Casillas press conference
Iker Casillas offered his first press conference of the preseason since returning from his holiday following the Confederations Cup.
Where you surprised about the news regarding Michel Salgado’s contract being rescinded?
I spoke to him and there is nothing set in stone yet. I am sure Michel wants what is best for him and the club. There is no official confirmation yet by either party, but I am sure that everything will turn out for the best.
Do you think Xabi Alonso is needed here?
Xabi is a teammate and friend. He is a great player and all teams would love to have him. I, however, am not the person responsible for signing him. I am sure many clubs would like to have him, but you must consider that the negotiation process must benefit both clubs and the player.
Do you think all the glitz and glamour that surrounds Cristiano Ronaldo can affect his performance?
He hasn’t been here long, but all the hype is external. He is a very down to earth person and very professional. Just look at his body. The press talks a lot about his nightlife, but I think it is ridiculous. He has worked harder than anyone since arriving and has adapted well.
You said Michel’s departure isn’t definite, but he did not train with the team today.
That may be. He preferred to stay in the gym. Michel doesn’t have to say if he is leaving or not, but he hasn’t confirmed it with the team. The club hasn’t made it official.
Do you think the players who were signed guarantee success next season?
I think so. Florentino Perez has created a competitive team that has gained a lot of respect on the international stage. Many great players were signed including some home-grown footballers to strengthen the squad and to make it more Spanish.
Fernando Torres thinks Spanish players don’t get all the credit they deserve and cost less than others. Do you think Spanish players are still a step below?
I don’t think so. Many of us who won the Euro are playing in La Liga. We broke the barrier that kept us in the backseat. Xavi was the best player of the tournament, Torres was third in the Ballon d’Or… Spanish players are getting more attention now, but in Spain there are clauses that other teams do not accept.
What time frame does this team need to become the Real Madrid that the world wants to see?
We have a month before the season begins. We don’t have another summer competition like the Spanish Super Cup, which allows us to focus on the season and the three titles we have in play. We still have some things to improve such as defending set-pieces. The new players are adjusting well. I think we will see just how good we are by October or November.
Whether he leaves or not, Michel Salgado wrote his own chapter in the history of Real Madrid.
Of course. He must be thanked for everything he did for Real Madrid if he leaves. He has been here for ten years. He has always been a positive player. We have learned a lot from him and he has always put forth his best effort.
Does Ibrahimovic worry you more than Eto’o?
Honestly, I am glad that Eto’o left because he was a nightmare. I wish him all the best because he is a true professional. Ibrahimovic is also a great player and he will help Barcelona try to maintain their dominance.
What is it like having to work alongside so many players that must look for new teams to play for?
It is hard. It is one of the most challenging preseasons I have had because I have seen many teammates leave. Seeing players leave is sad, but you must consider that it is in the players’ best interest. We all want to participate in the World Cup and we know we won’t get a chance to if we do not play. Many must look for a way out to show that they have what it takes. Everyone wants to succeed at Real Madrid and we are a lot of players, but sometimes it just isn’t meant to be.
Xabi Alonso and the Mystery Man Steven Defour
Good morning,
Liverpool have finally confirmed that they are in talks with us over the proposed transfer of a certain Xabi Alonso, with the man involved welcoming the discussions over his future. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez who was initially unwilling to part company with the Spaniard, softened his stance when the former Real Sociedad man handed in a written transfer request.
We have so far been unwilling to meet Liverpool’s asking price for the Euro 2008 winner, which is believed to be in the region of £30million. Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow met with our executive director Jose Angel Sanchez in Barcelona (yeah, Barcelona) on Sunday to discuss Alonso where Liverpool are for a friendly against Espanyol.
Purslow confirmed to Spanish newspaper AS that he had spoken with Sanchez but that no agreement had been reached. He admitted that the meeting had been arranged by Benitez, with everyone at Anfield becoming frustrated with the ongoing press speculation over the possible switch. He said:
This (meeting) has only served to put our positions on the table. We need to continue talking. Rafa arranged this knowing what was coming. It was important that we know. So far, most of what is being said is a lie. We were negotiating through the press. It makes no sense. Now, I have been impressed by Madrid and Jose Angel. They are friends and will remain so.
Meanwhile. Alonso claimed he was unaware of the meeting but added:
It’s reassuring to know that Madrid and Liverpool are talking seriously now. I decided a long time ago to stay on the margin of everything that was happening. My stance has been clear, as you all know. I’m a professional and I must wait for an agreement to be reached, but I hope it is resolved soon, for better or for worse.
Ergo, he wants to come to Madrid. Liverpool want a lot of money. A possible solution should be finding a replacement to the club which does not have Xabi Alonso by the end of this tug of war. Liverpool seemed to have found one in Alberto Aquilani whom Marca claim to be a Liverpool player already. Real though have a certain Steven Defour in mind. The Belgian midfielder who was voted by Belgium as the best player of last season was handed the award by Zizou. This triggered talks about Real looking at him as a possible replacement if we miss out on Xabi Alonso.
Standard Liege’s, the current employers of Defour, chief Dominique D’Onofrio is not surprised to see Steven Defour linked with Real Madrid. D’Onofrio admits he is not shocked by the reports (linking the midfielder to Real and Liverpool) given Defour’s standing as one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in world football. But he insisted Standard will not be selling this summer. D’Onofrio told Het Laatste Nieuws:
We haven’t been contacted, but it won’t surprise me if Steven is mentioned at Real. Zinedine Zidiane is an advisor of Real and he is following Defour since he gave him the Golden Boot (for best player in Belgium). We are very proud Steven is wanted in the market. Defour is ready for a top team, but because of that we won’t let him leave. Defour is part of the backbone of our squad. He is not for sale, we won’t talk about a transfer.
But the 21-year-old, who is reportedly valued at €20 million, insists he has held no talks about a possible move away from the Stade Maurice Dufrasne. Defour said at a press conference:
For now, I have not signed with any club. So it is useless to talk about that now. There is a good relationship with Real, in particular with Zinedine Zidane, who even came here [in April 2008]. But apart from that there is nothing.
When asked about whether he would prefer to join Real or Liverpool, Defour said:
I have no preference. I am just happy that there is interest in me. Standard want to keep me. I feel fine here. Now, if a big club come knocking and want to take me right away. A choice will have to be made, whatever the circumstances… In any case, if I leave Standard, it will be with regret.
A nominee for the rumor of the season.
Moving over to the rumors about Wesley Sneijder’s possible move, the player’s agent has rejected claims that the midfielder is set to sign for Inter Milan. Reports have suggested an agreement has been reached between the two clubs over a summer switch. But Sneijder’s agent, Soren Lerby, has dismissed claims that the Holland international is poised to join Inter. Lerby told La Gazzetta dello Sport:
We have an understanding with Real Madrid that Wesley can’t leave the club. And nothing has changed there.
Pheew! Thats the last thing I wanted. Sneijder has to stay. Period.
That is about it for now.
Till next time,
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
P.S: Aston Villa beat Juve to lift the Peace Cup through penalties. I recommend readers to watch the penalty shootout and especially Alex Del Piero’s penalty. Hahahahaha!
Rafael van der Vaart is leaving
Rafael van der Vaart is expecting to leave Real Madrid after learning he is not in Manuel Pellegrini’s plans for the upcoming season. Having joined Real from Hamburg only last summer he has been deemed surplus to requirements following the big-money arrivals.
Chelsea along with his former clubs Ajax and Hamburg are reportedly keen. Van der Vaart confirmed Pellegrini has told him he will be on the periphery this term and revealed Real want to recoup the 16million euros (£13.5m) paid to Hamburg 12 months ago. He told De Telegraaf:
The coach told me I won’t get much chance to play, so it’s not an option to stay here. Real want to get my transfer fee back. I completely understand that clubs want to wait.
The 26-year-old would be prepared to return to Hamburg and admits his priority is to find a club where he will play regular first-team football. He added:
Of course I am interested in HSV, but it’s not the only option for me. The most important thing is that I will play at a new club.
I will not bluff saying I’m shocked by what has happened. It was expected. Midway through last season itself infact. I would just like to thank Van der Vaart for his services and hope he can become a better player elsewhere. Anyhoo, this isn’t final just like Huntelaar’s future. Lets just hope things will be resolved soon.
In other news there is a strong rumor that Wesley Sneijder is on the verge of a loan move to Inter Milan and the Xabi Alonso saga is still going on. More on that later.
Till then,
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Raul pelle canna delpi + the Dutch exodus
Haha.. Confused you, didn’t I? If not I beg you to forgive me. But hell after making more than 950 posts I can bet that anyone will struggle to give suitable a title for your posts especially when there is not much to talk about. This is one such post. I just wanted to talk about last night’s rodeo against the bulls (I’d say bullocks) from Turin before I headed out to grab a sub and take a nice peaceful walk on the shore.
Anyhoo, getting back on track, both Manu Pellegrini and El Capitan have given their reactions to our first loss of the season. The coach’s reaction can be found here. He says that he is really concerned about the way on which we are defending set pieces. 5 goals conceded this season and all five from set plays. But what he also says is that the team hasn’t worked too hard on it. D’oh! We can see that Manu! When are we ever gonna change?!
If one person knows how to exploit us through set pieces it is Fabio Cannavaro. Hell, he was a part of the god damned tradition of conceding from set pieces for three whole years and I wasn’t surprised when I saw him jump up and grab himself a goal something he couldn’t do for us for three seasons. One other difference I noticed in him was that he was defending his heart out. Well, yeah, once you ditch The old lady for money and you want to get back with her you’ve got to do stuff you’ve never done before. I shant blame him. He had a few words to say after the match as well. Speaking to some random press guy immediately after the game he said:
It’s always good to win in the pre-season. We came up against a great Madrid side, a very strong team. But we will only see them at their best in September, once the pre-season is over.
The ‘Berlin Wall’ then admitted that he did not celebrate his goal in the third minute when he nodded in Alessandro Del Piero’s freekick out of respect for old former team-mates and fans, although he did assure that it was a weird feeling scoring against former club. Bah! He should’ve celebrated. he should’ve piled those clowns in grey and stood on them like he did in once here at Real. It was super funny to see that.
Moving on, Alex Del Piero insists Juve are better than Real. I don’t think we can talk about it. Three out of the last three for them. Patience amigo, patience. Il capitan as the Raul-wannabe is called, told the press:
These are emotions that are always pleasing and you can never get used to them. We did really well and we were organised and compact, giving the impression that we are more of a team than [Real Madrid] are. These are important wins that always give you motivation. We have shown that we can play at the highest level against any team.
I don’t give two hoots about losing right now. I hope we lose all the games we are destined to lose in pre-season itself. Its the real season that matters. If this had been the season in proper I’d have been ranting by now. I just hope things change and for the good.
El Capitan as usual was made to speak to the press in order to pacify the fans as we lost last night. He told AS:
There needs to be calm. We are still absorbing some concepts and some new ideas. It’s a long process, but we are on the right track. There have been noticeable improvements in every game. There’s no doubt that it will be a great year for Madrid.
In Raul we believe. Period.
But what that loss doesn’t have an effect on is the transfer market. Players will be sold. Liverpool will be stupid. And you know the usual rumors will fly around. Both Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart are linked with moves to Inter Milan. The former though is wanted by a host of other top European clubs including Chelsea and Bayern. The player’s representitive, Soren Lerby, has revealed the midfielder could be tempted by a move elsewhere if he believes his first-team opportunites could be under threat in 2009/10.
The Galacticos have built a team which can compete in all the competitions, but you need good players to rotate. So Wesley doesn’t feel out of place because he wants to give everything for them. At the same time a big player needs to play regularly and that may not happen at the Bernabeu. If Wesley was to leave Spain he would only do it for one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
All this only means Sneijder needs more allowance which I am sure will be taken care of. On the other hand Rafael van der Vaart who surprisingly was left out of the Peace Cup squad (which only meant his services have been deemed unnecessary) is on the verge of a loan move to Inter with an option to sign him for 5m euros come end of the spell. Thats less than half of what we spent on him.
The other Dutch player leaving is Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Ajax, Arsenal and Tottenham are interested in him. There are rumors that he could be a part of the Xabi deal but Rafa insists that he is not interested in any of our players and is thus demanding 40m euros for the Basque. We on the other hand are only willing to spend 25m.
Thats about it for the day. I’m running out of stuff to type and I’m growing hungry by the second.
Cheers,
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Just a confirmation…
Gabriel Heinze has officially left the club. The statement on the club’s website read:
Real Madrid and Marseille have reached an agreement for the transfer of Gabriel Ivan Heinze to the French club.
The 31-year-old will sign a three-year deal with l’OM, but the transfer fee remains undisclosed. Heinze, who was already in Marseille to complete his medicals and contract signing before the formal confirmation was released, said during his presentation:
The club’s sports project convinced me and from there, the negotiations were concluded quickly. The objective is clear and that’s why I am here. All the great clubs are always fighting for titles and that is what I will work for.
He then revealed that his decision to leave the Santiago Bernabeu was his choice, and not solely because he didn’t fit into the plans of coach, Manuel Pellegrini.
I’ve enjoyed two tremendous seasons at the club, but the life of a footballer is such. We are made to change clubs. I am proud to be here and I will give everything I have.
Good. Now over to the Xabi Alonso thingy.
Xabi Alonso is due to fly back to Spain with Liverpool on Saturday as the negotiations over his possible transfer drag on. Liverpool are playing in a friendly against Espanyol on Sunday to open the club’s new stadium and at the moment Alonso is expected to be in the travelling party.
A final decision is likely to be taken after the squad have trained on Saturday morning ahead of an afternoon flight.
Alonso is known to want to make his Madrid debut in his home town of San Sebastian on August 15, when the we play in Real Sociedad’s centenary match. Alonso started his career with the Basque club.
So I shall keep you guys posted.
Till then,
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Juventus 2-1 Real Madrid
A clash between Real Madrid and Juventus can never be too friendly. There’s always more than victory at stake, even in a summer tournament. Quality and spectacle are assured. That’s exactly what fans got out of the clash between both sides at the Sanchez Pizjuan tonight. Real Madrid’s excellent offensive style met with Juventus’ strong defence and counter-attacks. Cristiano Ronaldo, Cannavaro and Salihamidzic scored the evening’s goals.
Both teams were somewhat imprecise at the start of the match and Juventus got a head start with an early goal from Fabio Cannavaro on the 3-minute mark. The Italian headed in a free-kick served by Del Piero. Real Madrid had no choice but to attack and Benzema stepped up by running down the right wing and serving a cross that Ronaldo hammered into Buffon (4′).
The Whites were organised in attack and serious in defence while trying to score their first strike. Benzema started a triungulation between Granero and Cristiano that failed to go through the Italian defence (7′). Metzelder came close to scoring from a lob by Granero (18′), who later passed the ball to Raul as the captain ran between the defensive lines. The striker turned on the ball and shot on target, but Buffon cleared it and a corner kick was awarded (21′). Juventus worked hard to defend themselves and tried to net a second strike in counterattacks, one of which had a near-tragic end for the Whites until Metzelder cleared the ball on the goal-line (24′).
The best of Real Madrid’s game in the first half were the combinations between Ronaldo, Raul, Benzema and Granero, and they paid off. Cristiano passed the ball to Raul inside the box after battling with Cannavaro. The captain was tackled and a penalty was awarded. Ronaldo stepped up and scored the equaliser on the 40-minute mark.
At the start of the second half, Salihamidzic headed a corner kick from Del Piero into the back of the net, giving his team the lead again (49′). Real Madrid didn’t give up. Cristiano Ronaldo reached the box and served the ball to Raul, but the captain’s shot hit the post (50′). The Whites dominated the match, but their chances on goal found no reward. Their game started to take place in midfield for the most part due to the exhaustion of playing so many games this early in the preseason. Benzema came close to scoring the qualiser with two powerful shots from outside the box, but they were both off target.
Despite the defeat, Real Madrid can draw positive conclusions from their performance tonight. The team looks ready for greater challenges despite the little time it has had to work on its new style.
Lineups:
Real Madrid: Dudek, Torres, Pepe, Metzelder, Drenthe, Guti (Gago 79’), Lass, Granero, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul (Negredo 71′), Benzema (Higuain, 71′);
Juventus: Buffon, Chiellini, Cannavaro (Legrottaglie 45′), Grygera, Felipe Melo (Marrone 71′), Salihamidzic, Amauri, Camoranesi, Giovinco (Zanetti 61′), Tiago Mendes, Del Piero (Iaquinta 68′);
Goals:
Venue: Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium (Seville).
Attendance: 23,000.
Referee: Stephan Johannesson (Sweden), Alon Yefet (ISR).
Booked: Melo, Salihahamidzic, Camoranesi, Grygera, Amauri, Granero, Drenthe;
Notes: Peace Cup semifinal. A one minute silence was held in memory of the victims of the terrorist attack in Palma de Mallorca.
Just another Madridista
Post-match comments
Despite the defeat against Juventus, Manuel Pellegrini was happy with his team’s peformance. Guti never likes to lose and was disappointed with the defeat, but he nevertheless believes the team played well and gave signs of improvement. Esteban Granero was one of Real Madrid’s best men against Juventus.
Pellegrini:
Guti:
Granero:
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August 1, 2009 | Categories: Peace Cup 2009, Post-match Comments | Tags: Esteban Granero, José María Gutiérrez 'Guti', Juventus FC, Manuel Pellegrini, Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán | Leave A Comment »