Pellegrini press conference
Despite recognizing the appeal the Champions League draws, Manuel Pellegrini doesn’t consider winning the competition the only objective of the season.
What does the Champions League mean to you?
We all know how much attention the Champions League draws, but playing every Sunday is also very important and the league is crucial to Real Madrid. There is even more incentive to win the Champions League with the final being played in the Bernabeu. It won’t be easy. There are many good teams but we expect to get off on the right foot on Tuesday.
Will Pepe make his season debut?
He played well for his national team and he participated just as much as anybody during the preseason. He is on the squad list , so we will see who plays.
Will those who started on the bench against Espanyol get the start against Zurich?
We will see what lineup we go with on Tuesday. It’s obvious that if they didn’t play it was so that they could rest, so it is likely that they start.
Will the team that starts against Zurich be more star-studded than that against Espanyol?
No, that is something the press makes up. There is not a more star-studded lineup. We have 23 playes and we need to play one match at a time. I make my decisions over the course of the week while taking many things into consideration.
Will you continue rotating players in the Champions League as well?
There is no preconceived plan. There don’t need to be rotations in every match, but as they start accumulating it is impossible to put in the same players. It isn’t just a matter of physique, but about everyone being at the same level.
Miguel Pardeza interview
Sporting Director Miguel Pardeza comments on the news around the Club prior to the team’s Champions League debut.
We all dream about the Champions League final at the Bernabeu.
We have to take that dream with caution. The road will be long and we must control the euphoria. The team is motivated. This is a special campaign because of the effort made to sign the best players and because of the final’s venue.
Barcelona are favourites to win the competition and Real Madrid come second in sporting bets.
Barcelona have earned that right because they are the reigning champions. They had an amazing campaign last year winning the three titles. It’s logical that they are favourites. However, Real Madrid have an enviable history that backs up our current situation and we aspire to win the Champions League.
You talk about controlling euphoria. Are you worried about that?
We’re not worried, but sometimes expectancies can distort reality. People talk too easily about winning titles. I’m sure the team will do its best day after day and we’ll all help it to succeed. This is a sport and we need to take things easy. We hope everything will turn out well.
Real Madrid have been eliminated in the Last 16 in the past years. Has a remedy been found?
As Pellegrini said with a smile on his face, we’ll try to at least surpass that barrier. It’s not normal for a club like Real Madrid to be knocked-out in that same round so many consecutive years and I’m sure it won’t happen this time.
Are rotations the solution?
Rotations have many pros and cons. Having a fixed starting eleven is something of the past. Nowadays it’s paramount to use the whole squad. A player can win two or three games, but titles are won by a solid and compensated squad like ours. It’s vital that players feel they belong to a team.
Granero to AS
Esteban Granero told AS about his aspirations this year and how special the Champions League is for the team this season.
Pochettino said Real Madrid’s attack was anarchic. The truth is one can never tell where you are going to attack from…
Yes, but rather than define it as anarchic, I’d say we create several situations in attack that forces defenders not to get used to one scheme or the same players. Anarchic shouldn’t be interpreted as disorganised or irresponsible. We have a lot of liberty and that’s a good thing.
It seems there isn’t a fixed starting lineup…
I’ve always said I believe this team shouldn’t have starters or benched players The squad is excellent and we have to play many games. The same players can’t be on the pitch all the time because they’d get too tired.
What do you feel when you play with Kaka and Guti?
I am delighted to do so, just like with my other team-mates. This club has great players. I am proud of playing for Real Madrid. This team has the best players in the world.
The Granero-Kaka partnership stimulates Madridismo. It is the combination of an academy player and a galactico.
We have connected well. I think our individual skills will make us connect often.
Would you like to be regarded as the twelfth player at the end of the season, or rather as the most surprising footballer of the year?
I don’t want to be the tewlfth player. I am just another member of the squad. I want the coach to count on me and I want to become important. I’m sure I will be a starter in many games if I manage this. My goal is to be a starter. I think being regarded as the most surprising footballer of the year is too much to hope for.
Real Madrid Castilla 1-1 Conquense
Despite an overwhelming display of authority, Real Madrid Castilla were unable to accomplish any more than a draw against Conquense. The Whites scored the equaliser off a brilliant set piece and hope to gain momentum as the league rolls on.
MATCH SUMMARY:
Castilla: Adan, Velayos, Gary. Juanan, Marcos Alonso; Juanfran (Raul min 80), Tebar, Mosquera, Juan Carlos (Cristian min 85); Javi H (Vazquez min 51), Szalai
Conquense: Sebas; Jorge Campos, Aridani, Javi Hernandez, Santacruz; Cubillo, Juanma (Oscar Silva min. 75) Elias, Juan Jose, Cristian (Monasterio min. 62); Martins (Lucas Segovia min. 83)
Goals:
0-1: Martins (min. 24)
1-1: Mosquera (min.30)
Notes: Week 3 of Segunda Division B Group II
Played at: Alfredo di Stefano Stadium.
Granero press conference
Estean Granero made it into the history books on Saturday after becoming the first official goal-scorer at the Cornella-El Prat Stadium. He discussed this and other issues in a press conference held after the training session.
You scored the opener on your first game as starter. Is it the best way of proving you have a place in the team?
Scoring goals is important because it gives you confidence. It was our first goal on the road and that allowed us to play more calmly.
Is the position you played in on Saturday the one you like most?
It’s my natural position. The coach asks me to do what I do best and we have many players moving between the defensive lines and creating spaces.
After two games it looks as if La Liga will be a head-to-head between Real Madrid and Barcelona…
We’ll only think about Barça when we play against them. The team has only its next game on mind and anything else would be a bad sign.
Does the team like to wait on defence and perform quick counterattacks?
We don’t rely on counterattacks. We like to have possession of the ball, even though the counterattacks give us good results sometimes.
You dedicated your goal to Dani Jarque. Had you thought of that emotional celebration beforehand?
Yes, it was a way of showing respect to his fans, his team-mates and his family. Moreover, it was the first goal ever scored in that stadium and my thoughts were with Dani.
Post-match comments
Director General and Presidential Aide Jorge Valdano expressed his satisfaction after the 3-0 victory over Espanyol. Coach Manuel Pellegrini held a press conference after the 3-0 victory over Espanyol. Granero and Metzelder showed their satisfaction to the media after the victory against Espanyol. Kaka and Albiol talked to the press after the game against Espanyol.
Jorge Valdano:
Ronaldo might be anxious. He has scored two goals in two league games. He is very active on the offensive end and when spaces open up he is unstoppable.
It’s too early to say the tournament will be a head-to-head between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The second half in today’s game turned out well for us, but we had many problems during the first 25 minutes of the match. It took us a while to control the midfield, but the quality of our players is such that in the end it outweighs other aspects of the game, and if we manage to score the opener everything is easier. However, we’ll go through many tense games during the season in which we’ll have to fight for the victory till the final whistle blows.
Manuel Pellegrini:
It was a close game in the first half, even though we managed to score and Kameni made a good save before that. In the second half we had more scoring chances than them and netted two strikes. It was a well-deserved victory. I’m not sure the match outcome was too harsh for Espanyol because we deserved to win with more than one-goal difference. The condition the pitch was in made it difficult for us. Espanyol put a lot of pressure in the first half to overtake us and that effort affected them during the second half.
Every starter is aware he has to perform well. I have a lot of confidence in this squad. Today was Guti’s and Granero’s turn, but every member of the squad will have an important role.
Ronaldo is not under pressure. I think he is being over-examined. He is adapting to the league and the team. He has made three solid performances and has scored goals. He doesn’t have any problems. He looks calm.
Espanyol 0-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid proved to have plenty of depth on their squad as they defeated Espanyol at the new Cornella-El Prat Stadium with four novelties in the initial line-up. Granero scored the opener just before half-time while Guti and Cristiano Ronaldo netted the definitive goals in the second half. Iker Casillas celebrated his tenth anniversary since his debut in La Liga with a shutout.
Coach Manuel Pellegrini madefour changes in the starting line-up with respect to the first league game. Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul, Lass and Garay stayed in the bench while Granero, Higuain, Guti and Metzelder played from the start.
The first half was a constant give-and-take. Espanyol had several set pieces opportunities while Metzelder got close to scoring the opener after Granero’s corner-kick (4’). Espanyol had two excellent chances to score. On the first one, Casillas denied Moises (18’) and on the second one Arbeloa cleared the ball on the goal-line (34’). Guti took the leading role then and made several assists to his team-mates. Benzema received one of his passes but his shot with his right foot sailed wide (35’). The best play of the match came on the 38-minute mark. Marcelo connected a volley after a nice combination between Xabi Alonso, Guti and Kaka, but Kameni made a brilliant save. Twenty seconds later Granero netted his first goal of the season after some quick first-touch passes between himself and Kaka. ‘The pirate’ became the first goal-scorer of the Cornella-El Prat Stadium.
The second half saw De la Peña and Coro coming in for Ivan Alonso and Nakamura. In turn, Pellegrini reacted and Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul substituted Benzema and Higuain. The second goal of the evening came on the 76-minute mark. Kaka dribbled past his defender and cut the ball back from the goal-line. Guti was waiting for it and defeated Kameni with a low shot. Cristiano Ronaldo netted the definitive strike in injury time after yet another wonderful long pass by Guti.
Espanyol vs Real Madrid | Spanish Primera Division | Round 2 | Preview
The squad is excited about Real Madrid’s first away game of the season as Espanyol’s new stadium will see its first official match. Every international player made it onto the squad list except Gago. The Whites could end up topping the table at the end of the day.
It will be a special occasion for the Cornella-El Prat Stadium not only due to the significance of the clash but also due to the emotional one minute silence to be held in memory of Espanyol’s Dani Jarque. Raul will face his favourite victim. The captain has scored more goals (16) and won more games (17) against Espanyol than any other team.
The statistics show we’re in for a close game. Real Madrid tallies 27 victories, 18 draws and 30 defeats playing away against Espanyol. Last year, the Whites overtook their opponents 2-0 (goals by Guti and Raul). Espanyol’s squad includes two former Real Madrid youth teamers: forwards Luis Garcia and Juanmi Callejon.
SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek
Defenders: Arbeloa, Marcelo, Drenthe, Albiol, Garay, Metzelder
Midfielders: Diarra, Kaka, Lass, Guti, Xabi Alonso, Granero
Forwards: Raul, Cristiano Ronaldo, Van Nistelrooy, Higuain, Benzema
Pellegrini press conference
Manuel Pellegrini talked to the media about the team’s game tomorrow in Barcelona against Espanyol.
All the internationals are back except Gago. Are you worried about the state of mind of men like Benzema, who wasn’t a starter with France, and Ronaldo, who may not play in the World Cup?
It’s important for us to get the entire group together as soon as possible. All of my players have returned with important physical and emotional strain, but it’s nothing to worry about. Regarding Benzema, all I can say is that each coach decides who should be a starter on his team. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo is fighting hard to be in the World Cup, just like many other teams and players are. These things don’t alter their state of mind.
Big teams normally have a hard time in their first games after international fixtures have taken place. Do you have to do extra work with the players?
It’s complicated because they return when there’s little time left for the match to take place and they are hardly thinking about the league. This squad has to try to win every game. We will play seven or eight games in September. It’ll be the same in October. The best way to deal with this is to have a devoted group of players.
Did it bother you that Pepe arrived at training before Ronaldo? Will you make players pay a fine for failing to show up on time?
Punctuality is important, but there won’t be any fines or punishments. There won’t be any problems regarding this issue because what happened was just a small mistake.
You will play a game every three days. How will you rotate the team?
I think every team with a large number of internationals and a tight schedule will have the same problem, not just Real Madrid. We’ll have to look at each game at a time and talk to the players to make sure they recover well. The method we’ll use will depend on the circumstances we face.
Would the players that stayed behind in Madrid during the stoppage be enough to come up with a strong lineup?
I could easily come up with a great starting lineup, worthy of the level demanded at Real Madrid, with any of the players on the squad.
Have you worked on improving in defence, particularly in set pieces?
We are constantly improving on how to defend or score from set pieces, and other aspects of the game. We’ve worked on al this this past week and we did so too in the preseason.
Kaká and Ronaldo to uefa.com
The combined symbols of a summer of spending at Real Madrid CF, Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo have been charged with bringing the élan back to the Santiago Bernabéu after being recruited for a combined fee in excess of €150m. The respective recipients of the last two Ballon d’Or titles sat down to share their thoughts on coping with expectation, wearing the famous white jersey and the challenges which lie ahead.
How hard was it to leave such big clubs to join Real Madrid?
Kaká: In my opinion life consists of cycles and my cycle in Milan had reached an end. It was very good, I won everything I could win, but then came the moment where the story had to end. It finished as I would have liked – I can go back to Milan and be welcomed by my colleagues because I left in a positive way. My arrival at Real Madrid has been very good too and I hope what happened in Milan will happen here – that I will write my name into the club’s history.
Ronaldo: Basically it’s as Ricardo said. What I went through in Manchester was a cycle which I’m very proud of, because of what I won and what I achieved. But cycles come to an end, we want new experiences and challenges, and I’m ready for that. What I won in Manchester is in the past and now I have to think of the future at Real Madrid, where I hope to win just as much or even more. I’m very happy, though, that my relationship with Manchester United is still very good.
How did you feel when you first wore a Real Madrid shirt in front of all those fans at the Santiago Bernabéu?
Kaká: It was a fantastic experience. In Italy the player presentation is different so it was all new to me – to have a full stadium like that really impressed me. It was very emotional. I felt honoured to be at a club that is recognised worldwide for its history, achievements and tradition of famous players.
Ronaldo: I felt great happiness. As I’ve said before, playing for Real Madrid was a boyhood dream and I finally realised it. To wear the shirt in a full stadium was a source of great satisfaction and pride, something I’ll never forget. These are the moments you never forget.
Will it be difficult to live up to expectations this season?
Kaká: At Real Madrid there has always been a responsibility to win and to be in the front window of Spanish and European football. The new players who’ve arrived, along with the ones who were already here, have a responsibility to get us winning. But experiences tells us that, in football, talent is never enough – the way the group comes together is fundamental to us becoming a winning team.
Ronaldo: It’s normal to have great expectations given the players the club have signed. Of course, Madrid always want to win things and we as players want to meet the challenge. With the team and players we have, we have to think positively and believe we can win, but we have to take one step at time. We must build a team, a group, and then think of trophies.
Drenthe to Realmadrid.com
Entering his third season with Real Madrid, Royston Drenthe sat down with Realmadrid.com to discuss the team’s motivation heading into the new campaign and his own ambitions for the new year.
How have you prepared for the new season?
A new season is under way with many new players and a lot of changes. I have been in Madrid for two years now and I hope to enjoy this one. I want to succeed here. I felt good during the preseason, but now it’s time to think about the league, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. We have to work hard to win all three, but with this team it is quite possible.
Is the team just as motivated as the fans are?
The team is the same as always. There are many new players, but this squad is a team. We are a family. Of course people want to see guys like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka play, but we are a team. They can’t do it all themselves. We have to work together to win titles.
There’s the league, the Cup, the Champions League and then the World Cup. There will be plenty of matches and plenty of playing time for everyone.
That is why the coach needs 25 players. We must stay focused and strong for the long season ahead.
What can fans expect in terms of titles this year?
If I was a Real Madrid fan I would want my team to win everything in play. I don’t even want to lose when I play foot-tennis during training or my PlayStation with my brother. I play for Real Madrid and I am young, but I have always wanted to win.
What were the first few days with Pellegrini like?
Very good. He is a very smart coach and very nice. He did a great job at Villarreal. He has earned everyone’s respect. I can learn a lot from him.
Pellegrini has on more than one occasion said that everyone player on the team counts because it is a very long season.
It’s what all coaches should do because no team can win with just two or three players. We are a team.
Casillas to EFE
Casillas has beaten yet another record for Spain. After playing his 98th game with the national team, the goalkeeper surpassed Zubizarreta’s mark of clean sheets.
I feel happy and proud every time I break a record and surpass footballers such as Zubizarreta, more so in a country like Spain, where we have such quality goalkeepers.
I’m aware I’m nearing 100 caps with the national team because the press keeps telling me every game I play. I don’t know when I will reach such a figure. It could be during a qualifying match, the centenary of Spain’s FA or the World Cup, but it’s going to be a special moment anyhow. I’m looking forward to being the third Spanish player to reach the mark, but I’m sure many of my team-mates will reach it too sooner or later.
We’ve seen the expectation we create everywhere we go. The fans are excited and we are satisfied about winning every game in the qualifying round of the World Cup. The first goal has been achieved.
We’ve left what happened in the Confederations Cup behind us. We used it to become stronger as a group and now we think about the World Cup in South Africa with our feet on the ground. We need to focus on the next game and be humble to maintain this level of play.
Metzelder to La Sexta
Metzelder told La Sexta that he is very proud of being on this year’s Real Madrid squad.
I think the fact that the Champions League final will be held at the Bernabeu will make this year special. That’s the title I personally prefer to win. I think Real Madrid’s project is extraordinary. Building a team with the best players in the world is something to be proud of.
My goal is to play as many games as possible and to help the team. I hope we are successful this season. It is very important to win the first games in La Liga and to have a good start in the Champions League on Tuesday. These are important games for us to grow confident. It is especially important to win against Espanyol.
This is a very impressive squad indeed. Teams like this normally have the chance to sign one player like Kaka or Cristiano Ronaldo, but it is practically impossible to bring both of them together. This is a great project.
Like most players, I didn’t know if I would remain on the team when last season ended. I tried to prepare myself as best as I could during the holidays and the preseason. I’ve played many minutes so far and I’m happy for being at Real Madrid and for being a part of this project.
I think Pellegrini is a special kind of coach. He likes to train hard and with intensity. He has a different way of talking to his players. It is nevertheless too soon to value the work he is doing.
This Club’s goal is to win it all, like always. I think the strength the squad and the coach have make us ready to succeed.
FIFA World Cup 2010 | Qualification | Madridistas round-up
Brazil 4-2 Chile
A brilliant hat-trick by Nilmar saw Brazil to a 4-2 victory over Chile on Wednesday in their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier and deny their opponents the victory they required to seal their place in the finals.
The 25-year-old Villarreal striker took full advantage of a rare start afforded him with Kaka suspended and both Luis Fabiano and Robinho injured. The already qualified Brazil overcame losing Felipe Melo to a red card early in the second half to maintain their proud record of never losing a FIFA World Cup qualifier at home.
Chile had looked as if they might pull off a famous victory – indeed end Brazil’s unbeaten home record in competitive matches stretching back 35 years to when Peru beat them 3-1 in a Copa America game – when they pulled back to 2-2. Brazil had eased into a 2-0 lead with two delightful goals as Nilmar, playing only his tenth international over five years, got on the end of Danny Alves’ cross from the right and with the outside of his right foot volleyed home.
Adriano, winning a rare start after personal problems afflicted him, almost doubled the lead a minute later as the barrel-chested striker – scorer of 29 goals in his 49 internationals – rounded the goalkeeper but his shot was cleared off the line. Brazil doubled their lead in the 41st minute as former Sevilla and Arsenal striker Julio Baptista side-footed past the Chile goalkeeper after Alves had passed to him following a poor Chilean clearance.
Impressive fightback
The Chileans, though, fought back and reduced the deficit shortly before half-time as Melo was penalised for a foul and Humberto Suazo powered home the penalty past Julio Cesar. Melo’s nightmare evening was complete in the 49th minute when he was dismissed by Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda for going in with his foot raised on Alexis Sanchez and within four minutes Suazo had the visitors level when he scored with a superb left footed volley to take his total to eight goals in the qualifiers.
Spain 3-0 Estonia
Spain secured their place at next year’s FIFA World Cup™ finals after seeing off Estonia in Merida with goals from Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Juan Manuel Mata.
With Bosnia-Herzegovina being held by Turkey earlier in the evening, Spain knew a victory over Estonia would be enough to guarantee themselves top spot in Group 5. And the European champions made no mistake as they continued their 100 per cent record in qualifying with an eighth win in eight games.
Unlike Saturday’s impressive trouncing of Belgium, it was more of a workmanlike display from Spain tonight and although Fabregas gave the hosts a 33rd-minute lead, Vicente del Bosque’s men had to wait until the final ten minutes to wrap up the game thanks to efforts from substitutes Cazorla and Mata. The final scoreline may have been comfortable enough, but Spain took a while to get going and might easily have found themselves trailing inside the opening 20 minutes as Estonia created some problems for their hosts.
Tarmo Kink had the best chance in the 17th minute but was unable to keep his header down after Konstantin Vassiljev’s superb cross from the left had cleared Carlos Marchena and found Estonia’s number nine unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box. Soon after that Sergei Zenjov put another opportunity wide at the near post after Estonia had again done well out wide. Those were a couple of uncomfortable moments for Spain, but the hosts awoke from their slumber and were soon creating chances of their own.
Spain vs Estonia | FIFA World Cup 2010 | Qualification | Preview
Spain could join the growing list of countries to have secured their spot in the World Cup finals. Despite winning all seven of their Group Five matches so far, the Spanish are still not sure of a place in South Africa. Indeed, even an eighth win over Estonia in Merida may not be enough unless second-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina slip up against Turkey.
Spain are currently six points clear of Bosnia-Herzegovina with three matches remaining, so the only way Vicente del Bosque`s side can guarantee qualification tomorrow is if their nearest rivals drop points against the third-placed Turks.
Del Bosque said today:
It would be much better if we could qualify tomorrow. It was almost unthinkable that we could win seven successive games and not be through, but that`s how the competition has developed and the most important thing is to finish the work we have done.
Spain go into tomorrow’s game against second-bottom Estonia having won 16 of their 17 matches under Del Bosque since the former Real Madrid coach took over from Luis Aragones after Euro 2008, with the only aberration being the shock 2-0 defeat to the United States in this summer’s Confederations Cup. That loss ended both an unbeaten 35-match run plus a 15-game winning streak for Spain, but it has been business as usual for the Iberian nation since then with successive wins over South Africa, FYR Macedonia and Belgium.
Saturday’s 5-0 victory over Belgium was particularly impressive, and worryingly for Estonia and for any of Spain`s future opponents, striker David Villa believes there is still to come from the European champions.
Last bunch of comments before the Internationals return
Xabi Alonso sat down with Goal.com and talked about his new club, his team-mates and the future. After training in solitary while on international duty, Real Madrid’s Alvaro Arbeloa insisted he is fit for action after receiving a blow to the inner section of his right foot on Saturday against Belgium. Ezequiel Garay talked to Onda Madrid about his first few months at Real Madrid.
Xabi Alonso:
I am starting a new era and I will be eternally grateful to Liverpool because they are a very special institution. Real Madrid have magnetism, and this is a very special moment because, as it was when I joined Liverpool, there are unanswered questions over a new project with endless possibilities.
I have never seen so much quality together and never imagined that a team could gather so much talent. I look ahead of me and see Kaka, Ronaldo, Benzema, Raul. What luxury!
After so many years in the Premier League it might be difficult to adapt to the pace of La Liga, where people play more to feet. In that sense, the game isn’t as dynamic here, and Cristiano might have to adapt a little. But the talent he has, the power, individual technique and shooting, that will help him play well here.
There’s a long way to go. Having not got past the last 16 in the Champions League for five years, Real Madrid have to play in another final soon. Why not at the Bernabeu?
I don’t know if we are better than Barcelona or not, we’ll find out as the season goes on. We cannot focus on them. We must concentrate on what we are doing day by day, trying to improve step by step and developing a strong sense of togetherness.
Granero to Cadena SER
Esteban Granero told Cadena SER that he wants to become an important player at Real Madrid.
Will you be a starter against Espanyol?
You shouldn’t ask me that, but I would like it. I always think I will play in the game that follows, but the coach ultimately decides. My duty is to work hard.
How’s your day been like?
I’m taking exams now. I have a couple next week of modules I failed last year. I will study a bit this afternoon if I’m not too tired.
Will you watch Spain’s game on Wednesday?
I always do. It’s always interesting and fun. The match against Belgium dispelled all doubts. People forgot about what happened before.
Do you think you’ll ever be called-up?
It isn’t my goal, but every player wants to play for his country. The most important thing to me right now is Real Madrid. That other thing will happen as a consequence of becoming important on my team and playing many games.
The goal must be to play regularly in order to prove your worth…
I can’t complain. I played several minutes in the preseason, both as a starter or as a benched player. With the competition underway, we’ll be able to tell who’s important. I have to prove I want to be an important player and that I want to stay here for many years. We must meet Real Madrid’s demands.
What did the Club say to you when you came back?
Valdano told me what I wanted to hear; that I was just another player and that I was here to stay. The rest is up to me. As long as everything depends on me I won’t try to blame anyone else. I depend on my work and my efforts. I’m calm because I know that I will earn whatever happens.
Valdano to Marca
The following is an excerpt from Director General and Presidential Aide, Jorge Valdano’s interview with Marca.
With the transfer window now closed, what is the situation with Ribery?
Ribery is a thing of the past and perhaps something for the future, but the present consists of the 24 players who make up the Real Madrid squad.
Will you launch an offensive for him during the winter market?
I don’t think the winter market is for players of the stature of Ribery, but I do not know.
Robben insists he wasn’t treated well by the club.
Robben was invited to leave Real Madrid when the preseason began. After playing in several matches his performances were brilliant.The coach believed he could be a good resource for certain situations, which didn’t convince the player, who wanted a larger role on the team. We could not make that guarantee with the competition there is among some of the best players in the world. He brought the offer from Bayern Munich to the table and asked to leave.
Was his transfer necessary?
In the real world, when Cristiano Ronaldo joins a team a player of Robben’s characteristics must leave. It is hard for two players of the same category to play on the same team; one as a starter and the other as a reserve. In this case, the salaries were impractical for the club. Even then, it wasn’t us who made the first move. Robben offered us different options, especially speed. But if this team has gained anything with respect to the last one, it is speed, both individually and collectively.
Racing Santander B 1-0 Real Madrid Castilla
Real Madrid Castilla earned a second consecutive defeat against Racing Santander B (1-0). The Whites failed to capitalise on the many chances on goal they had. Mateos was sent off on the 29-minute mark. Racing scored soon after that.
Granero to Realmadrid.com
Esteban Granero dreams about being the playmaker at the team of his dreams. The midfielder said his most immediate goal is to win the next game.
How have your first months on the team been like?
I’ve been getting fit. We are all trying to reach good form. These are exciting months because important challenges have just begun for us, but we must also use them to get ready for the rest of the season.
Everyone talks about Real Madrid and Barcelona as favourites to win this league title. Do you think other teams stand out?
Every game counts, especially our next one against Espanyol. That’s what matters now. We shouldn’t think about Barcelona. People compare us all the time, but we only think of ourselves. We don’t care who’s at the top of the table as long as we’re there too. We should take the initiative and take three points in each game. We shouldn’t care about what others do.
People on the streets say Real Madrid have a better squad and that Barcelona are a better team.
I think a team is built by its squad, so it’s important to have the best possible squad. Starters and benched players change all the time and you can come up with different lineups. I think we are the best team because we have the best squad, but everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. We shouldn’t compare ourselves with other teams. We should compare ourselves with ourselves in order to improve every day.
FIFA World Cup 2010 | Qualification | Madridistas round-up
Argentina 1-3 Brazil
Five-time champions Brazil, inspired by Real Madrid superstar Kaka, qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ on Saturday thanks to a 3-1 win over bitter rivals Argentina.
The result maintained Brazil’s proud record of never having missed a FIFA World Cup. It also piled more pressure onto Argentina coach Diego Maradona whose team are clinging onto the fourth and final automatic qualifying spot from the South American zone.
In a first-half played at a breathless pace, the tackles came thundering in and it was hardly surprising that Brazil’s two opening goals were the product of set pieces. Benfica skipper Luisao scored the first from an Elano free-kick in the 24th minute when the defender was allowed a free header, which he buried in the corner past Mariano Andujar in the Argentine goal.
It was 2-0 just six minutes later after Kaka was brought down on the edge of the box. This time Elano’s free-kick was blocked by a defender but Kaka managed to set-up Gilberto Silva whose fierce drive was only parried by Andujar. Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano pounced on the loose ball to score from six yards out.
Spain 5-0 Belgium
Spain continued their seemingly unstoppable march towards the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ after defeating Belgium 5-0 in La Coruna to record their seventh win out of seven in Group 5. Although Spain are still not yet assured of a place in South Africa, after second-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Armenia 2-0 earlier in the evening, it seems only a matter of time before the European champions seal their spot as they are six points clear with three games to go.
With strike duo Fernando Torres and Villa causing Belgium’s defence all sorts of problems, Spain could have had the match sewn up inside the opening 35 minutes, but a mixture of bad luck, poor finishing and good goalkeeping denied them. Villa twice went close in the opening 11 minutes, shooting wide and then seeing what seemed a certain goal stopped by the foot of Belgium goalkeeper Jean Francois Gillet.
Torres then took centre stage, smashing a shot against the underside of the crossbar – although it would not have counted due to an infringement – before sending a good chance just wide following a brilliant pass by Xavi. Spain were then handed a great chance to take the lead in the 22nd minute when Villa was sent crashing in the area by Anthony Vanden Borre after skipping past the Belgium number two.
However, the in-form hitman could not make the most of his good work as he missed the subsequent spot-kick, firing down the middle only to have the diving Gillet deflect the ball away with his foot. Vicente del Bosque’s side must have felt it was not going to be their day when they struck the woodwork for a second time in the 35th minute, Villa deflecting Torres’s shot onto the near post, but the home side’s dominance finally paid dividends five minutes before the break.
Just another Madridista
Pre-Champions League comments
Alvaro Arbeloa talked to Marca about the team’s aspirations in the Champions League this year.
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September 14, 2009 | Categories: Comments | Tags: Álvaro Arbeloa, Royston Drenthe | 2 Comments »