Real Madrid vs Olympique Marseille | UEFA Champions League | Group Stages | Preview
The Champions League makes its way back to the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday for Real Madrid’s home opener against Olympique de Marseille.
After a 216 day hiatus, the anthem of the Champions League will resonate throughout the Santiago Bernabeu once again. Following their drubbing against Zurich in Week 1, Real Madrid seek their first of three possible home victories to take over the driver’s seat en route to the Last 16. Tonight’s opponent is none other than Olympique de Marseille.
The Whites have won their six matches played to date and have all the momentum as leaders of La Liga and Group C of the UCL. The offense has ravaged opponents with 16 goals and the suffocating defense has conceded just four. Manuel Pellegrini is without the services of Lass Diarra, who has a hurt right shoulder, Van Nistelrooy, Metzelder and Arbeloa.
Olympique de Marseille come to town with a revamped team. Players of the likes of Djibril Cisse and Wiltord are no longer around and have been replaced by the former Madridistas Fernando Morientes and Gabriel Heinze. The team sits third in the Ligue 1 table with 14 points and it lost its first Champions League match on its home turf against AC Milan. Their physical prowess and speed ensure that tonight’s showdown will be a difficult test for Real Madrid.
Morientes, Deschamps and Heinze press conference
Gabriel Heinze and Fernando Morientes returned to the Santiago Bernabeu with their new team and sat down with the press alongside their coach Didier Deschamps.
What does it mean to you to play once again at your former stadium?
Heinze: It’s a joy because we had great moments here. The best thing is to be again with the people you spent so much time with. And when we play at the stadium many memories will come to our minds, but we’ll stay focused on the match.
Morientes: I already know that feeling. I’ve gone through all those moments in the past and it’s still something special, but it’s no more than an anecdote.
Do you know how to put an end to Real Madrid’s starting run?
Deschamps: It’s always difficult to play here. Real Madrid is a very strong side, with great players and much talent. They score easily and it will be paramount to defend well amongst other things because we won’t have any chances otherwise. We have to be focused because any error against these players can cost you dearly.
Do you feel any resentment despite being a special moment?
H: Not at all. I don’t have any reasons for that. I’ll just remember the good moments at the Club.
What do you think about Benzema’s start to the season?
D: He’s a young quality player. He’ll get even better at Real Madrid. He’s very skilful in front of the opponent’s goal and he’s got everything a striker needs. He has had a brilliant start.
Years go by and Raul keeps being a starter…
M: I’m not objective, but he’s been a top-class player for many years and he has proved that he belongs to this team and that he can help it a lot. He keeps adding his charisma, quality and talent. He makes things easier for the coach.
Pellegrini press conference
Manuel Pellegrini took questions from the press on Tuesday with Real Madrid’s match against Olympique looming on the horizon.
Lass and Guti didn’t train with the team.
Lass isn’t on the squad list because he has a shoulder injury. Guti and Ramos are, but we need to see if they will be okay to play.
Does Lass’ absence change your plans?
Our plans are always affected by an injured player. We don’t have Arbeloa for our right back spot and we don’t know where Ramos stands. We have faith but we still need to see what we do tomorrow.
What do you know about Olympique?
Everything. We watched their matches against Milan, Girondine and Valenciennes. We are familiar with their players and the kind of football they play.
Do your men in attack have the freedom to put on their moves?
There are several factors to take into account. They don’t use predetermined moves, which is what has allowed us to score so many goals.
Are you at all worried that your rotation policy might interfere with equal playing time for all? Right now for example, Benezema would play less than Raul, who is ten years his senior.
Rotations aren’t a fairness problem. They are done based on performance, minutes played, the opponent. We also decided based on the two and a half ours of training each day. You cannot determine what the final numbers at season’s end will be by using rotations.
Benzema press conference
More than 20 cameras and ten photographers filled the press room at Real Madrid City on Tuesday for the press conference offered by Karim Benzema, whose main topic of discussion was tomorrow’s Champions League match against Olympique Marseille.
What do you think of Olympique Marseille?
They are a great team. The qualify to play in the Champions League every year. We know they have good players and that they’ve made new signings. Marseille are a physical team with potential, so I’m sure the game will be tough.
Olympique Marseille fans have a bad reputation in Spain. Do you think they’ll behave as they did against Atletico Madrid?
We haven’t talked about their fans at all. They will come here to support their team. I think they are a fanbase like any other.
What solution can the team come up with to make the best out of your movements and potential?
We have four great attacking players on the pitch and we sometimes come together, but there’s no problem. We win our games and the coach tells us what we have to do.
You scored two goals against Tenerife. Doesn’t the rotation system affect you?
I am very happy with those goals. We played a good game, but the coach decides who plays. I don’t know who’ll make the lineup tomorrow.
You’ve been in Spain for three months. How do you feel?
I feel great when I play next to amazing footballers. I hope to do well tomorrow. I feel comfortable and at ease here.
Real Madrid’s eight new signings
Twenty-four hours before making their Champions League debuts in the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid’s eight new signings climbed to the top of the Torre Europa in Madrid for an incredible view of the stadium. Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Ezequiel Garay got together to comment on what will be their first Champions League experience at the Bernabeu as Real Madrid players. Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, Raul Albiol and Esteban Granero are excited about the start of the Champions League in Madrid.
Kaka
I am proud to be part of this team. We want to win and make Real Madrid history, but we must take things slowly and calmly. It isn’t easy to win the Champions League. People are talking about it as if we had already won it; the team stll has to grow and improve on many things. We dream about playing the final at our stadium.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The fans’ euphoria concerning the new project is normal, but just as Kaka has said, we have to take things slowly and focus on each match at a time. We want to win, but success doesn’t come from one day to the next. We have to remain calm and build a proper team. I think we have chances to win, but we must take things slowly and work hard. That’s what’s most important.
Benzema
I know we can win. Football is full of surprises, but we want this title. The trophy means a lot to us. It will be tough, but we have a great team. We have everything a team needs to win the title. We will do our best to win because this is a very prestigious and important title for this great club.
Garay
It is a great challenge for me to play in this competition with Real Madrid. It is an incentive for me to play for a team with such prestige in Europe. I think we are all motivated because the final will be held at this stadium. We hope to star in the final.
Pepe to Marca
Pepe has found his smile again after being sidelined due to suspension for more than 150 days. In an interview with Marca, the Portuguese international discusses what he learned over that time period and how the season is shaping up.
The team feels good and is excited about our prospects. We just have to do our thing. We didn’t play very well in the first half of the Tenerife match, but we have the talent and the good football will come. Meanwhile, it is important to continue winning.
We know we can improve, but we’re on the right track. The coach is making a lot of changes, but rotations are necessary so that the team always performs its best. It is good that we all know that we will have our chance. Any player who is benched isn’t very worried because he knows he is still needed. Pellegrini counts on everyone, which increases the competitive nature between us all.
What I did was wrong, but I served my suspension and all I want to do now is work hard and help my team. I was happy to return and am now eager to do my very best. My friends and family gave me their full support. They know what kind of guy I am and I am grateful. I know I have a lot to learn, but I have apologized for what I did.
Madrid has the right balance now and things are going well from a defensive standpoint. It proves that we are competitive on both ends of the pitch, which is important if we are to win titles.
I like to play with Albiol because he is aggressive at cutting off the ball. He knows where to position himself, which is crucial here. Garay and Metzelder are also great players who have what it takes to play here.
Cristiano and Kaka came from teams similar to Real Madrid. Everything in Madrid was new and grandiose to me. I didn’t hesitate one second when it came to signing for Madrid, but it was a huge change. My agent told me, “Pepe, I have a lot of faith in you, but Real is the worst team for center backs.” But I wanted to come because I knew I would do well here and that I would end Real Madrid’s defensive curse, and I am happy that I did.
Ronaldo is a spectacular player who is capable of incredible things. He is anxious to do well and to help the team.
Higuain press conference
Maradona has called-up Higuain for the first time. The Argentinean forward declared feeling proud of it but will remain focused on Real Madrid until his debut with the national team.
You’re not upset despite not enjoying many minutes of play. However, Cristiano doesn’t look very happy whenever he is substituted.
I take those things easy. Any player likes to play, but there’s no need to be upset.
How are you feeling?
I’m fine. I’m working as hard as any other member of the squad. I sense the coach and the team have confidence in me, so I have to keep on working hard to be able to play games.
You’ve finally been called-up by Argentina.
I’m very happy. Right now I’m focused on Real Madrid games and then I’ll think about my national team. I am very proud. I’ve worked very hard to get there.
Real Madrid showcase tremendous fire power but their level of play isn’t convincing. Why?
There are many new players, so it’s just a matter of time. The best thing is that we’re scoring many goals and that we aren’t conceding any. The rest will come in due time. This team has enough quality to showcase good football.
They say Florentino Perez has received a letter from a warlock.
I don’t believe in witches, so I’m not scared.
Pellegrini to uefa.com
Manuel Pellegrini has made a terrific start as Real Madrid CF coach. Los Merengues sit joint top of the Spanish Liga after five victories and kicked off their UEFA Champions League campaign with a 5-2 win at FC Zürich. As the 56-year-old Chilean is the first to admit, though, what matters most is how his star-studded side finish the season; and with the UEFA Champions League final being played at the Santiago Bernabéu, where they welcome Olympique de Marseille on Wednesday, there is one particular goal in mind.
uefa.com: Is winning the UEFA Champions League your main objective?
Manuel Pellegrini: Yes, because it would be Real Madrid’s tenth European Cup and also the final will be played at our stadium. We have put together a formidable squad to try to achieve this.
uefa.com: Are you encouraged by results so far?
Pellegrini: Of course. It has been too long since Madrid had a proper run in the Champions League. There is a weight of expectation because the club are favourites and have won it so many times. Even more so this year with the final at the Bernabéu. For Madrid to win the cup for a tenth time and at our own stadium is a great challenge, and we are all optimistic.
uefa.com: How strong is your UEFA Champions League group given it features three former European champions in yourselves, Marseille and AC Milan?
Pellegrini: They are great teams who believe they can win the Champions League. But whether you are talking about Zürich or Barcelona, you have to treat opponents with the same respect.
uefa.com: Madrid have not reached the quarter-finals since 2003/04. Why do you think that is?
Pellegrini: It is not something I can talk about because I wasn’t around then. What interests me is how Madrid do this year. A club like ours should not be losing in the first knockout round of the Champions League.
uefa.com: Would it be a failure not to get to the final?
Pellegrini: I never put myself in negative situations unless they happen. If we don’t achieve our aim, and hopefully that won’t happen, we’ll evaluate whether it was failure or bad luck, but we believe we are capable of reaching this final.
Tenerife B 2-2 Real Madrid Castilla
Castilla were unable to return to Madrid with three points in tow on Sunday. The Whites had their best first half yet and took an early 0-2 lead in Tenerife thanks to Samu and Vazquez, but after halftime the referee called a penalty on the latter and later sent Gary off. With time winding down, Tenerife earned another penalty and scored the equaliser.
MATCH SUMMARY:
Tenerife B: Toño Ramirez; Jeses, Hernandez, Alexis, Rsoquete, Julio de Dios, Juan Ramon, Airam, German, Yisomar, Guayo.
Real Madrid Castilla: Adan; Gary, Juanan, Luis Hernandez, Marcos Alonso; Mateos, Mosquera, Vazquez (Marcos Tabar, 54’), Raul Ruiz (Juanfran, 53’); Samu, Szalai (Ruben Ramos, 63’)
Goals:
0-1 Samu (2’)
0-2 Vazquez (42’)
1-2 Airam (62’)
2-2 Airam (86’)
Notes: Week 6 of Segunda Division B Group II
Played at: Centro Insular de Atletismo
Referee: Mr. Simon del Pino
Casillas to AS
Iker Casillas granted an interview to Spanish newspaper AS to discuss the team’s progress and his new cohorts.
Are there only two teams in the running for the league title?
No, I don’t think so. We have won all our matches, but both teams will have their rough spots. We need to keep our feet on the ground because we have tough matches coming up.
Will it be hard for either side to drop points?
It will be our problem if we lose a match. The team is getting stronger on both offense and defense. We always have a chance of winning with the players we had last year and the incorporation of the likes of Kaka, Cristiano and Benzema, but we will lose one day.
What phase is the team in now?
In the gelling stage. But there is never time at Real Madrid and every day there is an aspect that receives criticism. The players must get to know one another. Kaka and Cristiano are good, but we need to figure out how they want the ball, how they pass it… It happens to me, too. I have to know if I need to be fast in giving it to a player, if it needs to be a short or long pass… It all comes together as we play more matches.
Has the defense improved?
It is too early to say, but we are defending well. We have had trouble against set-pieces, but that was just a bad patch and we are doing better. We are working on becoming a more compact team. The goal is for all of us to participate in attack and defense.
How does Pepe’s return impact the team?
He is an important player and we are happy that he is back. He went through a tough time having to always hear about it, but he overcame the situation well.
Casillas, Zamora and Cristiano, Pichichi. Is it possible?
I hope so. It would be a great sign. It would mean that we had a great season and that we got to the end with a chance to win La Liga. I don’t want to talk about objectives, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that I have high hopes for this season.
Valdano to AS
Director General and Presidential Aide Jorge Valdano analysed the Club’s run in an interview with AS. He talked about the team’s solid defence, Ronaldo’s good start and the toughness of the Spanish league.
The league tournament seems to be a fight between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Is that duality dangerous for the competition?
The season has just started and it’s a bit rash to be so confident. Both teams have powerful squads and they are bound to be on the spotlight, but it’s a mistake to leave Sevilla, Valencia or even Atletico Madrid out. They can climb the table at any moment.
According to betting houses, by Week 20 there will be a big gap between both teams and the rest of the table.
We’ll have to wait and see. It’s true that Real Madrid has invested €250 million in signings and Barcelona 100. That makes it normal to be topping the table, but that tendency comes from previous campaigns too. We must be respectful towards other teams because any of the bottom half sides can overtake you at their home.
Another duality in La Liga is Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.
Messi means to Barcelona what Cristiano means to Real Madrid. They are two players with tremendous potential to unbalance any situation. They are decisive players.
The Ballon d’Or voting is coming to a close. What do you think the outcome will be?
They are two first-class players who play in a league of their own, but they have different styles. Messi dribbles with the ball stuck to his foot, knows how to finish the one-to-ones and shoots very well with his left foot. Cristiano is fast, powerful, controls the ball well in speed, is consistent throughout the game and heads the ball better than any other forward in the world.
Do you think the Portuguese star can win the award?
He deserves it, but traditionally the Ballon d’Or is awarded for what you do until July and I don’t think that will change. Messi conquered every title.
Real Madrid have won all six games played so far showcasing stunning fire power. No team in Europe has their numbers.
The team has more to offer than fire power. We deserved to win every game without exception and we only won by one-goal difference against Deportivo. Casillas hasn’t been the hero of the day in any game, something which used to happen in the previous seasons. That means the defensive line has played perfectly well. But we still think too much when in control of the ball and we need to combine faster. The coach is working on that and we’ll soon see progress made. Meanwhile, the team counterbalances the flaws with hard work, which explains the rotation controversy.
Random + Misc
Buenos dias,
I hate Sundays. They might be holidays but they always seem to precede a Monday and even though I get the day off I still hate the feeling I get on a Monday morning. It just turns me off. Once a great man said…
After Monday and Tuesday, the week itself says WTF.
And he was right I should say. If it wasn’t for mid-week matches it would have been really tough to survive through the week which is why I hate the international breaks and even the winter break. Enough of the small talk lets get straight to the point. This post has nothing major in it. So if you’ve got anything better to do then you better move on. Others can have a read. I am sure it will be worth their while.
Tenerife defender Marc Bertran is set to miss the next four months after suffering a broken ankle at the Bernabeu on Saturday, according to Marca. Ten minutes before the half-time Bertran was involved in a challenge our very own R.R. Drenthe, who made a two footed chalenge on Bertran’s ankle because of which he had to be stretchered off. Scans revealed on Sunday that he had suffered a small fracture in his right tibia and the medical report suggested that the right-back will be out of action for between three and four months. Dear ol’ Drenthe.
Update: The Dutch defender phoned the Tenerife player to apologize for the unintentional foul.
It was an incident that can happen in this sport, but it is also the worst thing that can happen. I did not do it on purpose and it was completely unintentional. I respect Bertran and I am sorry to see him out of action for three months. I spoke to him and he was pleased to receive my call. He told me he spoke to the doctor, who said he would be sidelined for about three months. I know he is strong and eager to return to the pitch.
You always feel bad when it happens, which is why I wanted to apologize to him. He has my full support. I would expect the same from anyone else if it happened to me.
Karim Benzema has been talking. After his brace against Tenerife he now hopes to continue this form not only with Real but also with Les Bleus. Benzema is quoted as saying by Marca:
I have no problem with him [Domenech] but someone should ask him if he has a problem with me. At Real Madrid everything is going well but with the national team it is not. They do strange things with me. All I want to do is play and do well for my country, but they don’t let me.
I am very disappointed with what is happening. I know I am young and must work to improve but I need opportunities. To travel and play is useless. I cannot be expected to change a game, like Romania, playing just five minutes. I need time and trust on the filed and I know I can start performing for Les Bleus the way I do for my club.
And Robert Pires thinks that with Manuel Pellegrini’s guidance this will be an easy task.
A post dominated by managers for once
Morning all,
It was a weird match last night. We did not dominate. We did not have too many chances. We were not unlucky. But still we managed a 3-0 win and a headlines like “Benzema and Kaka seal the deal for Real Madrid” or “Benz drives home three points” or even “Barca watch out!”. Hell people, this Real Madrid is still under construction or should I say renovation. Buying all the players that we did was like buying the materials needed for the house and not building a house itself. It is very clear. We are improving, bit by bit. And come November 29, 2009, we will be ready to kick Catalan arse.
Fabio Capello agrees with me atleast with most of what I had to say.
Tenerife were good. They played good, well alright, decent football and the scoreline was a little harsh. But the goals they let in were stupid and hence they deserved to lose. You just cannot gift Real Madrid such chances even if it is Kaka, Benzema and Ronaldo whom you are up against. Tenerife coach Jose Luis Oltra agrees with me. He was unhappy after seeing his side lose 3-0 to Real Madrid. But he went one step ahead of me by believing the scoreline did not accurately reflect the game. Speaking to Marca, Oltra said:
In the first half we gave a great image, of an organised team that can create chances. We were comfortable, but the early goal in the second half had a negative affect. I am disappointed by the first tow goals; the first was from a set piece, and the second was careless. We could not take our chances, either through poor finishing or because of Casillas. The result is unjust given our performance.
Ah, St.Iker. Was he blasphemous or what? We would have definitely conceded if it had been Victor Valdes or even that Jose Ponytail guy. Anyhoo, Oltran then talked about the differences in the two squads, continuing:
Goals are bought, and for that we must have Valdano’s money. We are finding it hard to score away from home. When the chances find the net, we will be more competitive. Losing 3-0 at the Bernabeu is different to anything else. I do not believe in useful defeats, but we gave a good account of ourselves, and must keep improving.
Cheap shot man. Especially the money part. If you guys don’t have it then just shut your mouth. And firstly its Perez’s money, not Valdano’s. Cunt!
Pellegrini post-match comments
Manuel Pellegrini was proud of his men’s performance.
Cristiano and Granero seemed annoyed about being replaced…
It’s not important. No player in the world likes to be replaced. The coach has to decide what’s best for the team and the players must comply. It isn’t a problem.
Why was there such a difference between both parts of the game? Was it because of the changes you made?
The first half was very bad in general and the substitutions naturally helped. Kaka and Guti are playing very well and it seemed logical that the team would score with them. We are playing too many consecutive games and we know Kaka influences our performances heavily, but we tried to resolve the match without him because we have a Champions League clash on Wednesday.
Is the Lass-Xabi Alonso pairing necessary? The team played better with Alonso on his own in that position…
There are many ways of playing a game; it all depends on the clash itself. It has nothing to do with individual players.
The fans seem to think the team’s game should be better…
The team is still working on many aspects of the game. We are improving on many of them. We’ve scored 16 goals so far, more than three on average per clash. We are also the least scored-upon team. We have to improve on several things, but I think we are on the right track regarding others.
Post-match comments
Director General and Presidential Aide Jorge Valdano analysed the clash with Tenerife on RealmadridTV. Sergio Ramos strained his left hamstring muscles in the match against Tenerife. Pepe was extremely happy with his return in La Liga. Karim Benzema scored two goals against Tenerife and Xabi Alonso made his return after missing a few games due to an injury. Both men were delighted with the victory. Kaka was delighted about scoring his first goal at the Bernabeu against Tenerife.
Jorge Valdano:
We continue to defend well despite certain uncertainty we felt against Tenerife. The team is gradually coming together. We should be happy and optimistic because we’ve won all of our games so far, and we’ve played three in the last week. The team dribbles the ball well and the players have been playing together now for some time. You can tell they understand each other. We lost control of the game in the first half because of the exhaustion felt after so many consecutive clashes.
Iker Casillas has saved many chances. He had hardly had a chance to do much until tonight, which is a shame because he is the best goalkeeper in the world. Kaka is an unusual player that boosts the team’s quality. He makes it easier for us to score. Benzema has scored three goals in five games and his strikes against Tenerife deserve praise. They are typical of consolidated strikers and he is just 20 years old. He will surely make the fans very happy.
Our next opponents are Olympique Marseille and Sevilla. Both games will be complicated and we will be even more concentrated in them. We will try to make progress.
Sergio Ramos:
My injury isn’t very serious, but we have to be cautious. I missed most of the preseason, which makes it harder for me to catch up to the rest of the team’s pace. I have to take it easy after two games in order to be in optimum form for the Champions League match.
This was my second game. I was very happy to come back against Xerez. I am very happy about the new project and the fans prove their excitement and show their affection in every game.
It’s too soon to celebrate anything in La Liga because there are many games left, but we’ve had a phenomenal start, scoring many goals and conceding none. We will continue to improve and we’ll try to break records.
Real Madrid 3-0 Tenerife
Fifth consecutive victory for the Whites in La Liga this evening by defeating Tenerife 3-0 at the Bernabeu. Benzema (2) and Kaka were the goal-scorers. Tenerfe fought hard and proved they may be an important side this year.
Manuel Pellegrini applied his rotation system again and benched Kaka in favour of Granero, given that the Brazilian was the only player who had been a starter in all of the team’s previous games. Pepe returned to the starting lineup in La Liga after a ten-match suspension. Alonso also made his return after recovering from his recent injury.
Tenerife looked to keep possession from the start and tried to thwart the Whites’ game. The locals found it hard to connect amongst each other in the first half despite Granero and Ronaldo’s frequent ventures in attack. Drenthe had the first chance on goal with a hard shot from outside the box on the 2-minute mark. On the other hand, Tenerife grew increasingly dangerous and had several chances on Casillas’ goal.
The visiting side always looked for striker Nino to finish off their plays, but they never managed to surprise pepe and Albiol in defence. Real Madrid began to prove dangerous half an hour into the game, when Cristiano shot on target from one of the far corners of the box. His shot was cleared by the keeper and Raul failed to finish off the play (27’). Benzema had a great run down the left wing and shot on goal, but the ball was cleared by the keeper.
Pellegrini made some changes that benefitted the team’s game after half-time; Kaka and Guti came on for Granero and Ramos, respectively. One minute into the second half, Xabi Alonso crossed the ball to the far post and Benzema managed to score with an angled shot (46’). The Whites began to feel comfortable on the pitch and put a siege on Tenerife’s goal. Ronaldo picked the ball in his team’s half of the pitch and ran towards the goal, dribbling past several players along the way. His incredible shot was miraculously cleared by Aragoneses (55’), but the crowd was thrilled and gave the Portuguese star a standing ovation. Benzema scored the second goal of the evening after controlling a long pass from Drenthe inside the box (57’).
Tenerife never gave up and even managed to surprise Casillas every once in a while. Omar nearly scored after dribbling past Lass, but the ball hit the far post (65’). With twelve minutes to go, Kaka sentenced the match with an incredible strike from outside the box (77’).
Real Madrid vs Tenerife | Spanish Primera Division | Round 5 | Preview
Tenerife will play at the Bernabeu for the first time in eight years tonight. Real Madrid currently hold the co-leadership in La Liga with Barcelona. Pepe’s suspension is now officially over and he will be able to play the match. Xabi Alonso has recovered from his injury and has also been called-up.
Manuel Pellegrini will look to continue improving his team’s game and to keep his squad motivated. His rotation system is paying off with excellent results both in attack and in defence (the team has only conceded two goals in four games in La Liga). Real Madrid and Chelsea are the only two European teams that have so far won all their league and Champions League games this season.
Pepe will make his debut in La Liga this campaign after a 10-match suspension. Xabi Alonso has recovered from his injury and has also made the squad list.
Sergio Ramos may go back to playing as a right back, as Pepe may take his spot in the centre of defence. Albiol and Marcelo will probably play with them in defence. Lass and Alonso may pair up in midfield with Granero up front (the academy player could replace Kaka, who is the only player not to have entered in the rotations yet). Ronaldo, Raul and Benzema will surely form the attacking front.
Tenerife have failed to score away from home this season, but they want to pull off a surprise performance at the Bernabeu. They sit comfortably on the table thanks to their two home victories.
Marc Beltran and Ezequiel Luna return after their suspension last week, but the injured Ricardo Leon and Juanlu Hens will miss the clash. Their starting lineup could be as follows: Aragoneses; Bertran, Luna, Manolo Martinez, Carlos Bellvis; Alejandro Alfaro, Richi, Roman Martinez; Nino and Kome.
Pellegrini press conference
Manuel Pellegrini took the hot seat at the Santiago Bernabeu following the last training session of the week prior to Tenerife’s visit to the Spanish capital.
A lot has been said about your offensive prowess, but the team has also conceded the fewest goals.
It is important that we have balance. We try to keep the ball as far away from our goal as possible by pressuring. We have improved on defense, which allows us to recover the ball closer to the opponent’s box.
Several Villarreal players complained about Cristiano Ronaldo showing off during the late stages of the match. What are your thoughts?
He always plays with cheerful spirit and I don’t think he doesn’t it with bad intentions.
Is Xabi Alonso fit to play?
Xabi has been called up. The Villarreal match would have been too soon, but in the next 24 hours we will decide if he is okay to start or to just come in as a substitute.
There is a big disparity between budgets. Is this the season with the largest difference in talent?
I think there is disparity in every league, but just because you have large budgets doesn’t mean you win titles. Villarreal finished second a few years ago behind Barcelona, for example. There is always a way to build a good team no matter the size of the club.
Are you surprised that the team is criticized for the way it plays?
I am not because we always strive for excellence. The critiques aren’t always the same and I am the first to criticize our own performance. The team can improve and we working on doing just that. Many thought we would have already had some trouble but the team has responded well. We know what our goals are and how to accomplish them.
Within your rotation policy, you are playing differently at home than you are away. Are you going to maintain such policy?
We have played with similar teams at home and away. There are factors that come into play. There is nothing that is preconceived. We determine what the best formation is for each match.
And finally he gets a call up…
Argentina National coach Diego Maradona bolstered his squad ahead of two key World Cup qualifiers next month against Peru on October 10 and Uruguay four days later (to end their South American zone qualification campaign) as they need two wins to have a chance of getting their ticket to South Africa 2010.
The side which had quite a few star names on it had only one highlight: Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid)
Yes. Finally our man gets a call. This only means Higuain wouldn’t be training at the Valdabebas when all our other stars are out serving their nation. Among those left out are Javier Zanetti, Fernando Gago and Jesus Datolo, all of them starters in the last game against Paraguay. This only means Gago would be training at the Valdabebas when all our other stars are out serving their nation. For the way he has been playing this season, he deserves nothing less. If anyone is to be treated like Van der Vaart then it is Fernando Gago.
Also, in other news, Jerzy Dudek has been called back into the fold of the Polish National team for their remaining World Cup 2010 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Slovakia. The 36-year-old has won 58 caps for his country but hasn’t played for Poland since a Euro 2008 qualifier against Finland, which they lost 3-1. New national coach Stefan Majewski has recalled Dudek, in place of Celtic stopper Artur Boruc for the away trip to the Czech’s on October 10 and the home tie with Slovakia on October 14. Poland have faint hopes of qualifying for the World Cup and must win both games if they are to have any chance of securing a play-off place.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Pepe to Realmadrid.com
For someone who loves football as much as Pepe, it is hard not to be able to play. The defender admits that he is anxious to return and hopes it will be this weekend against Tenerife.
What’s your opinion on Real Madrid’s first games of the season?
Very good, we have a solid team and we all understand one another. I hope the team continues gelling.
There’s much talk about the Champions League final at the Bernabeu. Is that what motivates the squad most?
Yes, we are very excited about playing the final and it’s a great opportunity for us. We’ll work hard to get there.
Other than winning titles, what does Pepe expect personally speaking?
I’d like to play and help the team in any way I can. But I also want to conquer titles because it’s important for every player’s career and every team, ever more so at Real Madrid.
Are you looking forward to reappearing at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium?
Yes, luckily I’ll be able to play against Tenerife. I want to feel the affection from the Bernabeu again.
How has this unusual start to the season been for you?
It has been both happy and sad. I couldn’t play league games but we have a large squad and any player can perform greatly.
Did you go through bad times?
I had some bad days, but my family and friends supported me. That’s why I want to play as soon as possible.
Cristiano Ronaldo to Telecinco
With his first four league matches as a Madridista out of the way, Cristiano Ronaldo is already on top of the league scoring chart and has broken Real Madrid’s record for the best start in club history. But in an interview with Spain’s Telecinco, Cristiano Ronaldo made it clear that the first priority is always team success.
The team always comes first. I scored against Villarreal, and scoring increases confidence, but the three points were the main priority.
I had a clear path from the midfield and went straight towards the goal. I dedicated it to Raul because before the match he told me I was going to score. Thank God things are going well, and it is all due to my teammates. They are helping me a lot.
I knew things would go well. I just needed to be patient and stick to the same plan I had in Manchester. I understand that there are people who do not like what I do on the pitch, but it is just the way I play. That is who I am and I will continue being that person.
I am happy in Madrid. I am adjusting little by little. I wanted to come here for some time and the club helped me make it a reality.
People wait for us as we leave Valdebebas and I can feel their support. We stop when we can because they want to show us that they stand by us. They motivate us to continue working hard.
Barça is a great team and a solid squad. We are going to go head to head all season long, so we’ll see who comes out on top.
A record-breaking midweek
A record-breaking midweek at El Madrigal saw Cristiano Ronaldo put his name in the Real Madrid history books as the first Madridista to score in the first four matches of the season. His five goals on the season put him in a three-way tie with Messi and Villa as the top scorers in La Liga. When his two goals against Zurich in the Champions League enter the equation, Cristiano is the top scorer in Europe.
Players of the likes of Rial, Pepillo, Valdano, Hugo Sanchez and Sneijder scored in the first four official matches as Madridistas, but not in the first four league matches. More impressive is the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is also the top scorer in all of Europe thanks to his two Champions League goals against Zurich. The Portuguese international is ahead of his former Man United teammate Wayne Rooney and Udinese’s Di Natale, both of whom have six official goals apiece.
Raul set a record for league appearances for Real Madrid, overtaking Manolo Sanchis, when he came on as a substitute in Wednesday’s 2-0 win. El Capitan replaced Gonzalo Higuain in the 67th minute at the Madrigal and has now appeared for the club 524 times in the league since his debut on Oct. 29 1994 against Real Zaragoza.
Sanchis, who was also Madrid skipper, played between 1983 and 2001. Raul is now just three matches away from Sanchis’ overall record total of 710 official games for the club. He was quoted as saying by reporters at El Madrigal:
On a personal level I am very pleased with this record, but my mind is already on the next match.
Raul has made 707 appearances in total for the club he joined as a youngster from Atletico Madrid and needs to play just three more times to equal Sanchis’ tally of 710 in all competitions.
Also, Kaka scored his first ever goal for Real Madrid after netting the penalty in the 75th minute of the game.
In other news Alvaro Arbeloa is set to be sidelined for two weeks after picking up a knee problem in training. The player was challenged by team-mate Mahamadou Diarra during a session earlier this week.
Scans have now confirmed that it will take around a fortnight for Arbeloa to make a full recovery. He will therefore miss the Primera Liga matches against Tenerife and Sevilla, as well as the Champions League encounter with Marseille. Diarra has apologised to Arbeloa for causing the injury, saying:
I am sad because it was only a normal part of our work.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Pepe press conference
Five months have passed since Pepe played his last league match. The defender’s suspension is now over and he is looking forward to turning the page and proving that the incident that took place has nothing to do with what the real Pepe.
Your suspension is finally over. How have you spent you time?
I am grateful to the club for supporting me at all times. I must now prove what kind of man, person and player I am on the pitch.
What was the hardest part?
Not being able to play while watching my teammates work. All that matters is that I am good to go, ready to prove who I am on the pitch and ready to defend this shirt.
Have you reflected on what took place against Getafe?
I am not bothered by it. I only look ahead to playing and helping my team.
What have you learned from this?
It is now a thing of the past. The hardest part was not being able to participate, but I saw my suspension through and am ready to play and prove who I am.
What are your thoughts on Olympique Marseille?
They are third in the French league. I know several of their players and they are all very good. Many of them played for Porto and I also know Lucho Gonzalez. They are a dangerous team, but Real Madrid must always seek the three points.
What kind of reception did you get during preseason matches in Spain?
People in Seville yelled my name in a show of support. I haven’t been criticized anywhere. People know that it is something that can happen. I learned from it and it will never happen again.
Just another Madridista
One down with twelve more to go: Marseille pre-preview
Hola,
I usually hate working days. I hate today even more. I had to work today. And there is a lot of stuff to blog about.
First up we have some team news for tomorrow’s game against Marseille (which will be the topic for most of the stuff in this post), our first Champions League game at the Bernabeu this season. Lass fails to make the cut after suffering from a shoulder injury. The recovery period has not been mentioned. Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arbeloa and Metzelder are the other casualties. Rafael van der Vaart has made the list.
So that means we will line up somewhat similar to this:
Casillas
Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Marcelo
Gago/Diarra, Xabi Alonso
Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo
Raul, Benzema
I sincerely hope Gago does not play. I really do. A gagged and blindfolded Diarra is far better than a fully fit Gago. So is my grandmother.
Several players made comments on our opponents. While Benzema thought the team has to stay alert Pepe said that the team has to focus in order to win. That is Kepler’s rule ergo it has to be followed. Drenthe too had things to say after seeing them play last weekend.
Fernando Morientes and Gabriel Heinze are former Madridistas who will be making a return to Madrid after deciding to join them in the summer. So they too obviously had stuff to say.
Morientes revealed that Real were prepared to accept a huge offer from Barcelona for him at the height of the Galacticos era. It involves a bit too much of Barca. So I’ll just stop by linking you to it. He then goes on to say that his side must be prepared to get physical with Real Madrid when the two sides meet on Wednesday night.
OK! I know how bad that sounds but hell that is what he said.
Morientes, who won the competition three times during eight seasons with Real, also said he knows what it takes to win at the Bernabeu and insisted that his team-mates must not be fearful playing in front of an 80,000 strong crowd. Haha. Let us see about that. The 33-year-old told AS :
And then he came to the ‘getting physical’ part:
Curses! Is there anything more perverted than AS? And I almost thought he meant something else.
(more…)
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September 29, 2009 | Categories: Comments, News, Pre-preview | Tags: Fernando Morientes, Florentino Perez, Gabriel Heinze, José María Gutiérrez 'Guti', Karim Benzema, Képler Pepe, Manfred Bodner, Manuel Pellegrini, Olympique Marseille, Royston Drenthe | Leave A Comment »