Xabi Alonso press conference
Xabi Alonso has practically recovered from the bruise on his left fibula. The player addressed the media after training.
On his fitness:
I trained rather well today, but I’m still niggled. I still have time to recover before Saturday. I hope I can play.
On the game against Bilbao:
I played in many Basque derbies when I was at Real Sociedad and the atmosphere at San Mames was always spectacular. I guess it will be the same against Real Madrid. Athletic Bilbao’s fans are very special and devoted to their team. Every player wants to participate in games like Saturday’s.
Om title hopes:
The more we improve, the more successful we’ll be. We have to be 100% fit to the end of the season in order to have chances to win the title.
On his role in the team:
I played in a different position against Mallorca. It’s important to adapt to each situation. The coach will ask you to do one thing or another depending on the men he’s got available. I played closer to the attack with Gago by my side. I have no preference for any particular position. I try to do my best wherever I play.
Algeria vs Mali | Africa Cup of Nations 2010 | Group Stages | Preview
The greatest shock of the first playing day was the three nil thrashing of Algeria by outsiders Malawi. The Desert Foxes suffered enormously from the heat and humidity in Luanda as well as the state of the field during their opening game. The Algerian national team are still to emerge from the shock defeat and are hoping to make an impression against Mali.
The Algeria Malawi encounter is the only game of the competition to have been played at 3pm when the sun was at its peak but the climate was not the only reason why the Desert Foxes lost. The North Africans met a motivated Malawian side whom many had never rated high.
The Southern Africans played with much determination and were able to make the difference in front of Algerian goalkeeper Chaouchi who was in good form during the World Cup playoff match against Egypt in Khartoum on November 18. Since their defeat on the first day Coach Rabah Saadane has been trying to remobilize his men and give them the required motivation needed to face Mali. It may still be too early if he will maintain the same squad that was beaten by Malawi.
The Eagles of Mali came back after being led four nil in their opening game and miraculously pulled a tie. Mali was transparent in the first three quarters of the encounter as Angola dominated the contest. They conceded four goals between the 36th to the 73rd minute as host Angola dictated the pace of the match. But they came back and were able to score four goals with an Angolan side unable to hold on to their wide lead in the last quarter.
Many even believe Djila, Diarra and company wound have taken the three points if five minutes were added to the game. Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita made the difference after coming on in the 34th minute as he netted twice. The game has gone into the annals of African football history.
Just another Madridista
Junta speak