Real Madrid vs Getafe | Spanish Primera Division | Round 9 | Preview
Real Madrid welcome Getafe to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday for La Liga’s Week 9 opener. Manuel Pellegrini’s men have won all their league matches played at home this season, while Getafe stroll in fresh of victories in both La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
Second in La Liga table, Real Madrid want to please their fans on Saturday after the debacle at Alcorcon. Manuel Pellegrini will have Lassana Diarra and Gonzalo Higuain available for use after missed the last two matches. Cristiano Ronaldo and Garay are still injured, while Drenthe, Metzelder and Guti were not called up for duty.
Getafe are flying high after defeating Athletic Bilbao last weekend and Espanyol in their midweek Copa del Rey opener. The Azulones are sitting comfortably in eighth place as Michel returns to his former stomping grounds but this time as head coach of the opposing team. The only player unable to participate for the cross-town rival is David Cortes.
Real Madrid are the second-highest scoring team in La Liga with 21 goals, 15 of which have been scored in the Bernabeu, where they average 3.75 goals per game. Getafe are a vulnerable team on the road, where they only have one victory and have conceded eight of the twelve goals conceded this season.
The Whites have made it clear throughout the week that winning is all that counts on Saturday. A victory will pull them even with Barcelona, who play two hours later.
Higuain and Lass return
Lass Diarra and Gonzalo Higuain are back on a squad list after both missed the last two matches. Pepe also returns having recovered from an ankle sprain, as does Ruud van Nistelrooy, who reappeared last week in Cup action after being sidelined for over a month.
SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek
Defenders: Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Martcelo, Albiol
Midfielders: Gago, Diarra, Kaka, Lass, Xabi, Van der Vaart, Granero
Forwards: Raul, Benzema, Van Nistelrooy, Higuain.
Pellegrini press conference
During Friday’s press conference, Manuel Pellegrini took the insist that he and Guti have a solid relationship and to comment on tomorrow’s crucial league match against Getafe.
Do you think there is a smear campaign against you?
Not at all. I have been in Spain for five years and I understand it is something normal for a Real Madrid coach to deal with. There have been eight or nine coaches in recent years. I don’t think the finding a downfall for the coach is the right way to go. I don’t feel attacked. It comes with the job.
Why is there so much debate about the way the team plays?
I always want the team to play well, which means having a bad game is not allowd. We have a defense that hasn’t given up a goal in five games and one of the stongest offenses. I know what we are doing and I am certain we will see an improvement. Luis Aragones, for example, was also heavily criticised when coaching the national team because he used this same system, We need to find our identity, which comes with time. The team had been playing the counterattack in recent years, but I like a different kind of football.
You yourself said that the team took a step backward in Alcorcon.
The season as a whole and the match in Alcorcon are two different things. What happened was an accident due to several factors.
Do you think the players question your authority?
The players have no doubts at all and I think we will compete for every title at stake.
Do you feel like your job is on the line over the next few matches?
I have spent the last five years looking at this from the outside. There is a strong group of top brass who gave me a contract to carry this team forward. I do not fear and have heard to news about what is being said in the press. I have a good relationship with Valdano and Pardeza, and neither have put my job in question.
How do you handle Guti so that he calms down?
He was never disrespectful. I saw that he wasn’t himself and tried to do what was best for the team. Guti and I have spoken a lot one-on-one. I am troubled by the fact that a player has been hurt when he did nothing wrong. Every player has a unique attitude and it is my job to get what I need from each one of them.
Do you feel like players tend to retreat their positions when things aren’t going well?
When a team is used to playing a cetain way, it has doubts when the game isn’t going in its favor.
Guti press conference
Jose Maria Gutierrez “Guti” requested to speak to the press on Friday to respond to reports published this week in the Spanish press.
How do you feel with all this going on?
I am fine. Things like this may bother a lot of people and no one likes to talk about it. Both the club and I are calm because we know how things took place.
What is your relationship with the coach like?
I have an incredible relationship with Pellegrini. He is one of the coaches I best connect with. He is 80% of the reason that I am still here. There is no tension between us. He is one of the coaches who I have gotten along best with, and that still remains the case.
Do you think you might get fined?
There cannot be a fine. The players, the coach and the doctors are all on the same page. This is what happened. This is the problem of whoever invented this rumor.
Are you niggled?
No, I am in perfect shape to play.
Why were you sitting alone during the second half?
As a rule, a reserve who came out of a match cannot sit down as a player who has been sent off. I was next to my teammates. It is hard to see the match from some Primera Division benches. I could from there. I wanted to see the second half.
Pepe to AS
After participating in his first full training session since recovering from injury on Thursday, Pepe sat down with Spanish daily AS.
Why do you think people are questioning Pellegrini?
It is very easy to point the finger at the coach. This is a good project and we have faith in him. We aren’t going through the best patch right now. Everything was great at the beginning.
What kind of coach is he? Does he talk a lot?
He speaks to us often. He likes for his team to play football and to maintain possession. Things just are going our way right now.
And why don’t Pellegrini’s ideas translate onto the pitch? Is he not a good motivator?
That’s not it at all. He has plenty of experience and knows this league very well. He demands a lot of us. He wants the best from each player, and right now we aren’t giving it to him. It’s a matter of the players communicating and paying attention. It isn’t just the coach’s fault, nor is it just the players’ fault.
Do you rule the roost in the dressing room?
Well, I came from a smalled club, but I have a strong mentality.
Why isn’t the defense able to advance like Pellegrini wants to bring the lines closer together?
We have to pay attention. The coach says we don’t need to defend with many players. He says we can defend with three men if we do things the right way. That way we have more chances of playing the ball in a more advanced position. But we need time. A few weeks ago we had conceded the fewest goals in the league.
What is the focal point for positioning the defense?
It depends on the play and the moment of the match. If we pressure the opposing center backs, we need to advance our position.
Albiol to Grada Blanca
Raul Albiol has become a mainstay in Manuel Pellegrini’s starting eleven since joining Real Madrid over the summer. On Saturday, the defender will face the same team with whom he made his Primera Division debut. Albiol discusses the match in an interview with Grada Blanca.
You have become a mainstay for Manuel Pellegrini. Until recently you had played in every single match.
I am very happy personally speaking. I am playing in every competition and the overall situation is pretty good.
Do you realize that you are part of the most ambitious project in Real Madrid history?
It makes me proud to know that they had faith in us to improve the hard times, which is why we cannot let them down. We have to return that same confidence but from the pitch.
What did you think of the Bernabeu and its fans when you played here but with Valencia?
The Santiago Bernabeu is one of the best stadiums you can play in, but winning here is hard for visiting teams. It is nice to play here, especially now that the fans are on my side. Visiting here was a huge motivation because it meant playing in one of the best stadiums in the world.
Guti to Realmadrid.com
Jose Maria Gutierrez, Guti, denies reports that appeared in several of today’s media accusing him of having an altercation with and disrespecting his coach, Manuel Pellegrini.
What do you have to say concerning these reports?
I want to say that what was published isn’t true. I have a good relationship with the coach and what took place at halftime was a private chat in the dressing room that is commong during matches that aren’t going how we would like. At no time did I disrespect him. That is not who I am.
Even Granero confirmed that no incident took place.
We are all witnesses. My teammates, the medical staff, the physiotherapists, the doctor… It was a typical halftime discussion. I am proud that a teammate spoke of me in that way, especially when it is the truth.
What is your relationship with Manuel Pellegrini like?
It has been good since the beginning. He is one of the reasons I am still here. He had faith in me and I am proud to be here. My only job is to work hard and to try to make Real Madrid the very best.
There was a lot of tension in Tuesday’s Copa match. As captain can you explain some of what took place.
I regret the gesture I made. My nerves got the best of me. A captain should never do that, so I apologize to the person to whom it was directed. You have to be fair, and when you make a mistake you have to know how to ask for forgiveness.
You are convinced that the team can turn the tie around and turn a negative into a positive.
Of course. I think it was a bad day. It was a bad result for us but we are very confident that we can turn this around. Things didn’t turn out how they should have in Alcorcon, but all the players are very excited about this coach. We just ask for a little patience. We will try to make everything turn out for the best.
Pellegrini is starting to be questioned, but the players are standing by his side.
Absolutely. I think it is unfair to talk about whether he should stay or go. I think he is capable of coaching Real Madrid and that he is doing well. Anyone can have a bad week and now it’s our turn. We are anxious for Saturday’s match, which we want to win so that we have plenty of confidence for our game in Milan.
Cristiano Ronaldo stuff
I feel much better. I have working out twice a day and I have started to train on the pitch in recent days. The treatment is working.
I am not a savior. I am just a player who wants to recover to help his team. I am anxious to play, but it is expected. It’s what I love. I know I need to be at 100% before returning. I will undergo another test next week and continue training to be where I was before I got injured. I cannot wait to play.
Every defeat hurts, but the team has already recovered. What happened is already history. We need to keeps our heads held high and to focus on the next match. I am confident that we can compete for all three titles.
Cristiano injury report:
Following an MRI on Wednesday to monitor the evolution of Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury, the pathology report shows that the soft tissues (joint synovitis, tenosynovitis and sprained internal lateral ligament) are healing favorably and that swelling of the bone edema has decreased. Despite this improvement, a minor bone edema has been found in the center of his right ankle. The player must remain inactive until he undergoes another examination in one week’s time.
Granero press conference
Esteban Granero took the hot seat on Thursday to answer question from the media following Real Madrid’s training session.
How do you find the team?
We’ve hit a bad patch, but we need to move forward and focus on Getafe. We want to make our fans happy. They deserve it.
What happened in Alcorcon?
There were a lot of factors that should help ensure that the situation doesn’t repeat itself. We need to turn the page and to focus on Getage. We are Real Madrid and we have to defend our prestige. We must play well against Getafe.
Do you think Pellegrini is having his doubts?
We stand behind the coach, but things don’t always turn out well. We aren’t playing as well as we would like, which is why we are working hard. We have faith in the coach’s ideas. We cannot blame the coach for our Copa defeat. It is not the right time to question the coach.
Is it true that Guti was disrespectful towards him in the Alcorcon dressing room?
There are a lot of rumors out there that don’t serve us well. What takes place in the dressing room stays in the dressing room. No player has disrespected the coach in the dressing room.
Does the team have problems in defense?
We are trying to correct everything that is hurting us in matches. I think we misunderstood the coach during the Alcorcon match, so if we follow what he says we shouldn’t have any trouble along the wings. The left and right backs should not face two attackers on their own. It is a matter of tactical issues that we need to iron out.
How does a former Getafe player prepare for a match against his old team?
I owe a lot to that club. They gave me a tremendous opportunity. It is an important match for us. It is crucial that we win. We are anxious to play a good match and win for our fans.
De la Red on Cadena SER
Ruben De la Red was a guest on Spanish radio’s Cadena SER on Wednesday evening, during which he explained his current medical situation.
I am a footaller. I would like to have enough information in order to make a decision. If I have to give up football, it’s because there is evidence to justify it and because there is no other choice. My life changed from training daily, traveling and more to sommething totally different.
Right now I spend a lot of time with my family. I am enjoying spending time with my kid as well. Family is the best thing to have during difficult times in your life. No matter what happens, I want to continue working in the world of football.
Drenthe on Onda Madrid
Royston Drenthe was a guest on Onda Madrid. The Dutch player said the team must now focus on the match against Getafe.
I thought what happened yesterday was a bad dream, but we must look ahead. We were all deeply concentrated before the match kicked-off, but I don’t know what happened after they scored their first goal. We’ll have to do differently in our next game because if not things will get really complicated for us.
I can’t believe it happened, but it’s in the past now and we will have to show people we are Real Madrid against Getafe. Every player on this team wants to be successful and to play quality football.
The coach does a good job. He is clear on what he wants. It’s our problem and he is very serious about what happened.
Albiol press conference
Raul Albiol sent a message of unity and tranquility in his press conference. The defender asked the fans to forgive the team and was self-critical with the overall performance in Alcorcon.
What do you think of what happened yesterday?
I couldn’t sleep after the game. It’s normal though. We are sad and we feel bad, but we have to move on because we have another game on Saturday.
The match against Getafe will surely be special for you…
I’ve always said it was the club with whom I made my debut in the First Division and that I will always be grateful for that. I have very fond memories. I will face them again on Saturday and it will be nice.
Did you watch any videos of Alcorcon games to prepare for the match?
Of course, but we depended on ourselves in the end. The score would have been different if we had played better. We know there’s a solution to this. We will prove it.
Why were you so far apart from each other on the pitch?
It’s hard to find a solution when you have a bad start to a game. We lacked intensity and once they started to have chances and to score goals… Well, they thrashed us in the first half and we failed to turn the situation around though we tried very hard. Alcorcon pulled rank and had the support of their fans. We couldn’t find a solution. We still have to play another 90 minutes against them at home.
Why do you think the team was so disconnected?
We know the Copa del Rey always has surprises and we knew things could get complicated if we didn’t have a good start to the match. That’s exactly what happened. We failed to react and, without realising it, we were suddenly losing 3-0. They did everything right and all we could do is play with our hearts. We must now focus on the four important games that lie ahead.
Has the squad spoken to Valdano and Pardeza?
No. We’ve only spoken to each other in the dressing room. What we said stays there.
Post-match comments
Director General Jorge Valdano believes Real Madrid can turn around the Last 32 tie against Alcorcon after losing the first leg on Tuesday. Manuel Pellegrini congratulated Alcorcon for their performance and apologized to fans for the defeat. Guti confessed that the defeat against Alcorcon was a tough pill to swallow and that team’s pride was hurt. Raul Gonzalez insisted that the team will do everything in its power to turn around the Copa del Rey tie against Alcorcon. Royston Drenthe believes that the only solution to Tuesday’s defeat is to continue working hard.
Jorge Valdano:
It will be hard. I know how Madridismo must feel. We apologize. I think we can learn a lesson of humility from this. This will unify and strengthen us. This team is comprised of professionals who can turn this situation around. They are proud players who tonight had a very bad night.
The team had a good attitude in the opening minutes, but we turned the ball over a lot and a lot can happen when you lose control of the match. This must serve as a lesson and a new starting point.
We must stand united. And when I say united, I also mean the coach.
Manuel Pellegrini:
We hope our fans can forgive us after this defeat. There is no excuse for losing this match. I tried to avoid the excuse of overconfidence by keeping the players in the hotel on Monday. Little can be said to them right now.
Alcorcon played very well. They fought for every ball. I am not thinking about my job or about resigning; only the next match. We need to respond and give more of ourselves. I took Guti out because I knew he was frustrated. I have no explanation for our performances taking steps backward rather than forward.
Raul Gonzalez:
I think we need to put ourselves in Madridistas’ shoes today. We apologize. The image we showed tonight isn’t what this club and its history deserves. We are sorry, but this tie isn’t lost.
This team must remain strong, and on such a disappointing day we need to look at the positive. We did the worst we could do today, so as of tomorrow we can only continue working. People want to see us win, so it is in our hands and depends on us.
This is football. We played a hyped up team who played well and put us in our place. We need to accept it. We know what path not to take and showed that today.
If there is a club capable of turning this around it is Real Madrid. We will not give up. We play each other again in two weeks, when we have a chance to remedy the situation. In four days we play Getafe. It is a long road and we are capable of traversing it.
I have experienced elimination from the Cup and other adverse results, but the historic turn-arounds in the history of Real Madrid are due to bad matches in important competitions. I congratulate Alcorcon because they played great. It is big day for them, but there is another match to be played and we must do everything we can to turn this around. We all win and lose, which is why we are all responsible.
Alcorcon 4-0 Real Madrid
The Copa del Rey is always unpredictable. Real Madrid found that out tonight by facing an inspired Alcorcon. Two goals by Borja, another by Ernesto and a final own goal from Arbeola gave the locals the victory. The Madridistas had chances to score, but bad luck and an excellent performance from keeper Juanma thwarted them.
Real Madrid took the pitch ready to keep Alcorcon’s intense attack in check. The locals’ first chances came through shots from a distance. Mora was the first to try (1’), but his shot was off target. Ruben Sanz (2’) and Borja (11’) also put Dudek to the test, but were unlucky.
Borja kickstarted local dominance. The player -who has scored six goals against the Whites in four games- controlled the ball right outside the box, turned and scored from a phenomenal shot with his left foot (15’). Alcorcon distanced themselves further six minutes later when Arbeola unfortunately netted an own goal while trying to clear a cross by Nagore.
Real Madrid reacted, but Juanma thwarted every single of one their chances. Benzema failed to score from a one-on-one (17’); Drenthe shot off target after receiving a pass from Albiol (23’); Arbeloa (25’) and Granero (26’) grazed the post; and a long shot by Van der Vaart was saved by the keeper once more (28’). Alcorcon reached the goal five more times before half-time and Ernesto netted another strike on the 40-minute mark.
Gago came on for Guti in the second half and the Madridistas took control of the game until former Real Madrid youth teamer Borja grabbed the ball from a clearance and nutmegged Dudek to net Alcorcon’s fourth.
The Whites had many chances from then on, but none materialised, either because they hit the posts, were saved by Juanma or were cleared by the defence. The knockout stage will be decided at the Bernabeu on 10 November.
Lineups
Alcorcón: Juanma, Nagore, Iñigo López, Borja Gómez, Rubén Anuarbe, Rubén Sanz, Sergio Mora, Diego Cascón, Fernando Béjar (Carmelo 74′), Ernesto Gómez (Jeremy 64′), Borja Pérez (Bravo 82′);
Real Madrid: Dudek, Arbeloa, Albiol, Metzelder, Drenthe, Diarra, Van der Vaart, Guti H. (Gago 46′), Granero (Marcelo 62′), Benzema, Raúl (Van Nistelrooy 72′);
Goals:
Booked: Albiol, Diarra, Guti, Nagore;
Played at: Santa Domingo Stadium.
Alcorcon vs Real Madrid | Copa del Rey | Last 32 | First Leg | Preview
Real Madrid’s run at the 2009/10 Copa del Rey kicks off on Tuesday with a Last 32 visit to Alcorcon’s Santo Domingo Municipal Stadium. Karim Benzema and Ruud van Nistelrooy were called up by Manuel Pellegrini and appear to be fit for action, while the hosts are without the services of Mario Gomez, Bermudez, Vara, Alberdi and David Sanz.
Karim Benzema and Ruud van Nistelrooy are the two main additions to the 16-man squad list designed by Manuel Pellegrini. The Frenchman sat out Saturday’s match against Sporting after sustaining an injury last week against Milan, while the Dutch striker returns having recovered from a quad injury sustained against Xerez in Week 3 of La Liga.
Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso and Kaka were not called up and have the evening off to rest, while Pepe, Cristiano Ronaldo and Higuain are still recovering from their respective bumps and bruises. Lass, meanwhile, has yet to return from France where he is attending to personal matters.
There has been so much demand created by Real Madrid’s visit to Santo Domingo Municipal Stadium that Alcorcon has had to add increase the capacity of 3000 people by adding temporary seating. Alcorcon head coach Anquela is without the services of five players: Mario Gomez and Bermudez in defense; Vara and Alberdi in the midfield and David Sanz in attack. Two former Madridista youth teamers, Borja Gomez and Ernesto are likely to play.
This won’t be the first meeting for the two sides at Santo Domingo Municipal, where the Whites last visited on 19 May 1999 as part of the stadium’s inauguration ceremonies. The friendly ended in a scoreless draw.
Pellegrini press conference
During Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini pointed out that Alcorcon is a good team that will put up a tough fight.
Is the Copa del Rey an objective for the team?
Real Madrid’s goal is to win every competition. It is important to at least make an effort. We also have the league and Champions League to play for, but that isn’t a reason to let the Copa fall by the wayside. It will be a more attractive competition the longer it wears on. But our first goal is to qualify for the Last 16.
This competition usually sees the participation of a lot of youth teamers, but that isn’t the case now.
We cannot let our guard down. If I didn’t call up academy players it is because I want the most gelled squad possible. We need fulfill our objectives, which right now are the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
What do you expect from Alcorcon? Have you studied the team?
We went to see their recent matches. They are a good team that was nearly promoted last season. The only difference nowadays is the motivation factor. They will be highly motivated, so I hope Madrid knows how to counter.
How is Cristiano Ronaldo’s ankle? How is his recovery going?
He is recovering as expected. I think he will undergo another tests tomorrow, but the doctors have the final say.
How are Garay and Benzema? Are they ready to play?
Garay is perfect and Benzema sustained a knock against Milan, but nothing to worry about.
Did the fact that you announced the squad list last night upset the players?
There is no uneasiness. I have not met with the captains and they have not expressed this supposed uneasiness. We get bored by having to play at ten at night, but it is necessary when you are participating in a competition. Today is a long day, but I think the team is committed. Perhaps some players don’t agree, but they aren’t upset.
Iván ’1+8′ Zamorano returns
Chilean player Ivan ‘1+8‘ Zamorano, who won the 1995 league with Real Madrid, visited Valdebebas to attend a friendly between one of the club’s youth teams and Chile’s Legua Emergencia.
Return to Madrid
It’s so nice to return to Madrid after such a long time. I spent some time walking around the city and visiting the new Sports City. It’s like I never left. I can still see myself running around here.
People’s reactions
I still feel loved by people on the streets. Although I am older, they remember who I am. I am comforted by the fact that I made an important contribution here.
Manuel Pellegrini
As a Chilean, I am proud that Pellegrini is coaching Real Madrid. He earned it. I know he will have some tough moments, but he will carry Real Madrid far. Injuries have really plagued him and he hasn’t been able to put together an eleven-man roster that plays on a consistent basis.
Real Madrid’s attack
Benzema, Higuain, Ronaldo… They are great players. Many people want Raul to retire and he always ends up being the best on the team. This is a good squad. Fans must be patient. Hopefully they play more consistently to reach the end of the year in good form. I don’t only think they will win. They will do so by playing well.
Message for Madridismo
I want to send a huge hug to all Madridistas. I am always thrilled to come here and to see the colors of this team. Fans need to continue loving this club as they always have done, and hopefully by season’s end they will have a lot to celebrate.
Dudek knows what to do + a lot of random stuff
Jerzey Dudek is currently in playing his third season at Real Madrid. The keeper knows the team can’t afford any mistakes in the Copa del Rey and says he will give his all if he plays.
This is my third season at Real Madrid and I am always excited about the Copa del Rey because I may take part in its games. I like the championship very much and I’ll give my all to win if I get the chance to play.
The Cup is a different and beautiful competition. I hope we win it this year. Real Madrid have failed to win the title for a long time because it isn’t easy. You can lose five games in La Liga and still win the trophy, but you can’t do that in the Copa del Rey.
We have a very offensive mentality in the league, but we will have to pay special attention to defending in the Cup.
Javier Acuña wants more
Youth teamer Javier Acuña had an unforgettable experience when he travelled with the first team to Gijon. The Paraguayan player will train with the first team this evening at 19:30 and hopes to get another chance.
When the coach told me to warm up all I could think about was taking part in the game and scoring a goal. I didn’t play in the end, but what matters is that I was there and that Pellegrini considered playing me for a second. I think that’s very positive. All I need to do now is work very hard.
The trip was a beautiful experience. I will continue to work hard to do it again. It was my first trip with the first team and fans asked me for my autograph. I think that I may get another chance if I do my best and remain humble.
Once you are with the first team players you realise how humble they are. They talked to me all the time and treated me like a regular team-mate. It was a great experience. Despite being on a great team, the players are hard working, humble and good people.
Van der Vaart to AS
Rafael van der Vaart told AS he is going through a good moment and said the team is very motivated to play its first match in the Copa del Rey.
Are you beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel at Real Madrid?
Yes, I’m very happy. I want to prove I can be important for on team and the coach has allowed me to play several minutes in the last few games.
Real Madrid pressurized Sporting at El Molinon in the final minutes, when you were on the pitch.
It was a complicated match against a tough opponent. We failed to score, but we didn’t play that badly. It’s been easy for us to score in other games, but Sporting’s goalkeeper played very well.
You nearly scored…
Yes. What a shame that I didn’t! I really want to score a goal. Ramos served me a great cross.
Will you score in the Copa del Rey tomorrow?
I hope so! I don’t know if I’ll play, but the match is very important to me.
Will it be a great chance for you to shine?
Yes. I have to take advantage of every chance I get to prove I can play here.
Will you maybe score from a free-kick, like Cristiano Ronaldo?
He is the best at doing that in the entire world. Ronaldo is simply unique.
Is the Copa del Rey important?
Yes. I remember the bad impression we made last year against Real Union. We can’t fail our fans again in this manner. We have to try hard to win every championship and the Cup motivates us.
Casillas press conference
Iker Casillas offered Sunday’s press conference following Real Madrid’s training session and discussed the team’s motivation heading into the midweek Copa del Rey opener against Alcorcon.
How do you feel personally after the draw in Gijon?
The team was great on defense and I was hardly seen in the second half. We didn’t have the firepower we tend to have and we are a little upset to have only returned with a draw.
The press contends that the team needs more depth and wing play. What do you think?
Perhaps we were hurt by all our injuries. We are capable of taking care of any match, but yesterday’s opponent play solid football on its third.
Is it strange to have all these recent slip-ups?
Of course I don’t like to lose against Milan, but that is an historic team who losing against was a possibility. We went absent minded for two minutes and it changed the match. We had several players out against Sporting and we left two points slip away. We hope it doesn’t affect us in the future.
Is the fact that the defense is playing so far back a temporary thing?
We need to play in a more advanced position than last year, but when an opponent creates a chance we retreat without thinking about it. It isn’t something to worry about, but we can improve.
Do you share the same criticism that stemmed from yesterday’s match?
Whether it is luck of misfortune, Real Madrid is always talked about. Florentino’s effort to sign all the new players is praiseworthy. We can’t be too worried. We just need to continue working.
Leganes 1-1 Real Madrid Castilla
Real Madrid deserved more than just a victory on Sunday at Butarque, where Leganes managed to score the equalizer in injury time. The Whites put on their best performance of the season, but Szalai’s goal on 16′ wasn’t enought to break the streak of five consecutive draws.
Post-match comments
Jorge Valdano was pleased with how Real Madrid did everything in their will power in search of the victory against Sporting Gijon. Manuel Pellegrini was satisfied with his team’s performance and ability to circulate the ball in the second half. Esteban Granero and Guti were upset Real Madrid weren’t able to capitalize on their chances against Sporting but the midfielders are already looking towards the future. Pepe and Marcelo pointed out that the lack of precision on goal cost Real Madrid the victory against Sporting.
Jorge Valdano:
We aren’t satisfied with the end result, but most definitely with the players’ attitudes. I will not accept people saying that this team has no spirit. The season just began and I am sure we will come out ahead. I congratulate all those who played because they did everything they could against an opponent who never caved in, especially in the last half hour.
We don’t have to confirm absolutely anything. The coach is doing a good job and the team is improving. The team did feel the absence of the injured forwards, but they still did well and we have to accept the score.
Manuel Pellegrini:
The first half was quite even, but Real Madrid owned the second. We circulated the ball well and our defense was unflappable, but we weren’t able to score. We opted for Drenthe in order to use the wing. Once he wore out, Guti came in with fresh legs for the team.
I will not stop being respectful to referees. The play that Raul had a goal called back ended when the referee blew his whistle. We have a lot of injured players. Garay suffered a strain and Xabi decided he couldn’t continue. I don’t think they are very severe injuries, though.
Granero:
We had a great second half. They practically didn’t reach our box and we didn’t take advantage of our chances. That was the key to the final score. I think I can play in several positions. The coach knows me and knows where I can help the most.
We didn’t give the match away. We were up against a great opponent with lots of heart. This is a hard place to control the ball in because it’s a fast pitch. The first half was pretty even. We had a chance or two, but I think we were far superior in the second. We just lacked the final touch.
We did what we had to to earn the three points, but we couldn’t finish. Sporting were also very driven and they pressured a lot. We are improving and learning. They lowered their pace in the second half, we made the proper adjustments and we saw that we had a chance to score.
Today we lacked what we had too much of in previous matches: the final shot. We play against other strong teams who are very driven. It isn’t always easy. We understand our fans and we want them to be happy.
I just try to work hard for my team. I feel fortunate to be here and I want to take advantage of this opportunity.
Sporting Gijon 0-0 Real Madrid
The first half at El Molinon ended in a scoreless draw that reflected the intensity and rhythm put for by both Real Madrid and Sporting Gijon. The Whites took control of every aspect of the match in the second but were unable to find the back of the net. Despite the draw, Real sit atop the league table and may remain there depending on what takes place around La Liga on Sunday.
The match began at a fast tempo and with Sporting committed to being aggressive with a well-situated Real Madrid. In fact, the hosts had the first scoring opportunities with Moran the primary threat along the wing. The striker curled in two crosses; the first was sent into the stands by De las Cuevas and the second was cleared by Pepe. The Whites’ first chance was a shot by Kaka that went straight into the hands of Juan Pablo.
Sporting kept its lines taut and was outstanding on defense, while Real Madrid advanced and retreated well on the pitch. Raul nearly put the first goal on the scoreboard near the thirty-minute mark following a corner taken by Granero. Shortly before halftime, Casillas kept the match scoreless by getting a hand to Miguel de la Cuevas’ shot.
The same pace continued after the break, but Real Madrid took control of the ball and the match to produce one opportunity after the next. The most dangerous was a pass to Granero by Kaka that Juan Pablo stretched out to save. With a try by Ramos from along the right flank followed by a long distance attempt by Drenthe, the Whites began tightening the noose on Sporting.
Pellegrini replaced Drenthe and Garay with Guti and Albiol, while Preciado brought in Bilic and Carmelo. The match grew more intense by the minute and Real Madrid found it easier to reach Sporting’s box. The hosts responded with fast counterattacks that the Madridistas stamped out with resolve, but the game remained scoreless.
A Kaka free-kick, a Pepe header following corner, a Van der Vaart set-piece, Granero from the left wing… The Whites insisted, but Juan Pablo was simply too much to beat on Saturday.
Just another Madridista
Raúl González Blanco: Fifteen years in White
Influential figures from the football world had nothing but kind words about Raul Gonzalez on the day the Madridista captain celebrated his 15th anniversary in white.
DI STEFANO:
PELE:
MARADONA:
JOHAN CRUYFF:
GENTO:
ZARRA:
VALDANO:
BUTRAGUEÑO:
FERNANDO HIERRO:
Share this:
October 29, 2009 | Categories: Comments, News | Tags: Raúl González Blanco | Leave A Comment »