, showcasing passion and being serious. Manuel knows just how serious this project is. We lay great part of the hopes of our fans at your doorstep. The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will be your stage. Good luck and welcome to your new home.
Manuel Pellegrini:
It is hard to express in few words the emotion and pride that comes with coaching a club like Real Madrid, which is probably the most important club in the world. I’ll just say that when I started coaching 23 years ago I said I would end up training at Real Madrid. My dream has come true through hard and serious work. I’ve been lucky to have Florentino Perez and his Board have faith in me to lead this project. I think I’ve arrived at the right time, having worked in South America and spending five years in Spain. I believe they’ve made the right choice. I truly believe we will build a great team and that we’ll achieve important goals.
Florentino Perez to 59 segundos
Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez made his first public television appearance as the special guest on TVE’s 59 segundos.
Day one
We began by taking office and holding our first Board meeting. We signed a Code of Ethics before a notary and appointed key figureheads: Jorge Valdano as Director General and Presidential Aide and Miguel Pardeza as Sporting Director.
The first thing we did in 2000 was sign a Code of Ethics, which we wanted to do again. This club has made values and ehtics it’s foundation for rules of conduct. Our behavior reflects those values and history. The insitution’s situation was worrisome. It was in bad shape. Real Madrid needs a mini-revolution.
I have gained a lot of experience in the world of football, and it isn’t easy. I learned from my mistakes and I am much more fit to take on this new stage. I am very excited.
First decisions
We are going to perform and audit to see where Real Madrid stands. We will make public all information that does not harm the stability of the club. Members must be aware of everything that will not happen. There is social demand to redirect the club to where it never should have left and to transmit a project of modernization and transparency.
Manuel Pellegrini, new coach
Pellegrini was proposed as coach by Jorge Valdano and all the Board members believed he is the right person for this new stage of Real Madrid. He has plenty of experience in Argentina and Spain and he fits in with the Real Madrid culture.
He meets all the requirements to coach Real Madrid. He designs good football and knows how to look after great players. The two years contract is a commitment between the coach and Jorge Valdano. We need stability, which is a product of willpower. We have changed and are absolutely convinced that he will be our coach for a long time. We will work hard to make sure that is the case.
The coach will have carte blanche to do as he pleases. Similar to my first stint. All Real Madrid players must recognize such authority.
A new Real Madrid
We will lay the foundation for a magnificent team. We ask for patience as we have only just begun. We will announce signings when they happen. The media have mentioned many names. Negotiations may take days or months. Ronaldo arrived on 31 August at midnight, meaning that we have plenty of time. Fans must rest assured that we will do our best to build a great team. Real Madrid has always had the best players in the world, like di Stefano, Amancio and Raul.
I left because I thought it was best for Real Madrid and that we had accomplished our goals. I thought it would help bring the insitution even closer. That wasn’t the case and I saw situations that troubled me. I kept quiet for years because I believe in respect and not influencing anyone. I returned when I believed it appropriate.
Raul is a great player and will make it hard for any player who arrives. Alfredo di Stefano is living history of Real Madrid. Valdano said you can understand what Madridismo really is by looking into his eyes. He is an institution, a role model for everyone and a great person.
Real Madrid belongs to its members. With the model we must compete against clubs run by multimillionaires and their fortunes. That is why our model works; that of great players. Without that model we wouldn’t generate such revenue. What is the model of Real Madrid? Spectacular football.
Sporting decisions and the Real Madrid model
Only 25 players are allowed. We currently have 29, so we must let some go in a respectful manner and taking into account, of course, their contracts. We must work on revenue being that Real Madrid fans cannot wait three years for a title.
I will do everything in my power to bring the best in the world. That is Real Madrid’s model. Great players generate the highest revenue, ever since the Di Stefano era. It is not incompatible with building a tight team that valyes effort and sacrifice. We must remain loyal to that history. We will build a great team, one that I define as spectacular, and that will battle on all fronts.
Important decsions will be made collectively. The model must work in both a sporting and financial sense. Valdano is the man in charge. He proposed Pellegrini and Pardeza.
A company must invest. Large investments are generally speaking the most profitable. Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo and Beckham were much cheaper, despite spending more, than other players.
We will work hard to make the Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu. We did it for the second European Cup. We will do whatever possible to earn the place that corresponds to us. We must occupy the place in the world that we deserve, despite winning two league titles. We are not top seeds in the Champions League and we have disappeared from Europe. During my first stint as president we won one final and were in two semifinals and made two Copa del Rey finals.
The elections
I would have liked there to be elections. I like to debate, from which you make progess. But we have earned an extra two important weeks to prepare for next season.
Academy
We will work hand in hand with the academy. We built the most beautiful sports city in the world. The academy is very important and we are going to work hard on it. We can produce some great players if we pay more attention to it. The academy is our identity and our raison d’etre.
Jorge Valdano, Directory General and Presidential Aide
My main role is the organization and business model. Jorge Valdano knows the institution and is a competent person who can develop the sporting model. He’s the right man for the job in that sense.
Jorge Valdano to Cadena SER
On his first day as Director General and Presidential Aide, Jorge Valdano sat down with El Larguero of Spanish radio’s Cadena Ser.
I have a great relationship with Florentino Perez and it’s an honor to work with him again at Real Madrid. A lot of us who were here before have returned.
Pardeza will handle the sporting section. His job is clear and he has a lot of experience. He’s got experience in such a post and was the Sporting Director at Zaragoza for six years. He joined Real Madrisd when he was 14 years old and understands what the academy is about. He is an intelligent man who loves Real Madrid, which makes understanding one another a lot easier and will lay the groundwork for the new project. We have the same ideas in mind.
My job is more institutional now than before. I will support the sporting section and help the president. The president of Real Madrid needs a team who can develop the project. That is our goal.
Real Madrid has a lot of people at work. Decisions are made by consent. Having the experience of a man like Zinedine Zidane is great. It’s a privilege to have him here and he will help us a lot.
We began discussing the coaching job a month ago. Pellegrini fulfills important requisites. He knows Spanish football, he has been successful in Spain and was successful in Argentina. His signing makes good sense. What the press have to say may be a different story.
Pellegrini is very good at dealing with changes. We will be able to talk for hours about sporting matters on Tuesday. We will only sign players the coach likes. It wouldn’t be common sense to do otherwise. We are working on building a new team. New men will arrive and others will have to leave. We did it in the past and we’ll do it again. Pellegrini is polite and has firm opinions. His teams have a well-defined style. He is true to his ideals.
I won’t be able to deal with certain issues until I join the Club. We will start working on them from now on.
Raul has done nothing but offer solutions to Real Madrid for 15 years. He is the team’s all-time top-scorer and an intelligent man that knows where his place is. I have great admiration for him. He is a true Madridista. He could never be a problem. I’m very fond of him and often talk to him, but the coach will ultimately decide who plays.
Negotiations take time. We must keep an eye on our budget. These are the first days of our term. We can’t expect to resolve every problem on the first day. We have the whole summer to work on them.
There are 46 Real Madrid players in the First Division. Several have made the latest squad list of the Spanish national side: Mata, Diego Lopez, Negredo… It is forbidden to talk about the past. We only want to talk about the future.
Pardeza to Onda Cero
Real Madrid Sporting Director Miguel Pardeza talked to Onda Cero about his new job at the Club.
I think Pellegrini is an excellent coach. The decision to sign him wasn’t even worth discussing. He is the best coach there is as proven by his work at Villarreal and because his profile is perfect for Real Madrid. I think signing him is a good idea.
I wasn’t planning on returning to football, but Valdano’s approach was very enthusiastic. Valdano will have a say in sporting matters. I will have a lot to say, but so will the coach. Real Madrid is a big club and we’ll need everyone’s support.
Real Madrid should aspire to have the best players around as long as they fit into the team’s philosophy. They must be first rate players that share the coach’s ideas. The role this Club plays in the world is unparalleled.
I wish to thank Valdano for having faith in me with the support of the President. I’m here to work hard, not to be in the spotlight. The real stars here are the players. I feel overwhelmed. I’m excited about returning to the club where I learned how to play. This is a very exciting job and a great challenge.
I’m here to help, not to cause any trouble. I will supervise the work done at Valdebebas and participate in anything that has to do with the first team. I will not make decisions alone. Many of us will take part in making important decisions.
Real Madrid is the most important club in the world thanks to its values and the fact that it’s had the best players in the world. The institution has gone off track somewhat and we must now recover our signs of identity.
We will all be responsible, each within his field. It’s important for us to be coordinated and have the same views on the first team and the style it should have. We all want to make the best decisions for the Club.
Let the transfers begin…
Now that we have a new president, presidential adviser, director general, sporting director and a new manager its time to start off with rebuikding the squad. We still have about three months left but rebuilding a squad is no three month process. We need to have settled the squad issues by mid July atleast considering the fact that we have a new manager and a set of new players. Time to adapt is essential.
We all know who all we’ve been linked with. Right from Kaka, Ribery, Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic to David Villa, David Silva, Juan Mata, Xabi Alonso are supposedly our targets. Hopefully Pellegrini will first keep an eye on our defense before altering any other part of the team. He already has Garay at his disposal. The most likely exits are that of Dudek, Heinze, Saviola, Metzelder, Drenthe (on loan), Van der Vaart ( 
) and some say even Sneijder and Marcelo might be sold. Personally Sneijder has had a poor season but I would never sell him. Lass, Gago and Diarra are fighting for the same position. So one of them should leave if we are planning on getting new midfielders. Thus we will also need one or two left backs. Miguel Torres and Sergio Ramos can play on the right. Both are young and good. A couple of SOLID central defenders. A couple of world class playmakers are needed and thats where the Galacticos policy comes into play, Raul and Ruud are 32 and 33 respectively. Hunter seems to have lost it. Pipita is just too good to be sold. So a world class striker is definitely needed. I am wondering about the roles of Guti and Salgado next season as well. Guti has an attitude problem. Salgado is a useless prick.
With so many problems already we need to decide on our team ASAP. What looks likely is we will have stars again. And along with them we will get more players who are much better than Pavons.
Excellence will return.
Hala Madrid!!
Manuel Pellegrini becomes a Madridista!
It is official.
Real Madrid C.F. and Manuel Pellegrini have reached a deal for the Chilean to become the first team head coach.
President of Honor, Alfredo di Stefano, and Club President, Florentino Perez, will officiallly present the new coach on 2 June at 12:00 CET at the Presidential Balcony of the Santiago Bernabeu. Subsequently, Director General and Presidential Aide, Jorge Valdano will accompany Manuel Pellegrini during a press conference.
A sensible move I would say. Florentino seems to have everything sorted out. I can’t wait to see how much he is going to tinker with the squad. The dude at The Offside says Manu will have a say in all the transfers that we are involved in. But what I don’t know is how much Pardeza will involve himself.
Manu, Zizou, Pardeza, Valdano and ofcourse Perez!
Excellence is so damn back!!!
Hala Madrid!!
Just another Madridista
Kaká speaks
At a press conference in Recife, where Kaká is currently on international duty ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Paraguay later today the player spoke about his move to Madrid, Milan and why he chose Real Madrid amongst other things.
Kaka also revealed that new Real president Florentino Perez has been busy “making contacts” with potential targets as he looks to revive his ‘Galacticos’ project. In Perez’s previous stint with the club, he oversaw the acquisitions of global stars of Luis Figo, Ronaldo and David Beckham, as well as Zidane. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, David Villa and Franck Ribery have also been linked to the Spanish capital club since Perez’s unopposed election signalled the return of their vast spending.
Kaka also admitted he had received plenty of advice on the move from former Real player and Perez signing Beckham, who spent a short spell at Milan on loan earlier this year. He also revealed that although the deal was only announced last night, it had been in the pipeline for some time.
He also said he hoped to put an end to Barcelona’s dominance of Spanish and European football, after the Merengues’ arch-rivals swept all before them this season en route to claiming Spain`s first league, cup and Champions League treble.
Meanwhile he revealed he fell uncomfortable taking on the number five jersey once worn by Zinedine Zidane. Perez had admitted he would like to see the Brazilian playmaker take on the shirt, but Kaka said he would not feel comfortable doing so. He said:
And finally he had words of gratitude to Milan for launching his career in Europe, while he was also elusive about whether he would end his career in Madrid.
Share this:
June 9, 2009 | Categories: Comments | Tags: Kaká | Leave A Comment »