Garay press conference
Ezequiel Garay took the opportunity to express what he wants most out of 2010 during the final player press conference this year.
What do you want out of 2010?
Health and happiness for my family first of all. I also hope Pepe recovers quickly and that we start the New Year off with a win on Sunday so that we remain two points off Barcelona’s lead.
Do you think the team will wind up playing the Champions League final in the Santiago Bernabeu?
We have to take one step at a time. We haven’t done anything in the Champions League yet, but the good stuff is about to begin. We are capable of making it through this first knockout stage.
How do you feel when you hear all these names being thrown around as possible signings for the defense?
There is a lot of talk, but the center backs have to prove to the coach that we are able to take on this situation and to help the team. It is a vote of confidence so that they don’t sign anyone.
Did Jorge Valdano or Miguel Pardeza say anything in that regard?
No, they just said that whoever is playing needs to continue doing so as we have been up to now. They want us to win in Pamplona and bring home the three points, which is a vote of confidence that makes us more anxious to start the New Year off on the right foot.
The Reyno de Navarra is a very hostile environment.
It is a tough place to play in. It’s a small venue and the fans are right on top of you. I am sure they will try to sidetrack us, but we will do whatever it takes to win.
Team of the Decade: Forwards
Last but not the least, the forwards. There have been a few strikers but these four stand tall above the rest.
The nominees under the forwards category for Real Madrid’s Team of the Decade are:
Ruud van Nistelrooy
On 15 July 2006, Ferguson confirmed that Van Nistelrooy wanted to leave Manchester United, and Real Madrid announced two weeks later that he had signed a three-year contract after being purchased for €24 million.
Van Nistelrooy scored a hat-trick in his second league match against Levante and, on 12 November 2006, he scored all four of Real Madrid’s goals in a 4–1 victory over Osasuna. He won the league’s Pichichi award with 25 goals as Real Madrid took home the 2006–07 title, and he also equalled the longest consecutive scoring streak in La Liga history with seven straight matches, tying a league record shared by Hugo Sánchez.
In January 2008, Van Nistelrooy signed a contract extension keeping him with Madrid until 2010, with the expiration date one day shy of his 34th birthday. He underwent ankle surgery in March, and returned for the El Clásico derby against Barcelona on 7 May, in which he netted a penalty two minutes after coming on as a substitute. He finished the season with 20 goals in 32 appearances.
In November 2008, Real Madrid announced that Van Nistelrooy would miss the remainder of the 2008–09 season after exploratory arthroscopic surgery revealed a partially torn meniscus in his right knee, with an expected recovery time of six to nine months following a second operation to repair the damage. At the time of his injury, he had 10 goals in 12 club appearances for the season.
This season he scored once in his first league game against Xerez while scoring which he injured his knee. He then made a couple of appearances in the Copa del Rey against Alcorcon but failed to score as Real went crashing.
97 appearances – 64 goals.
Honours:
- La Liga: 2006–07, 2007–08
- Supercopa de España: 2008
Team of the Decade: Midfield
Now moving on to the midfield. It is an easy task to select the four best midfielders of the past decade to have donned the White jersey and especially when you want them to fit into the diamond formation it becomes a Real easy task. We have to pick a CDM, CAM, RM and a LM.
The nominees under the Central Defensive Midfielders category for Real Madrid’s Team of the Decade are:
Claude Makélélé
In 2000, Makelele was recruited by Real Madrid from Celta Vigo. His transfer was controversial because Celta did not want to sell Makélélé unless a substantial improvement on their offer was made. Makélélé refused to train until there was resolution of his contract. Finally, Celta was reluctantly forced to sell him for €14 million, far less than their valuation of the player.
At Real, Makélélé substantially added to his medal tally, winning two Spanish La Liga championships, the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, the European Super Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup (now replaced by the FIFA World Club Championship). As an ever-present in Vicente del Bosque’s Real Madrid side, Makélélé also established himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the world.
For several years after Makélélé’s departure, Real Madrid failed to progress past the quarter-finals of the Champions League. He was that damn good.
Honours:
- La Liga: 2000-01, 2002-03
- Supercopa de España: 2001, 2003
- UEFA Champions League: 2002
- UEFA Super Cup: 2002
- Intercontinental Cup: 2002
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Arbeloa press conference
A person who has always called a spade a spade, Alvaro Arbeloa cut to the chase during today’s press conference when came time to answer questions from the press.
Your former teammate Fernando Torres is the youngest player to score 50 goals for Liverpool.
What can I say? He speaks for himself. Congratulations because it wasn’t an easy feat at an historic club like Liverpool.
Do you think he will return to Spain like you did? Perhaps Real Madrid…
I think he is happy there and he just extended his contract. The Premier League suits him, he has adjusted well and he is scoring a lot of goals, so I doubt that he will come back. If he does I assume it would be to play for Atletico.
Does the team need a new player to fill in for Pepe?
I don’t know. I don’t make the decisions, so I am not concerned about it. I have enought on my plate in trying to earn a spot. The coach and top brass will have to decide.
Has Pellegrini asked you to play as a center back?
Pepe wasn’t injured that long ago and fortunately we have good center backs and players like me who can fill in there.
Do you really think the team has a standing chance to win two titles?
I think we all agree that we have made progress. We have stepped up our game, we are scoring a lot and our defense is strong. Winning La Liga and the Champions League is difficult, but we have the potential and we are fighting and proving that we can compete in both.
Do you see yourself playing left back during the rest of the season?
Hopefully I will be in the next match. I feel more and more comfortable there and I hope to play many more matches whether it’s on the left or right.
Team of the Decade: Defenders
Right then. Now we move on to the back four. The defense, at least in the past decade, hasn’t been one of our strong points. Some say it was because of the departure of Claude Makelele and some others blame the departure of Fernando Hierro but either ways the strength we displayed in attack is not the same as what we displayed in defense. But still a few men stand out – a class apart from the rest. Some played together and others played at different points of time. Anyways moving on…
The nominees under the Right Back category for Real Madrid’s Team of the Decade are:
Míchel Salgado
In 1999 Real Madrid snapped up Salgado for €11,000,000. He appeared in 29 league games in his first season, while also helping the club win the season’s Champions League. He went on to keep the right back spot to himself for the next seven seasons until he was relegated to the bench by Sergio Ramos in the 2006–07 season.
Salgado still contributed with 16 games for the Merengues’ 30th national title, mainly due to injuries to Pepe, with Ramos being relocated to centre back. In the following two seasons, he played very rarely (only 17 matches combined), being sent off in the final game of the 2008-09 season, a 2-1 loss at CA Osasuna, on 31 May 2009, as Madrid slumped to a fifth consecutive league defeat.
Salgado was eventually released by Real in August 2009. In all Salgado had played 306 times for Real scoring 5 times mostly during the Galacticos era.
Honours:
- Intercontinental Cup: 2002
- UEFA Champions League: 1999–00, 2001–02
- UEFA Super Cup: 2002
- Spanish League: 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08
- Spanish Supercup: 2001, 2003, 2008
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Ins and Outs | S01P08
#1
Shakhtar Donetsk’s Romanian defender Razvan Rat has been linked with Real Madrid in recent times, and his club would not stand in the way of a move. Speculation linking Rat to the Bernabeu has been rife, with Real in need of a left-back, and Shakhtar concede that it will be hard to keep him, should we make an offer. Speaking to AS, coach Lucescu said:
I will not block him from going to Madrid. I am proud of him, because he has given everything for Shakthar, and deserves the best. He is a great footballer.
For his part, Rat stated that he would not think twice about such a move, saying:
First they have to speak to my representatives. But it is clear that everyone would like to go to Madrid.
Rat has been at Shakhtar since 2003, making 120 league appearances.
Source: AS
Degree of genuineness: 5.0
Metzelder press conference
Christoph Metzelder promised hard work and sacrifice throughout the remainder of the season during today’s press conference.
How do you feel?
I feel good. I have been injury-free for many days and I think I am fit to play in any upcoming matches.
How have you handled all the speculation of center-backs who are being linked with Real Madrid?
This is the pro sports worl and there are always injuries, so it is logical that Real Madrid thinks about signing someone after the injury sustained by Pepe. It does not affect me. I will continue being the professional I always have been and I will work hard until the very end. Anything else is a club matter.
Barcelona players had more holiday time. Do you think it’s a matter of arrogance?
I don’t want to discuss Barcelona. We returned to begin preparing for our next match. Barcelona perhaps played more matches than us, which is why they had more time off. We need to focus on ourselves to ensure that we are ready for Osasuna.
How is Guti?
He always has a smile on his face and cheers the team up. I cannot comment on his injury, but I think he will be fit for action soon.
Are these next five months the most important of your career with your contract with Real Madrid coming to an end and the World Cup just around the corner?
It is an important time. I haven’t spoken to the German national team coach, so I don’t think he is counting on me. Regarding my contract, we will discuss it over the summer.
Do you think certain players have had targets put on their backs since the Alcorcon match?
I don’t think today is the appropriate time to discuss that because I must defend this team until the end.
Are you frustrated that you aren’t playing much?
The last two and a half years have been tough, but I am not going to discuss it. The coach makes the decisions and I have to live with them. I am a professional and I will work hard until the end of the season. We will see if I play again or not.
Team of the Decade: Goalkeeper
The choice is pretty obvious. So obvious that even a Cule could have guessed it right. Anyhoo before I shed more insult on the only other nominee I could scupper let us have a look at the nominees themselves.
The nominees under the Goalkeepers category for Real Madrid’s Team of the Decade are:
Iker Casillas
Iker Casillas is a product of Real Madrid’s youth system, and started in the junior squad during the 1990–91 season. He was first called up to the first team in 1997 at age 16 to face Rosenborg in the Champions League , but it wasn’t until the 1998–99 season that he debuted in the senior side, substituting Bodo Illgner. By the next season, he relegated Illgner to the bench and became first choice. In 2000, he became the youngest-ever goalkeeper to ever play in a Champions League final when Real Madrid defeated Valencia 3-0 just four days after his nineteenth birthday.
Casillas having lost his place in the side to César after a patch of bad form redeemed himself when Sánchez suffered an injury in the last minutes of 2002 Champions League final. Casillas came on and pulled off several brilliant saves to deny a Leverkusen the Champions League crown. The Whites won 2-1 and the twenty-year-old has maintained the number 1 shirt ever since. The 2007–08 season was a fruitful season for Casillas. He helped Real Madrid to win their 31st league title and conceded only 32 goals in 36 games to claim the Zamora Trophy. I can go on for a decade lauding St.Iker but my vocabulary would fail me. I can even say that Iker Casillas is the greatest goalkeeper Real have ever had and will ever have and still I wouldn’t have said it all.
Casillas has 4 La Liga medals (2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08), 4 Spanish Super Cup medals (2001, 2003, 2008), 2 Champions League medals (1999–00, 2001–02), a UEFA Super Cup medal (2002) and an Intercontinental Cup medal (2002).
César Sánchez
Sánchez signed in 2000–01 for Real Madrid, initially backing-up Iker Casillas. However, the following season, he eventually became first-choice and started five out of nine Champions League matches during the victorious campaign, but was substituted by Casillas in the final against Bayer Leverkusen after suffering an injury.
Sanchez too has quite a few medals to his name viz. Spanish League: 2000–01, 2002–03; Spanish Supercup: 2001, 2003; UEFA Champions League: 2001–02; Intercontinental Cup: 2002; UEFA Super Cup: 2002.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Team of the Decade: Formation
Right. Before we start building the team itself it is always better to decide the formation that we wish to employ. Over the past 10 years Real have used several formations each based on the players available and other constraints like the manager in charge etc. But only few stand out.
So, the nominees for Real Madrid’s Team of the decade – Category: Formations are:
4-4-2
The most basic formation of any football team is the 4-4-2. This adaptable formation is the most common in football today, so well known that it has even inspired a magazine title, FourFourTwo. The midfielders are required to work hard to support both the defence and the attack: typically one of the central midfielders are expected to go upfield as often as possible to support the forward pair, while the other will play a “holding role”, shielding the defence; the two wide midfield players must move up the flanks to the goal line in attacks and yet also protect the fullback wide defenders. It is a very popular formation in Britain especially and likewise Real too have used it at various points of time during the past 10 years.
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Team of the Decade
We have come to the end of 2009 and that means only one thing – the beginning of 2010. OK, you rpobably knew that. The beginning of 2010 indicates one thing and one thing only – the end of yet another decade. Crap, you know that as well. So, I’ll cut the chase and get to the point – its time to decide the Team of the Decade and it shall be done within the next 4 days starting from today! And since I am as excited as you are we shall kick start right away.
And before we start, I must tell you a few things. The team of the decade will not be chosen based on polls. I know that sucks but whatever happens life has to go on. Secondly, you are free to comment as this is only my Real Madrid’s Team of the decade. The choosing will be done step by step. First we will decide the formation, the goal keeper, the right, center and left backs, the midfielders and the forwards. And then out of the nominees who weren’t selected the apt seven will make the bench. And finally I shall name the manager of the decade.
All this by January 1, 2010.
So do bother to stick in with a comment or two and let me know who should have and who shouldn’t have been nominated. Frankly speaking I don’t see any arguments here but anyhoo lets at least have a few pointless arguments for fun’s sake.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Ins and Outs | S01P07
#1
Real Madrid are linked with teen sensation Romelu Lukaku, who currently plays at Belgian side Anderlecht. The 16-year old who has an enviable goalscoring record at youth level has also been linked with Chelsea and AC Milan. The powerful young star has been hailed as the new Didier Drogba, and The Daily Mail assumes that major European clubs are keeping tabs on his progress.
Lukaku was given his first-team debut by Anderlecht last season and has became a regular in the side this campaign, becoming the youngest player to play in the Champions League. The Belgian allegedly turned down an opportunity to move to Chelsea’s academy, which could open the door for either Madrid or AC Milan to make a move.
The 6ft 3inch powerhouse is under contract with Anderlecht until 2012, but it is thought that they will be willing to sell should a substantial offer be received for his services. Lukaku is also Belgian under-21 international.
Source: The Daily Mail
Degree of genuineness: 6.0
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Van der Vaart to AS
Rafael van der Vaart had nothing but kind words for his teammates in an interview with AS.
I have said from day one that I want to do well playing for the best club in the world. You have to fight at all times in life, not just in football, and I am not going to even consider giving up now. I will continue fighting to be an important member of this team.
It is a pleasure to be a part of this team and to play alongside the likes of Higuain, Benzema, Cristiano… We have a ton of talent and everyone is very confident.
It is very easy to be a footballer on a team like this one because is is full of great people. I went through a tough time, but I never spoke negatively about the club or my teammates. I put pressure on myself and I knew I wasn’t in good shape. My teammates always stood by me.
I want 2010 to be more stable and I want to continue helping the team. I also ask for health and many titles.
My national team coach told me that I needed playing time to be fit for the World Cup. I am going through a good phase and having the World Cup right after the season ends is a big motivating factor.
Xabi Alonso to Marca
Xabi Alonso stressed the importance of team unity during a chat with sports daily Marca.
We are close to the top spot in La Liga, which is where we belong, and in the Champions League we finished as the top seed in our group. I think our goal of earning positive results is being accomplished. We are growing in terms of the quality of our football. This is a new project and it includes many new faces on and off the pitch. There is a lot of room for improvement.
I feel more and more comfortable as the team improves and has a better understanding of how it should play together. The better we attack the better we defend, and vice versa. What is also true is that the better one individual plays, the better the team plays.
A good team is built around good players, but they must be team players and not at all selfish.
We want to win both titles and we know it is possible. Our main league rival is Barcelona, but Sevilla and Valencia are close behind. And in the Champions League it is impossible to have a bad day because you will be eliminated if you do. We have a squad capable of taking the two competitions by storm.
Spain is among the favorites for to win the World Cup. Brazil is first, followed by Spain, England, Germany… We are among the top teams and will not relinquish that post.
Merry Christmas!
I would like to wish every single reader and every other Madridista a Merry Christmas!
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Comments Round up: BORING
There isn’t much to talk about today. Just a few extracts from interviews by Kaka and Granero. The former sat down with Radio Banderirantes in Brazil to discuss Real Madrid’s state of affairs whereas the latter spoke about being back at Real Madrid.
Kaka:
I am make headway in my physiotherapy and have started running again. I am already increasing the intensity. It is likely that I spend a few of my vacation days training at Sao Paulo’s Sports City. The team was in a development stage and now we are playing well. Olympique Lyonnais is a team that always tends to do well. They are very organized and we should be concerned.
Madrid is a great city and very similar to Sao Paulo. Everything is always open. I am studying Spanish. It is similar to Portuguese, but I want to improve. I tend to hang out with Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcerlo and Pepe. That is my close group, but I also spend time with the Spanish players.
Raul is a family guy. He is an incredible professional who always arrives early. He is just as motivated when he is not a starter. Clubs should see him as an example. Raul is a former Real Madrid youth teamer and one of the best players in the world.
Granero:
We are playing well and at the top of the table. We need to stay on track after the holiday. We all feel important to this team. I work hard and have earned the opportunity to prove that I can play here. I am happy here. I hope I stay healthy in the New Year and that I stay injury-free. I think 2010 will be a good year for us and that we will win a title or two.
I’d like to wish all the readers a Merry Christmas on behalf of Hala Madrid.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
BBVA Liga Select 9-8 Africa United
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos and Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute have lead a fundraising initiative to raise money to help fund education for children in Africa, staging a friendly match at the Santiago Bernabeu to aid the cause.
The Frederic Kanoute Foundation is involved in charity fundraising in aid of vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Africa and this latest friendly in Madrid has raised €300,000 to support educational programmes on the continent.
Kanoute lead Africa United, a team assembled from Spanish football’s African contingent, including Sevilla team-mate Arouna Kone and Malaga midfielder Selim Benachour while Ramos captained a Liga Select side which included a number of Real Madrid team-mates including Iker Casillas, Marcelo, Alvaro Arbeloa and Esteban Granero.
In the end it was the Liga Select side who emerged victorious on a 9-8 scoreline, as a crowd of around 30,000 braved the Madrid rain for a worthy cause.
MATCH SUMMARY
BBVA LIGA SELECT (Coach: Javier Clemente): Casillas; Arbeloa, Botia, Ramos, Pernia; Etxeberria, Albelda, Granero, Mata; Villa, Llorente.
Also played: Cristian Fernandez, Luque, Soldado, Borja, Celestini, Negredo, Gerard, Ricardo, Jesus Navas, Callejon, Javi Venta, Momo, Calleja, Antoñito, Baraja, Tronk.
AFRICA UNITED (Coach: Luis Aragonés): Palop; Lauren, Ze Castro, Diarra, Marcelo; Benachour, Zokora, Kone, Keita; Kanoute, Webo.
Also played: Bodipo: Al-Jaber, Lopez Vallejo, Ogbeche, Songo’o, Manucho, Keita, Romaric, Kome, Luis Hernandez, Laguardia, Omi.
GOALS:
0-1, min 5: Benachour
1-1, min.10: Llorente
1-2, min. 11: Kone
2-2, min. 46: Luque
2-3, min, 48: Soldado
2-4, min 50: Cristian Fernandez
3-4, min 55: Manucho
4-4: min. 60: Al Jader
4-5, min. 66: Manucho
5-5, min. 67: Antoñito
6-5, min. 78: Callejon
6-6, min. 81: Songo’o
7-6, min. 83: Momo
7-7, min, 83: Bodipo
8-7, min. 85: Callejon
9-7, min. 89: Negredo
9-8, min 90. Al-Jaber
Notes: Second edition of the Champions for Africa charity match held at the Santiago Bernabeu. Attendance: 32,000.
Referee: Mr. Antonio Rubinos Perez.
FIFA Puskás Award 2009: Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo picked up the FIFA Puskas Award this evening at the FIFA World Player Gala 2009 for scoring the best goal of the year. The Madridista beat out goals by the likes of Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Fernando Torres (Liverpool) and Michael Essien (Chelsea).
The award was presented by George Weah and the widow of the late Ferenc Puskas, Elisabeth Puskas. The goal that earned Cristiano Ronaldo the hardware was that scored with Manchester United against Porto in the 2009 Champions League quarterfinal.
Over 120,000 fans took the opportunity to vote on FIFA.com, with ten outstanding goals to choose from, and Ronaldo’s dream strike garnered some 17.68 per cent of the vote. Ronaldo said to FIFA.com afterwards:
It was incredible, a fantastic goal. If you asked me how to score a goal like that I wouldn’t be able to tell you. It’s just hitting it hard and seeing the net billow, that’s all.
Cristiano Ronaldo along with Kaka was among the top five finishers for the 2009 FIFA World Player award. The Portuguese finished second in the running behind Leo Messi for his third-straight top three finish, while the Brazilian came in fourth behind Xavi Hernandez and ahead of Andres Iniesta. Additionally, Iker Casillas and Cristiano were named to the FIFA/FIFPro World XI and the latter picked up the Puskas Award for the best goal of the year.
Cristiano Ronaldo thus becomes only the third player after Ronaldo and Ronaldinho to earn a top-three finish for the FIFA World Player of the Year award in three consecutive years. The FIFA/FIFPro World XI were also introduced during the gala in honor of the eleven best players of the year according to 55,000 professional footballers. Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo were among the winners, while Kaka, Xabi Alonso, Sergio Ramos, Benzema and Pepe were among the 55 finalists.
Cristiano Ronaldo to FIFA.com
Moments before taking the stage at the Kongresshaus in Zurich for the FIFA World Player Gala 2009, the Madrid superstar made time for a chat with FIFA.com about his current form and the challenges awaiting him on the horizon.
FIFA.com: Cristiano Ronaldo, you were nominated for the first edition of the FIFA Puskás Award, which is given to the scorer of the finest goal of the year, thanks to your strike against FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League. Tell us a bit about that effort.
Cristiano Ronaldo: It was unbelievable! I’m not saying that just because I scored it, but because it was truly fantastic. If you asked me how to score a goal like that I wouldn’t be able to tell you. It’s just hitting it hard and seeing the net billow, that’s all. This is a great award. It’s really good that FIFA are putting another award up for grabs at this Gala.
Portugal have been drawn in a very tough group at South Africa 2010. What went through your mind when you saw how the Final Draw turned out?
It’s going to be a very difficult group. Côte d’Ivoire, Brazil and North Korea are all very good sides. But there’s no point complaining about that now. What we’ve got to do is go there and show how well we can play football, like we’ve done in our last few national team games. We know it’ll be hard but I think we can do it.
Which game will be key to progressing from that group?
Well, I think they all will. Our team is the key, we have to be focused. Regarding our opening game with Côte d’Ivoire: they’re a team of physically strong players and, like us, they’ll be incredibly motivated. It’s going to be very tough but I think that Portugal have a better team and we’re going to do our best to win.
Portugal really struggled in qualifying while injury caused you to miss out on the team’s decisive final games. How did that feel?
Yes, the qualifying phase was very difficult indeed, but you can’t win anything without hard work and sacrifice. That’s what happened with Portugal. To be honest I couldn’t help much because of the injuries I had; I was always on my way back (from injury). There are several factors which contributed to me not having a good qualifying phase. But I’m confident that things will be different at the World Cup, and that I’ll be fit and on form to help Portugal achieve great results.
Pellegrini to AS
“During this holiday season, I would like to wish all Real Madrid fans a happy 2010,” said Manuel Pellegrini as Spanish newspaper AS caught up with the Madridista coach.
First five months
I am not surprised because I always knew what this team had to offer. There is talent and commitment. The second half of the season should be very exciting.
Team play
You must first evaluate the players you have and then adapt to them. I coached Villarreal for five years and the team’s style was more than just touching, circulating the ball and play making. On this Madrid team there are many more direct players. I also insist that the Bernabeu enjoys watching its team reach the box faster. It likes constant pressure in the box and it doesn’t have the so much patience for us to seek open spaces.
Fixed lineup
We had eight matches a month when the season began and there was no time to work midweek. I wasn’t able to have a set starting eleven and had to rotate players. I tried many formulas to find the right combination and adjustments were made. This Madrid is playing the way I like. We search for the opponent’s goal, we defend with fewer players, we attack as fast as we can and we try to hold onto the football.
Real Madrid Castilla 2-0 Guadalajara
Real Madrid Castilla played their last game in 2009, earning a 2-0 victory over Guadalajara. This is their fourth straight win against teams in the top end of the table.
MATCH REPORT
Real Madrid Castilla: Adan; Velayos, Gary, Juanan, Nacho; Mateos, Mosquera, Luis Hernandez, Juan Carlos (R. Ruiz, 76′); Samu (Rodrigo, 70′), Cristian.
C.D. Guadalajara: Nuñez; A. Moreno, Jorge, Quesada (Duque, 60′), David Fernandez; Pita (I. Moreno, 75′), Navas, Cuesta, Soria, Manzano (Fede, 60′); Jacobo.
Goals:
1-0, 42′: Luis Hernandez
2-0, 79′: Rodrigo
Notes: Second Division B, Group II Matchday 18.
Venue: Alfredo di Stefano Stadium.
Attendance: 1,500
Referee: Pinto Herrera, Alcala Mesa, Garcia Jorge.
Booked: Moreno, Jacobo, Samu, R. Ruiz and Juan Carlos.
Ins and Outs | S01E06
#1
Pepe’s injury has caused more turmoil amongst the tabloids and transfer gossip columnist than what it has caused within Real Madrid. The large Portuguese center-back’s season ended last weekend at the Mestalla after he suffered from what Medical Personnel call the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) which meant that the player will remain out of action for 6 whole months. This has diverted the attention of the media who now are looking out for the perfect match to replace Pepe at the Bernabeu temporarily at least. And that I should say dominates this post of Ins and Outs.
The first one sees The Mirror report that Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Carlos Cuellar, the in-form Aston Villa defender. According to them Florentino Perez is reportedly willing to splash out on the Villans’ versatile stopper in January in order to make amends to what the injury to Pepe has done to the squad.
Goal.com which reported the rumor went on to say that such a move would highlight a remarkable turn in fortunes for Cuellar, whose suitability to the Premier League was seriously questioned after an indifferent debut season. However, according to them, the 28-year-old has answered his critics this term and is now showing to sort of quality that won him the SFWA Footballer of the Year award during his time at Rangers. And as a result, it is claimed, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has had his scouts monitor the former Osasuna man’s progress in recent weeks, and he could be in the frame for the 2010 World Cup.
Not bad. A well framed rumor whatsoever.
Source: Goal.com, The Mirror
Degree of genuineness: 6.0
Post-match comments
Jorge Valdano was very happy with the team’s phenomenal victory over Zaragoza. Manuel Pellegrini was very happy with his team’s 6-0 victory over Zaragoza. Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his satisfaction with the victory and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. Higuain gave a stellar performance against Zaragoza and scored two of the team’s six goals. Rafael van der Vaart was delighted with the two goals he scored and with the team’s victory, as was Raul Albiol.
Valdano:
The fans that came to the Bernabeu had fun. The match was a reward for their fidelity. The entire team played at a great level, which shows we have a great squad in which we can all have faith. We missed Xabi Alonso, Pepe and Kaka tonight, but the team was nevertheless strong. The defence was good and we fortunately didn’t miss Pepe, despite the importance of his absence.
Pepe is in good spirits. He even feels well; he can move his knee 90º already. The results encourage us to be optimistic. We must be patient and respect his recovery deadlines.
The style the team played in tonight makes us optimistic. The players have blended with time and work better together now. We are strong in attack, which is something the crowd likes. I wish the team sustains less injuries in 2010. I wish health for everyone in the New Year.
Pellegrini:
We played a solid game the entire 90 minutes both in defence and in attack. It ratified what the team has been doing in the past few days. We are confident in defence and we score many goals.
Tonight’s game was perfect. That’s what the score reflects. We’ve used rotations so far this season to allow everyone to play several minutes. Our points and our style indicate that we’ve done a good job so far despite the criticism received. The players have grasped what we want them to do.
We have faith in Garay and Metzelder to cover for Pepe, so we don’t really have to look for a new centre back. We’ll decide what to do with the Board.
The only battle I must win is earning the support of the squad and I won it on day one. I don’t fight against other demands or criticism. That’s how I think. It’s important for me to have a squad that believes in what we do.
What Barcelona have achieved is a great feat and hard to emulate. But there is also great merit in just being two points behind them on the table. We’ve played well away from home against the teams that earned the most points last year. Barcelona’s excellent performances add to our own merit.
Real Madrid 6-0 Zaragoza
Spectacle, fun and six goals; that’s what the Bernabeu saw as Real Madrid defeated Zaragoza 6-0. The Whites won with goals from Van der Vaart (2), Higuain (2), Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema.
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the starting eleven. Garay and Diarra replaced the injured Pepe and Xabi Alonso, respectively. Higuain only needed two minutes to score his first strike, following a tremendous run and receiving a great assist from Marcelo.
The Whites pressurised with fast combinations and by positioning themselves perfectly on the pitch. Van der Vaart came close to scoring from a header following a pass by Ramos (5′), and Cristiano Ronaldo tried to net the ball seven minutes later with a hard shot that went over the crossbar.
Following a stellar assist from Marcelo, Van der Vaart scored his first strike of the evening (25′). Ramos served him the ball to net his second goal, receiving the ball close to the goal-line and simply pushing it into the back of the net (27’).
Higuain sealed the first half, lobbing the ball over Paredes and scoring a volley that kept the crowd on its feet (33’). Casillas also stepped up when he made a spectacular save when Lafita tried to surprise him from outside the box in the only clear chance Zaragoza had in the opening 45 minutes (28’).
Four minutes into the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his quality by controlling the ball inside the box and dribbling it until he found an angle to score the team’s fifth. Benzema came on with Raul, replacing Higuain and Marcelo, respectively (62′). The Frenchman (who turned 22 today) soon had a great shot that ricocheted on a post and then hit the net (70’). The crowd was thrilled by the team’s performance and gave an ovation to Van der Vaart when he was substituted by Granero. The team won the match 6-0 as a tribute to Pepe and once again showcased its hunger for titles this season.
Lineups:
Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Garay, Arbeloa, Marcelo (Benzema 63′), Lass, Diarra, Van der Vaart (Granero 73′), Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuaín (Raúl 63′);
Zaragoza: López Vallejo, Diogo, Pavón, Ayala, Paredes, Ponzio, Ander, Lafita, Abel Aguilar (Jorge López 65′), Pennant (Braulio 87′), Arizmendi (Ewerthon 65′);
Just another Madridista
Cristiano Ronaldo to Marca
Cristiano Ronaldo sat down with Spanish sports daily Marca to discuss his first six months as a Madridista.
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December 31, 2009 | Categories: Comments | Tags: Cristiano Ronaldo | Leave A Comment »