Kaka to Marca
In the second half of Kaka’s interview with Marca, the player talks about his immediate future, shares thoughts about his new team mates and shows his excitement at the start of a new stage in his career.
Will Real Madrid be unbeatable with Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo on their side?
Of course not. My experience in football tells me that talent is not enough. The Brazilian national team in 2006 had a lot of talent, but we were knocked out of the World Cup quarterfinals because we lacked many things which prevented us from succeeding. Real Madrid have Cristiano and Kaka, and that’s good because we are quality players, but we need to build a team and work very hard. Real Madrid won’t become invincible just by signing us. More things are needed which can only be accomplished over time and I hope we can achieve them. We are part of an ambitious and very long project.
What’s your opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo?
As a player he’s incredible, he’s in a league of his own. You just have to watch him play. Cristiano is spectacular. And personally he seems very nice. Now that we’ll play together I hope to reaffirm this impression, because I’ve always liked him. I think he is an extraordinary man. I’m sure we’ll be good friends.
Will you understand each other on the field?
Sure, let no one doubt it. You’ll be able to see it very soon. We are compatible and we’ll achieve many great things, not just because of him, but also thanks to other attacking players like Raul, Higuain, Benzema, Sneijder, Huntelaar, Robben…
On 29 November you’ll play your first Clasico against Barcelona…
I know! I wasn’t aware the league draw was happening and suddenly I saw the date and I got very excited. I told my wife, “The date for my first Clasico has been announced!” It’s at the Camp Nou, isn’t it? Excellent, we’ll do everything we can to win! The first Clasico is always special and I hope it will be a historical game for me.
The Champions League final will take place at the Bernabeu. Is that good or bad for Real Madrid?
It’s a good thing, it certainly is. The Champions League is the most important tournament after the World Cup. It has a unique grandeur and every footballer dreams of winning it. I’ve been lucky enough to lift the cup for Milan, and now my dream is to do the same for Real Madrid. To win it in my first year and at the Bernabeu would be incredible. I grow anxious just by thinking about it. I’d like to start playing right away.
Are you aware you will be compared with Zidane, at least during your first few games?
I can imagine it and it doesn’t bother me. I understand these comparisons are normal for journalists. However, even though we are different players, I truly hope I can become part of Real Madrid’s history just as Zidane did. He is a legend.
Is Karim Benzema the new Ronaldo?
Benzema is a really good player and has an incredible future, but it’s difficult to compare him with Ronaldo. Ronaldo is out of this world, he’s a genius. However, given his youth and talent, Benzema can achieve great things for Real Madrid. Time will decide if he can reach Ronaldo’s level.
What’s your opinion on Raul?
He’s made history for the Club. When you talk about Real Madrid it’s inevitable to talk about Raul. He has scored over 300 goals and won three Champions League, six Spanish leagues… Raul is a true winner, just like Real Madrid.
And what about Casillas?
He’s an awesome goalkeeper, one of the best in the world and I’m lucky to have him on my side. He’s won many things for Real Madrid, and winning Euro 2008 has been very important for him. I’m sure he will keep on winning titles.
Your team mates have already started training. Are you looking forward to joining them on 27 July?
Yes, I’m anxious to start playing for Real Madrid, but I also need some holidays. This has been a very long season and it wouldn’t do me any good to start training right away. I’ll share time with my wife and my son during the holiday and I’ll return in top form to play for Real Madrid.
What can you say to all those fans who dream of joining you at Cibeles in May?
I can’t guarantee titles because there are many factors in football which you can’t control, but I promise I will try very hard to win every title. I’ll do my best for this Club.
Pellegrini press conference
Manuel Pellegrini gave his first post-training press conference as Real Madrid’s new coach.
How did you find the players, and Cristiano Ronaldo in particular?
I think the squad is fine. Normally, there aren’t any problems after the holidays, so there’s nothing new of importance.
Do you believe failing to win at least one title would be a failure?
We all know what Real Madrid aspires to achieve. We will naturally try hard to win every championship.
Is Xabi Alonso essential to this team?
There aren’t any players we can’t do without. He is an important footballer and it is no mystery that Real Madrid wants to sign him, but it won’t be easy.
Is it uncomfortable to have a 32-man squad? Would you like the selling process to go faster?
When there are so many players on a team some may have to leave. The coach has to train with all of them regardless of their situation. I would like to have a structured squad as soon as possible, but we still have time to decide who will stay in the end. In any case, this isn’t really a problem.
When would it be good to have a finalized squad? Which position do you think should be strengthened?
The sooner the better; 27 July would be good because that’s when our internationals return. I wouldn’t mind waiting longer in case there’s doubts concerning a future signing. We are trying different options in some positions. The attack is more solid. We may need midfielders and full backs.
What do you think of Cristiano Ronaldo as a person and as a player?
He’s as I expected him to be. He is the first to arrive at a session, he has fully integrated into the squad, he doesn’t act as a star, and he is a very talented but normal player that is devoted to Real Madrid. His image on the outset is very different to how he is as a player.
Would you like to sign Joao Moutinho if Alonso doesn’t come in the end?
There’s talk of many players that could sign for the Club. I’d rather not talk about anyone in particular.
The Vatican said yesterday that it believes Florentino Perez is spending too much money on players. What do you think?
I have nothing to say. Right or wrong, everyone has a right to express their opinion. I’m not fit to talk about what the Vatican says.
You’ve been criticized for not attending the presentations of the new signings…
Everyone is entitled to an opinion. I was aware of what was happening and I don’t think it was important for me to be in the presentations.
What’s surprised you the most about Real Madrid?
Not much because I was a player for many years and I’ve been coaching in Spain for five. We are all aware of the greatness of Real Madrid. It’s different from the inside, but I am delighted to be here and I will try to win many titles.
Does Sneijder count in your project?
He is a very good player on this squad and our game could benefit from having him. There’s much talk about if the Dutch players will stay or leave.
What do you expect of the pre-season?
It won’t be very physical. We’ve been working on re adapting our men to a working routine and this will gradually change. The unity between the coaching staff and the players is important. I think our friendlies will be very useful too.
How is the atmosphere on the squad? Have you spoken with Cristiano Ronaldo?
People shouldn’t believe everything they hear. Every squad is different and I see no problem here with the big stars. There will be much competition for a spot on the starting lineup, but that won’t affect the good atmosphere. Cristiano and I had a normal chat. I’ve tried to speak to all of them about what I expect from them. We’ll get to know each other better in Ireland.
Would it be a problem not to sign Ribery?
As I said, there are no essential players. We’ll see what happens in the end.
Do you think you’ll reach Barcelona’s level or will you need to do even better than they did last year?
Barcelona proved to have a great team by winning three titles. They have a permanent philosophy and quality men. We will try to be better than Barcelona and the rest of the teams. You can’t afford to disregard any side because there are always several strong contenders for the title. There will also be a great challenge for us in Europe.
Who will replace goalkeeper Felipe Ramos?
We are looking for someone because Felipe will miss several weeks.
How many titles do you think you can win? Has the Club asked you to focus on one in particular?
No. Our goal is to focus on each game at a time. We want to play well in every championship and we wish we could win them all.
Do you still want Claudio Bravo in the goal?
I don’t want to talk about any player in particular.
What will be hardest for you from now on?
I think everything is difficult at Real Madrid because the Club demands you win everything and play well at the same time. I consider it my duty to thrill fans with beautiful football. We have to build he squad first and then achieve a style to which every player can adapt to.
Will Raul play a crucial role this season or will he be benched for the most part?
I think the 25 men we’ll have in the end will al be ready to play. We have to put an end to this five-year run of being eliminated in the Champions League’s Last 16. Raul has proven his quality all these years, but our attacking front is strong with men like Higuain, Raul, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Van Nistelrooy, who will be fit to play in a few days. We will take part in many games this season. The schedule is tight because of the World Cup. Everyone will have a chance to play and to prove why they are at Real Madrid. Raul has proven this for years now.
Have you spoken to the players you no longer want on the team?
I’ve spoken to every player about his situation on the team. It’s a thankless situation. We have to look for alternatives for those who no longer count. They all want to stay, but we’ll all end up understanding each other because we are all involved in the project.
Will Ronaldo be able to make his debut on 20 July?
We’ll have to train in Ireland for 10 days before the match. This is the pre-season, so all the work we do is focused on the actual campaign. We want everyone to play in the eight to ten friendlies we’ll have in order for them to be as fit as possible at the start of the championship.
Do you know which players should leave?
That will depend on who arrives. The Club will make announcements when necessary. But it isn’t true that all the Dutch players will leave. We will try not to make any mistakes while building the squad.
Will any players surely be starters?
No one has a definite spot on the starting lineup. Stars are stars because they have to prove their worth every week. I will come up with the most appropriate lineup for each game.
When will the team be exactly as you want?
There is no deadline. I know what I want, but I’m not looking to have it in our first pre-season match. The squad should be ready before the start of the campaign and we’ll have a look at each player’s performance during our pre-season friendlies. We could end up having problems due to suspensions or injuries and I want to get the best out of all my men. I wish to have the best possible team in very little time. There is no deadline despite the fact that this is a new project, but we hope to have the team built by the time we play our first league game.
Pardeza press conference
Following the first training session of the season, Sporting Director Miguel Pardez appeared before the media to offer the first press conference.
Will all the players that are training travel to Ireland?
The players that are on the squad have the right to and we have to respect that. It would be the convenient and correct thing to do.
There were several youth teamers among the 29 players, but Javi Garcia and Parejo weren’t there. With the youth teamers travel as well?
The plan is for them to travel to round out the squad and allow the team to carry out the preseason. The coach decides on the final number and he thought it was important. Javi Garcia and Parejo will join up with the team. They are still on holiday but asked to travel with the team.
How many Dutch players will remain on the squad next season?
The Dutch players are here as of now and will participate in the preseason with their teammates. We don’t deny that there have been some offers, but the club is analyzing them. We are currently in negotiations for Huntelaar and it is the player who has to make the decision. Valdano wants to ensure that he is involved in the decision-making process. He will have the last word.
What was Cristiano Ronaldo’s first day with the team like?
The players returned to work in a surprisingly natural manner. Faces are quite unfamiliar on the first day other than for those players who know each other from other teams. He will meet his teammates and coaches. The players have an innate ability to adapt, and he will do just that.
How did Raul look to you today? It was the first time you crossed paths.
Raul is possibly the most excited player I came across. Time has not diminished any of his mental strength. I saw him train and he is focused on maintaining his status. The coach will have to give him his spot if he deserves it.
There has been talk about Pellegrini’s absence in recent weeks. How were the commuincation lines with him?
Very fluid and intense. The contact with Jorge and me was complete. Physical presence isn’t very important in today’s world. He went on holiday but did participate a lot in everything that was done.
How did you find the squad?
A new project is under way and if there is too much of anything right now, it is desire. Everyone is excited. It’s an important time and the players and coaching staff are motivated.
Has the club thought about bringing Granero back?
Granero is a great player. He left two seasons ago and had a great first season. He had some trouble in the second, but still managed to show what he is capable of. He is still linked to Madrid, but as of today it hasn’t been considered.
How was Benzema’s first day?
I imagine he is still on cloud nine. He was presented yesterday so I am sure he hasn’t had time to calm down. He is very astute and mature.
And what about Pepe after what happened last season?
I won’t talk much about the past. It was a sad year for Pepe, but it can happen to any player. I would like us to think about the future Pepe. I am sure he learned from his past mistakes and that he will be a bastion for the club.
Has Xabi Alonso been ruled out?
Madrid cannot rule out any option until there is no standing chance. Right now there is a financial barrier that cannot be overcome, but things may change. We are searching for alternatives, but there aren’t many.
Is the club interested in Fabregas?
There is no question how great a player he is, but he is not a Real Madrid objective right now. The club is working on other options.
Have some players already been told that there isn’t room for them on the squad?
I think Jorge is planning on speaking to a player or two to inform them about their standing with the club.
It wasn’t just Cristiano and Benzema’s first training session, but also that of Negredo and Garay.
They have started the season with the rest of the squad and they will remain here unless something changes that. That said, they are highly-valued players that several teams have inquired about.
Benzema day
Karim Benzema counted down the hours until his official unveiling as a Madridista at 21:00 at the Bernabeu. Here is a brief summary of everything he did before and after the event.
Karim Benzema arrived in Madrid close to 11 am. Several fans gathered at Madrid Airport’s Terminal 2 building to greet him. Benzema was delighted with the reception and made his way to the Mirasierra Suite Hotel, where he will stay until he has his medical examination at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital.
After arriving in the Spanish capital, Karim Benzema was driven to the Mirasierra Suites Hotel, where in the lounge he met his new coach, Manuel Pellegrini. The player and coach chatted for several minutes, during which Benzema expressed how eager he is to beginning work with his new team. After the discussion, the French striker headed to Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital for his medical checkup.
Karim Benzema is fit for action according to Real Madrid’s medical servics at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital. Benzema passed all his tests with flying colors and has been cleared to sign his six-year deal with Real Madrid later this afternoon.
Benzema fulfilled one of the highlights of the day: his visit to the Santiago Bernabeu. After a brief tour of the stadium offices, Benzema granted his first interview as a Madridista to Real Madrid’s official media outlets.
After getting familiar with his new stomping ground, Karim Benzema had lunch at Puerta 57 located within the stadium itself. The player sat down with Sporting Director, Miguel Pardeza and Director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Butragueño. Shorlty after finishing, Benzema returned to the Mirasierra Suites Hotel, where he will stay unitl returning to the Bernabeu to sign his contract as the newest Madridista.
Karim Benzema is officially a Madridista. Shortly after 20:00, the French striker walked into the Board Room alongside President Florentino Perez and signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid. Benzema was very excited and anxious to experience his official presentation.
FIRST VISIT TO THE DRESSING ROOM
Karim Benzema could have been more ecstatic as he set foot in his new dressing room for the very first time. After donning the Real Madrid kit, the striker proudly posed for photos before making his way out onto the pitch where he was welcomed by thousands of Madridistas.
Karim Benzema was unveiled by Real Madrid President of Honor, Alfredo di Stefano and President Florentino Perez as the fourth signing of the summer following Kaka, Albiol and Cristiano Ronaldo. More than 30,000 Madridistas welcomed the French striker.
In his first press conference as a Madridista, Karim Benzema said he was very happy about signing for the Club and that he hopes to improve as a player while at Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo day
Last night’s event at the Santiago Bernabeu had all the makings of an historic evening. At 21:00 CET, thousands of fans welcomed the newest idol of the Madridista family. Hours prior to even landing in the Spanish capital, Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival had generated so much hype that hundreds of fans already gathered around the confines of the stadium to ensure they are one of those lucky enough to witness the unveiling of Cristiano.
By 9:00 dozens of fans already lined the walls of the Santiago Bernabeu. The crowd had grown to hundreds only two hours later. Flags, shirts, signs and everything else you can think of to welcome a player who even before his official presentation has become an idol of Madridismo.
Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived Madrid, the city in which he will live for at least six years. The player came in a private flight and landed in Torrejon close to 12:30. He will then head to Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital to have his medical examination prior to visiting the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Hundreds of members of the media and dozens of fans gathered at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital to greet Cristiano Ronaldo prior to his medical checkup. According to Carlos Diez, Chief of Real Madrid’s Medical Services, the player is “in perfect condition and looking forward to the beginning of the season.”
The expectation couldn’t have been any greater as hundreds of sign-carrying, flag-waving Madridistas welcomed Ronaldo to the Santiago Bernabeu. Once inside the facility, he met with Director General and Presidential Aide, Jorge Valdano.
Ronaldo sat down for lunch at Puerta 57, one of the three restaurants located inside the stadium, alongside fellow countryman, idol and friend, Eusebio. The best Portuguese player of all time was invited by Real Madrid to attend Cristiano’s presentation and have lunch with the several members of the Ex Players Assocation including Alfredo di Stefano, Amancio, Butragueño, Pachín, Zoco and Santamaría.
It’s been a long day but the heat didn’t stop thousands of fans from waiting patiently for the doors to open. At 19:00, Madridistas decked out with all their paraphernalia and signs swarmed through the gates in orderly fashion to fill the Santiago Bernabeu, which took only a matter of minutes.
FIRST STATEMENTS TO CLUB MEDIA
Cristiano Ronaldo held his first interview for the official media outlets of Real Madrid. The Portuguese player said he is “experiencing a spectacular day” and fulfilling “a huge dream. I have said on several occasions that I always intended on playing for Real Madrid. I wanted to be here, at this house, to contribute all that I can to this team.”
Cristiano Ronaldo officially plays for Real Madrid. The Portuguese international signed his contract at 20:00 CET in the Board room of the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez congratulated the player and wished him the best of luck.
Never in the history of any football club had the presentation of a player been so anticipated. Today, over 80,000 fans gathered at the Bernabeu to greet Ronaldo as a Madridista. The player was received with a wild roar. He said a few words and greeted many fans on the stands.
Cristiano Ronaldo gave his first press conference as a Real Madrid player following his presentation. The Portuguese star highlighted that it had always been his dream to play for Real Madrid and that he was overwhelmed by the reception the fans had given him.
Where Are They Now: Chendo
Miguel Porlán Noguera (born 12 October 1961 in Totana, Murcia), nicknamed Chendo, is a former Spanish right -back. He spent his entire professional career with Real Madrid, also being a member of the Spanish national team.
Real Madrid (363 appearances; 3 goals)
Chendo played for Real Madrid from 1982 to 1998, winning seven La Liga titles (1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1995 and 1997), two Spanish Cups (1989 and 1993), one UEFA Champions League (1998) and two UEFA Cups (1985 and 1986).
He arrived in Real Madrid at the age of sixteen, and was part of their junior ranks for five years, having made his debuts for the first team on 11 April 1982, in a 2–1 success at CD Castellón. The following season, he would appear in two further league games.
At the beginning of the 1983-84 season, Juan José dominated the right-back position, starting five out of the first six games; injuries then struck him, after which Chendo was given the starting spot. As Juan José returned to the first team, Chendo returned to the bench, but finished the season again as first-choice, appearing in 26 matches overall.
In his fourth season, Chendo became first-choice, playing in 25 league matches and 11 European competition matches. At the end of the season, Real Madrid won the UEFA Cup against Hungarian club Videoton by an aggregate 3–1 score, though losing the second leg at the Bernabéu 0–1, as well as the Spanish League Cup (4–3 aggregate win over Atlético de Madrid), with Chendo starting both finals. In the league the team finished fifth, 17 points behind FC Barcelona.
For the next eight years, Chendo dominated the right-back position, starting 297 matches out of a possible 320, while an integral part of a squad that collected five straight league titles. From 1992–1995, however, he would only amass 34 league appearances, being only third-choice, losing his place to players like Nando, the reconverted Luis Enrique, Francisco Llorente, Jesús Velasco first, and Quique Sánchez Flores, Carlos Secretário and Christian Panucci from 1995–1998 (although he did appear in 23 league contests in 1995–1996, as Real stumbled to a final sixth place). He served more as a moral support and bench captain (like Manuel Sanchís later), subbing rarely and starting even more rarely.
After Real Madrid lifted its seventh European Cup against Juventus FC, on 20 May 1998 (he did not play), Chendo retired from professional football, aged almost 37. He immediately started working with the club as a match delegate, occupying that position for over a decade.
Spain
Chendo earned 26 caps for the Spanish national football team, and played in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups. His debut came on January 22, 1986, in a friendly match with Soviet Union, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Where Are They Now: John Metgod
Johannes Antonius Bernardus Metgod better known as Johnny Metgod, born on February 27, 1958 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a retired Real Madrid and Dutch association footballer, who is currently a first-team coach at Derby County.
Playing as a defender, Metgod started his professional career in the 1970s playing for HFC Haarlem. Metgod later served AZ’67, Real Madrid, Nottingham Forest F.C. and Tottenham Hotspur F.C.. In the summer of 1988 he moved back to Holland, and played for Feyenoord Rotterdam for six seasons before retirement.
During his career Metgod obtained 21 caps for the Netherlands national football team, scoring four goals. He was noted for his stunning free-kicks, most notably during his spell at Nottingham Forest. His younger brother Edward was also a professional footballer, playing as a goalkeeper.
After retiring Metgod became a coach, working for Excelsior Rotterdam and Feyenoord. On the 11th November 2008, Metgod was appointed first-team coach by Portsmouth, but left the club on 8 February 2009 when manager was sacked. Tony AdamsOn the 21 May 2009, Metgod was appointed as a first-team coach at Derby County.
In all between 1982-84 he made 84 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 8 times.
How fair is it to expect Real to win it all this season?
Morning all,
It has been a tremendous week for Real Madrid. Following Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raúl Albiol is the young French international Karim Benzema who will be at the Bernabéu for the next six-seasons. We have now spent over €200m and that just isn’t the end. Florentino says two more signings are on their way. One of them might just be Franck Ribery who has just done the maximum a player could possibly do to join Real Madrid. And the other hopefully should be a defender. At this point anyone could join Real Madrid. ANYONE. And that is what makes this club so special. At one point we were loaning in mediocre players like Julien Faubert just to give a shot at the title and now its players like Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema who are giving out an SOS for us to go and get ‘em. But are these the players whom we really need to get, if not better, then at least to equal Barcelona’s feat last season? There can be no doubts when it comes to the quality and the temperament of each player we have bought. The likes of Kaka and Ronaldo have done it all. But my question at this juncture is whether their strengths will get added or be nullified in the course of playing time.
The Galacticos, the real ones, didn’t succeed too well when they were overloaded with stars. When that era began it was only Zidane, Figo, Raul and Roberto Carlos and it was then that we won the Ninth title. (Luiz) Ronaldo joined and was crowned the Pichichi in his first season itself. We went only till the last 4 of the Champions league but still we managed to win the league. Hierro and Del Bosque were then sacked and that brought the demise of Real Madrid as a European super power. What Florentino failed to do at that point was get a real good replacement for the hole left by the two. He tried for Ayala and failed so he got players like Walter Samuel and Jonathan Woodgate who failed miserably. He tried out several managers and all of them were poor. The whole fiasco ended with the eventual resignation of Florentino Perez.
This time around he has brought in similar players. Kaka, probably the only person who can be compared with Zidane, then Ronaldo, definitely as good if not better than the great Luis Figo himself and a huge Ronaldo fan in Karim Benzema. We have the real Raul and a potential Roberto Carlos in Marcelo. Well, Marcelo is not bad. The change this time comes in with the signing of young Albiol and the presence of Pepe and Eze G (who was signed last season). This squad is definitely stronger overall than the one we had back then. And the rebuilding is still not over yet. Florentino has planned two more signings for us which means four more players will be sold.
The two upcoming signings will be the most crucial ones but and might just involve our players as a part of the trade. The two major rumors have been Negredo plus cash for Xabi Alonso and Robben and Van der Vaart/Sneijder plus cash for Franck Ribery. Personally, I oppose both the moves. I like Alvaro Negredo a lot and I can see him getting us the goals we need in the league. Also I don’t think we need Xabi Alonso. Arjen Robben though injury prone is just an amazing player. Rafael van der Vaart is just settling down and Wesley Sneijder is just out of form. So I really hope the two players aren’t Ribery and Alonso though Ribery looks sort of inevitable. Florentino wants him, he wants us, well it just has to happen. There are other rumors about the arrivals of Alvaro Arbeloa, Maicon and Ashley Cole as well. Both are cunts. So I’d be against them even if they do join Real. We’ll just have to wait and see.
With Javier Saviola and Jordi Codina already leaving the club the others who are likely to leave are Royston Drenthe (mostly to Fiorentina on loan), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Tottenham, Besiktas, Lyon are all after him), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Milan have him as their backup target), Christoph Metzelder (to Besiktas) and Gabriel Heinze (they said Liverpool but there is nothing concrete on that). Ruben De la Red being ruled out for yet another season might just see lesser number of midfielders being sold.
If Drenthe, Heinze and Metzelder leave as rumored then we will definitely have to strengthen our defense. Ivan Marcano from Racing was a good option, but Villareal have scooped him. We definitely need a reknown left back because I too see Marcelo as a potential left winger and not as a defender though he was brought into the club as one. Miguel Torres is a special player. His crosses for Raul’s goal against Sevilla and Van der Vaart’s goal against Villareal proves that he has a fairly good left foot. He has played on the left even under Capello two seasons back and it all depends on Manu Pellegrini as to whether he would continue to play the Lahm like right-footed left-back role. Center of defense will be a problem in case Metzelder leaves. We’ll be left with two proper center backs till Pepe comes back. And in case someone carries an injury crisis will strike. Gary is good but immediately into the starting line up would be too much of an ask from the young Uruguayan. St.Iker is there. But for the King’s Cup games and other lame ass games we might need a decent keeper. I’ve heard quite a lot about Antonio Adan. So I hope they bring him up through the ranks. Right back won’t be much of a problem. Jack of all trades Lass and Sergio Ramos are there to take care of the position. My only hope is that Sergio Ramos attacks lesser now that we’ve added that much needed flamboyance in attack. To sum it up we still need reinforcements, more so in defence rather than up front. I just hope the ‘two more signings’ Florentino hinted about is fills the holes in our team rather than overloading the already filled ones.
Now coming to the question that I posed initially as to whether it is fair to expect Real to emulate what Barca achieved last season this coming season I would say it is a big NO. No because the team has been shaken right from its foundation. It has been given a new lease of life by getting in players galactic by nature. To expect it to perform tremendously well as though it is an automaton that takes an input has five world class players and gives three trophies as output is simply ridiculous. But expectations will be there. I’ve just listed a few here…
- First a better Champions League story which means going farther than a first knock-out round exit or being throttled in the last 16.
- Next a little more care given to the Copa Del Rey in which we have been one of the poorest sides in Spain. Now that there are better players, players from last season can be given Copa Del Rey duty along with some bright youngsters and I’m they’ll fare well.
- Top two in the league has now become mandatory especially because of the lack of talent present in Spain at the moment except for a maximum of 5 or maybe 6 clubs.
- The icing on the cake would be a double on Barcelona (in which we clobber them 7-0 in one leg and 8-0 in the other) and a massive win at The Riazor (18 years due).
- One of strikers shoul get the Pichichi which I deem would be tough only because we have too many of them and the goals we get will split.
- And finally depending on our defense the Zamora Trophy for St.Iker. Am I expecting too much?
I’m not expecting the team to fulfill all six either. The last three are just something the fans would love to relish whereas the first three are the ones which we really have to look at achieving.
So basically to answer the question asked in the title of this post, I’d say that it is natural to expect such a dream team (on paper at least) to perform but we must understand that though supreme by talent they possess they too are humans and they will definitely take a little to acclimatize to their new home esp when three out of four are players coming in from other leagues. So patience, something that we Madridistas generally lack, is what is required. Florentino has done all that he can to pump in new blood to a team that was suffering severely and left in the dust by the previous office but we cannot expect the recovery to be magical. We will succeed if not now very very soon. Its destiny.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Albiol day
Albiol was born in a small town in Valencia. Rafa Benitez gave him the chance to debut at the age of 18. Valencia loaned Albiol to Getafe the following season in order for the player to gain experience in Spain’s top flight. He suffered a serious car accident that same year and his spleen was removed, forcing him to remain inactive for two months. But Albiol made a full recovery and returned to football. He is now an unquestionable starter for La Roja. His list of accolades includes one La Liga, one Copa del Rey, one UEFA Cup and one European Championship. Now Raul Albiol begins a new chapter of his life. Beginning at 21:00 CET when he is officially unveiled in the Santiago Bernabeu, the tall, fast and strong centre back will be new player of Real Madrid. A long day awaits. A magical day is in store.
After landing at Terminal 2 of Barajas International Airport from his native Valencia, Albiol expressed how happy he was to be in Madrid and how excited he is to become a Madridista. The player, who was joined by his father, wife, brothers and baby daughter, was driven to the Mirasierra Suites Hotel to get a good night’s rest before his big day.
Raul Albiol passes his mandatory physical this morning prior to being unveiled at 21:00 CET tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu. The player was put through several tests including a bio-mechanics exam at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital. According to the Chief of Real Madrid’s Medical Services, “Raul is in phenomenal shape. All the results were satisfactory. He is perfectly fit for whatever the coaching staff asks of him. He can begin preseason training with absolute normality.”
After passing his medical earlier in the day, he went to the Bernabeu and was received by Director General and Presidential Aide Jorge Valdano. Sporting Director Miguel Pardeza and Director of Institutional Relations Emilio Butragueño also welcomed the footballer. Albiol toured the facility and took time out of his hectic schedule to meet several club employees.
Despite waking up early for his medical and with a long day ahead, he has yet to wipe the smile off his face. During his visit to the Santiago Bernabeu, Albiol didn’t miss out on the chance to overlook the pitch from the Presidential Balcony and greet club employees. Even during one of the most intense days of his life, he managed to fit in a visit to Realmadrid.com, where he took particular interest in how the website is produced and all the news being written about him on his special day.
LUNCH AND REST
After and interview with Realmadrid TV and a walk around the Santiago Bernabeu, Raul Albiol sat down for lunch with Jorge Valdano, Miguel Pardeza and his agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon. Following lunch, the center-back will be taken back to Mirasierra Suites Hotel to rest before heading back to the stadium at approximately 19:30 for the start of his presentation rituals.
BACK TO THE STADIUM
Shortly before 20:00, Albiol returned to the Bernabeu to sign his contract and be officially unveiled as a new member of Real Madrid.
Raul Albiol is officially a Real Madrid player. The international defender signed a five-year contract alongside president Florentino Perez. The event took place in the Board Room of the Santiago Bernabeu minutes prior to the player’s official presentation on the turf of the Madridista stadium. Also on hand were President of Honor, Alfredo di Stefano, Jorge Valdano, Miguel Pardeza and several Board members.
Before entering, Raul commented on the four previous times he had entered the visitors’ dressing room. “With Quique, Koeman and twice with Unai. Once for La Liga and the other for the Super Cup,” said Albiol. He never made it while playing for Getafe “because I joined the team for the second half of the season and they had already played here.”
The Santiago Bernabeu hosted its third presentation of the season following that of Manuel Pellegrini and Kaka. This time it was Raul Albiol’s turn. Filled with emotion and taking in the momentous occasion, Albiol made his way through the tunnel and appeared before his new fan base. His speech was cut off several times by raucous fans who had gathered for the event. “I will do everything I can to return the confidence that has been placed in me,” were the first words out of the new Madridista’s mouth.
Raul Albiol was clearly delighted about his signing during his first press conference as a Real Madrid player, during which he said that playing for the Club is a dream come true.
It will be Real or nothing.
Guess who said that? Nope not me. Not any simple Madridista. Its Franck Ribery! YES…
FRANCK RIBERY
Franck Ribery has told Bayern Munich that he wants to leave the club and join Real Madrid. Ribery told L’Equipe:
I have made up my mind, I want to leave. It will be Real or nothing. I am waiting to see how things will evolve. Then, I would like to have a talk with Bayern’s hierarchy.
But Bayern’s general manager Uli Hoeness insists that Ribery’s announcement does not alter their stance. He said:
Franck wants to join Real? That doesn’t change anything to us. Real never did us any concrete proposition. The Real officials wanted to come to Munich, but we told them it was useless and they should save some plane tickets. We don’t need their money, and we will keep Franck come hell or high water.
That SOB. Anyhoo, I don’t have much time on hand right now, so I’ll quickly move on to my next topic. It has officially been announced that Ruben de la Red won’t be a part of next season’s injury because of that injury he sustained last season. The official statement read:
Real Madrid C.F. wishes to announce that Ruben de la Red will not rejoin the first team squad following the rigorous medical exams he has undergone over the last several months. Although the medical reports discourage De la Red from playing sports, Real Madrid C.F. will continue to search for solutions and has offered the player its assistance both personally and professionally speaking.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, according to MARCA, is set to move to Lyon.
Till later,
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Profile: Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema , born 19 December 1987 in Lyon, is a French footballer who plays as a striker who plays for Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais and the French national team.
Born to parents of Algerian-Kabyle descent, Karim grew up with 8 siblings and his father Hafid in the district of Bron. His grandfather, Da Lakehal Benzema, lived in the village of Tighzert, located in the northern town of Beni Djellil in Algeria before migrating to Lyon, where he eventually settled, in the 1950s.
Benzema came through the youth academy at Lyon and has been capped at senior level for France. He played in UEFA Euro 2008 and was the top goalscorer in Ligue 1 for the 2007–08 season, just 3 seasons after making his professional debut. This was also his breakthrough season which saw him earn many awards and a new contract which resulted in him becoming one of the highest-paid footballers in France.
Olympique Lyonnais
Benzema is a product of the Olympique Lyonnais Academy. Before joining Lyon, he trained at local Rhône-Alpes club Bron Terraillon SC in the commune Bron, a suburb of Lyon. His performances with Bron’s juvenile team caught the attention of Lyon scouts and he joined the academy in 1996 at the age of 9. Benzema quickly ascending up the ranks scoring 38 goals in one season with Lyon’s under-16 team and scoring 12 goals in 14 matches with the under-18 team before earning a call up to the senior squad by manager Paul Le Guen.
He made his league debut for Lyon on January 15, 2005, during the 2004–05 season, in a match against Metz coming on as a substitute in the 77th minute. Lyon won the match 2–0 with Benzema providing the assist on the second goal scored by Bryan Bergougnoux. Five days later, he signed his first professional contract agreeing to a three-year deal. Over the next two seasons, his play was limited making a total of 34 appearances and scoring 6 goals, including his first ever against AC Ajaccio in a 3–1 win, as well as his first UEFA Champions League goal against Norwegian club Rosenborg in a 2–1 victory.
For the 2007–08 season, with the likes of Florent Malouda, John Carew, and Sylvain Wiltord all departing the club, Benzema, despite being 19 at the time, switched to the number 10 shirt and was given control of the attack. After forming a special relationship with new manager Alain Perrin, he was given the lead striker role and responded with 31 goals in 51 games. He topped the league with 20 goals, scored four goals in the UEFA Champions League, one in the Coupe de la Ligue, and totaled 6 goals in six Coupe de France matches helping Lyon win their first ever double. Some of his more dazzling performances that season included a hat trick against Metz on 15 September, an equalizing goal in the 90th minute from a free kick against Derby du Rhône rivals Saint-Étienne, and a goal against Lens that was nominated for goal of the season by fans. After receiving the ball on the left wing from Nadir Belhadj, Benzema became engulfed by midfielder Yohan Demont and defender Fabien Laurenti. Rather than being forced to play the ball out of bounds, Benzema performed a backheel nutmeg on Laurenti causing the defender to fall down and allowing Benzema to escaped the double team. Benzema continued through to goal and capped the run by blasting a right-footed shot past the shocked Croat Vedran Runje.
In the Champions League, Benzema scored an important brace against Rangers at Ibrox Park on the last match day of the group stage. The 3–0 victory assured Lyon progression to the knockout rounds. In the knockout rounds, Lyon faced Manchester United and Benzema continued his great form scoring on a blistering left-footed shot in the 54th minute, despite being surrounded by five United players. The match ended in a 1–1 draw and United eventually won the tie 1–2 on aggregate. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and players later praised Benzema for his performance.
On 13 March 2008, Benzema extended his contract with Lyon until 2013 with a one year extension option. After signing his new contract, Benzema became one of the highest paid footballers in France. For his efforts that season, he was named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year, selected to the Team of the Year, and awarded the Trophée du Meilleur Buteur for being the league’s top scorer. He was also shortlisted by the French magazine France Football for the 2008 Ballon d’Or award, won by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Karim got off to a good start for the 2008–09 season scoring a brace in Lyon’s opening league match against Toulouse. The following three weeks, he scored goals against Rhône-Alpes rivals Grenoble and Saint-Étienne and scored a goal against Nice converting a penalty in the dying seconds. Lyon won all three matches. Due to his great start, Olympique Lyonnais president Jean-Michel Aulas quelled the many transfer rumors surrounding Benzema by placing a €100 million price tag on the striker. He was also nominated alongside Franck Ribéry to be featured on the French cover of the video game FIFA 09.
He scored his seventh goal of the league on 29 October scoring in the 2–0 win over Sochaux. Benzema scored again the following weekend, in a 2–0 win over Le Mans. He was among the top scorers in the UEFA Champions League group stage scoring 5 goals, a brace against Steaua Bucureşti, two goals in two matches against Fiorentina, and a goal against the eventual group winners Bayern Munich on the final match day.
Following the winter break, Benzema endured a rough patch going scoreless the first three games before recording his 11th goal of the season against Nice in a 3–1 victory. Two weeks later, he scored his 12th goal against Nancy in a 2–0 victory. The next nine matches, both Benzema and Lyon’s form dwindled losing four matches, drawing three, and winning only two with Benzema scoring only two goals in that stretch, a brace against Le Mans in a 3–1 victory. The bad form resulted in Lyon losing their grip on 1st place position and eventually falling out of the title race, thus ending their streak of seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles. Benzema was a part of four of those title runs.
Despite losing the title, Benzema got back on track scoring his 15th and 16th goals of the season on 17 May in a 3–1 away victory over rivals Marseille, the first goal being a penalty. He scored his 17th goal the following weekend against Caen in a 3–1 victory moving him into third place among Ligue 1 top scorers.
International career
Benzema has earned caps with all of France’s youth teams. In 2004, he was a part of the under-17 squad that won the 2004 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship, their first ever.
Before representing France, Benzema was eligible for Algeria and was called up to the squad by the Fédération Algérienne de Football in December 2006, but turned them down stating:
Algeria is my parents’ country and it is in my heart, but football-wise I will only play for the French national team.
On 28 March 2007, Benzema won his first cap for France against Austria, scoring the only goal in a 1–0 win for France. His next two goals came in one game against the Faroe Islands, who France subsequently beat 6–0.
He was selected to represent France at Euro 2008. France’s Euro 2008 campaign got off to a bad start with a 0–0 draw against Romania and after a muted performance, he was substituted in the second half and played no part in their following game, a 1–4 defeat to the Netherlands. In the last group game, France lost 2-0 to Italy and Benzema featured in the starting lineup. He has now adopted the number ten for France. He scored his last goal for France from the penalty spot against Turkey on 5 June 2009 in a friendly where they won 1–0.
Karim Benzema becomes a Madridista!
Karim Benzema has become the latest player to join the ranks of Crisitiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Raul Albiol at the helm of the Santiago Bernabeu. He was the obvious choice after Floretino and co. missed out on Villa. The player had been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United but it is a known fact that Benzema himself preferred Real Madrid over other clubs in the world.
A statement on Real’s website read:
Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique Lyonnais have reached an agreement for the transfer of Karim Benzema. The player will have his medical examination in the next few days, which will be followed by the signing of the contract with his new club. The 21-year old French international striker will play six seasons for Real Madrid.
The player like the other acquisitions this season will spend the next six seasons at Real and the deal is said to be worth upto 41 million euros.
A statement on Olympique Lyonnais’ official website said:
Lyon announces the agreement with Real Madrid of the transfer of international attacker Karim Benzema for a net minimum value of €35m. It will also be possible to add various no-claims bonuses related to athletic performances, allowing the deal to reach a maximum amount €41m. A few days ago, Karim Benzema informed president Jean Michel Aulas of his wish to join Madrid, which has always been his preference after Lyon, quicker than it was initially considered. The player wished to seize the opportunity that was offered to him by Real, which was to be one of the major elements of the club’s new, ambitious policy built around some of the largest players in the world. Lyon accepted the decision of Karim Benzema and negotiated the conditions of a transfer which satisfy the various elements. The club wishes Karim the greatest success with Real Madrid.
He now becomes the sixth striker in our squad following Raul, Higuain, Huntelaar, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Negredo. This means only one thing. Players will be sold!
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Karim Benzema!
Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Lyon to sign Karim Benzema, according to the player’s agent.
A report on Sky Sports read as follows:
Widespread reports in Spain and France have suggested Real are closing in on the signature of the French international. Benzema’s future has been the subject of intense speculation for the last few weeks, with Manchester United also credited with an interest in the striker. However, it appears Real have won the race for Benzema’s signature after agreeing a deal in the region of €35 million with Lyon. Benzema’s agent, Karim Djaziri, has told French radio that a deal has been agreed between the two clubs and that only personal terms and a medical need to be completed to see the move go through. If Benzema makes the move to El Santiago Bernabeu he will become Los Merengues’ fourth big-money arrival of the summer.
What is happening?!
Can anybody explain the whole thing to me?!!!!
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Rubén de la Red out for the season
Ruben De la Red has been ruled out of the entire 2009/10 season as doctors struggle to explain why he collapsed during a match in October.
The incident occurred during a Copa del Rey clash at Real Union in October, with the 24-year-old only regaining consciousness once he had returned to the dressing room. De la Red missed the rest of the campaign as a precaution and doctors are still unsure what caused the player to fall motionless to the ground.
The incident gained massive attention in Spain following the death of Sevilla’s Antonio Puerta, who collapsed in similar circumstances and died three days later just over a year ago in a league game against Getafe. De la Red revealed that he still harbours hopes of one day returning to the game but at present he has to keep going for checks every two months until doctors discover the extent of the problem.
He told Marca:
What I have doesn’t have a name and as of today there is no concrete answer.
DAMN!!!!!!
Hala Madrid!!
Just another Madridista
Junta speak