Pellegrini press conference
Manuel Pellegrini has faith in his men and believes the team will keep up the good work despite the injuries sustained.
On Bilbao:
Athletic Bilbao have a defined style. They are strong and rely on aerial plays. They play at a very high level. We have to score from our chances, which we failed to do against Osasuna in our previous away match. We are currently having a good run. We continue to improve, but we can never be fully satisfied. We are performing well and I hope we continue to improve with each game we play.
On Higuain:
Higuain’s injury is as important to us as any other player’s. He was scoring goals for us. It’s a shame he got injured when he was having such a good run. I nevertheless think of the whole team and I believe the squad is good enough for us to continue to play at a high level. I have faith in Raul and Benzema. I believe they are doing a good job.
On Benzema:
I watch all of my men closely during training and in each of our games, so Benzema has nothing to prove to me. He proves his quality on a daily basis. We need all of our men to be ready in order to have a good season both in La Liga and in the Champions League. It’s pointless to just focus on eleven players. This is a large and quality squad. Sustaining injuries means, more than ever, that we must show everyone we are capable of doing what’s expected of us.
Albiol to Realmadrid.com
Raul Albiol talked to Realmadrid.com about his aspirations on the team and Saturday’s match against Athletic Bilbao, amongst many other things.
You’ve been a Madridista for six months. Have you realised yet what it means to be a centre back at Real Madrid?
It is a great responsibility on a daily basis. You have to do your best in every game because there is little room for error. That’s what makes you improve as a player. My goal upon arrival was to be a centre back here for many years and prove I can play on this team. I hope never to fail.
Some legendary Real Madrid centre backs achieved that status due to playing on the team for many years. Do you see yourself making history as they did?
I’ve only just arrived and you have to do your best for many years in order to make history. I have a lot to improve on to reach their status. You have to take things slowly and work very hard. Hopefully, once I retire, I can look back and say I was a centre back at a great team like Real Madrid. This Club has had great centre backs throughout its history.
Goyo Benito, Santamaria and Pirri marked an era on the team…
I am very young and never watched them play, but my dad has told me about the great Real Madrid centre backs of his day. I remember Sanchis and Hierro.
What do you remember of Sanchis?
Everyone talks well of him. His positioning and delivery of the ball made him one of the great Real Madrid centre backs. He had a lot of character and personality.
What do you remember of Hierro?
I think he was one of the best centre backs in football history. He was very elegant. It was a delight to watch him play. It is a real pleasure to have the chance to talk to him on the Spanish national team.
The first leg of La Liga is about to end. What do you think so far?
I think it’s been good. We’ve gradually improved on our game and we hope to continue doing so. We can’t afford to make any mistakes because Barcelona are taking many points. We’ll have to take as many as we can to win the title.
Mali 0-1 Algeria
Algeria put their disappointing 3-0 loss to Malawi behind them to beat Mali in their second Group A game in Luanda.
Rafik Halliche headed home a Karim Ziani free-kick in the first half to seal the win for the Algerians. Despite periods of pressure from Mali they were unable to create many clear-cut chances. Mali’s Mahamoudou Diarra and Bakary Soumare will miss the final group game against Malawi through suspension after picking up their second yellow cards.
The result means that Mali must now beat Malawi on Monday if they are to make it to the quarter-finals. Mali coach Stephen Keshi dropped striker Frederic Kanoute to the bench for the game, and he was only brought on midway through the second-half, but failed to make an impact.
Algeria created the first opportunity of the game when Karim Ziani shot from a tight angle outside the area, which bounced off the bar. Tenema N’Diaye should have done better on nine minutes after he got himself into a good position in front of goal but was tackled before he could shoot.
Mustapha Yattabare then saw his shot go wide after some poor Algerian defending. The game then became a midfield battle with very few chances. Ziani continued his good showing with another shot from outside the area that was well saved by Soumbeyla Diakhite, who was brought into the starting line up to replace Mahamoudou Sidibe. The Eagles did get back into the game and some good work down the flanks failed to bring any clear chances.
Yasine Bezzaz then touched the ball past the Mali defence but was brought down by Soumare and from Ziani’s free kick Halliche rose highest to score his first goal for Algeria. Mali started the second half well with plenty of possession and Adama Tamboura’s shot from a narrow angle forced Fawzi Chaouchi into a smart save at his near post. After that Mali struggled to break down a strong Algerian defence, who were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure. The Eagles continued their hunt for another late equaliser right until the final whistle but were unable to make the most of two corners in injury time.
Just another Madridista
Fitness is a concern – Bilbao pre-preview
Real Madrid travel to Bilbao to play the home side in the Anfield of Spain, commonly known as San Mames. More than anything else the main concern will be the injuries to Rafael van der Vaart and Gonzalo Higuain who will most probably miss the next three league fixtures including this one. They join Pepe and Van Nistelrooy on the treatment table. Xabi Alonso, who was injured until yesterday, has now recovered and will travel with the team as will Ezequiel Garay and Christoph Metzelder.
Rafael van der Vaart lasted only for about half an hour in the game against Mallorca last week. The Dutchman tore his calf muscle thus ruling him out until February. The reported Liverpool target once again reiterated his desire to stay on at Real. He, while speaking to Radio Marca, said:
I am very happy in this team. Did you get that cunts?
Xabi Alonso was injured with a bruise on his left fibula but has not recovered in time for the game at San Mames. The player spoke to The People about this exit from Liverpool and stated that the pursuit of Gareth Barry was the final nail in the coffin.
(more…)
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January 15, 2010 | Categories: Comments, News, Pre-preview | Tags: Athletic Bilbao, Gonzalo Higuaín, Karim Benzema, Rafael van der Vaart, Xabi Alonso | Leave A Comment »