Di Maria press conference
With two official workouts now under his belt, Angel di Maria took the hot seat in Los Angeles in what was the third Real Madrid press conference at UCLA.
Angel di Maria: "I received a warm welcome. I am very motivated and anxious to work"
Welcome:
I received a warm welcome from my teammates. I am very motivated and anxious to get to work.
Goals:
I will give this team everything I’ve got. Whether I play or not is up to the coach, but if I do, I hope to use my speed and intensity to my advantage. Real Madrid is a great club and there is a lot of pressure here, but I am looking forward to playing.
Real Madrid:
I always dreamed about playing for Real Madrid. I didn’t want any information about other offers because I was only interested in playing for this team.
Pepe press conference
It was Pepe’s turn to talk to the media after Real Madrid’s third session in Los Angeles.
"We know we have to work extremely hard to win titles"
Mourinho:
I never worked with Mourinho before and he has really impressed me. He treats his players very well and speaks their language. He is a wonderful coach. He is very demanding, but his support for us is also fierce.
Duty:
Our duty is to defend the Real Madrid shirt to the very end. We have to work extremely hard to win titles. Mourinho knows this and so do we.
Signings:
Real Madrid are making great signings. These are players of great quality who will learn what this team is all about and how to work here soon enough. Khedira had a great run in the World Cup and there’s a reason why Real Madrid decided to sign him.
The Exodus
In the same pace as Real Madrid signed players this season there have been exits over the past week with 4 players leaving Real Madrid. As prominent as the exit of the legendary figures Raul and Guti were the sale of Marcos Alonso and Adam Szalai, two of the brightest players produced by Castilla in the past few years.
Raul ready for 'new era'
Schalke seal Raul deal
Two days after announcing his decision to leave Real Madrid CF, striker Raúl González has joined FC Schalke 04. The 33-year-old signed a two-year contract with the German side who return to the UEFA Champions League group stage this season after finishing second in the Bundesliga last term. Raúl said:
Schalke is a new challenge. The Bundesliga is one of the strongest leagues in Europe. Our aim has to be to fight for the Bundesliga title. It will be difficult in the Champions League but we want to progress from the group stage. It will be an eventful season for Schalke.
As a three-time winner of the competition with Real Madrid, Raúl brings a wealth of experience to Schalke and coach Felix Magath is delighted to have him on board. Magath said.
This is fantastic news for FC Schalke 04. I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring a truly world-class footballer and goalscorer to the Bundesliga and to Schalke.
Guti agrees Turkish switch
Guti has agreed a two-year contract with Turkish side Beşiktaş JK after negotiating his release from the Spanish club.
Beşiktaş, who are managed by Bernd Schuster, have brought in Guti within 24 hours of his departure from the Santiago Bernabéu. Signed by Madrid as a ten-year-old in 1986. Beşiktaş’s new No14 scored 46 goals in 387 Liga games for the Merengues, claiming five Spanish titles and featuring in three UEFA Champions League-winning sides.
Bolton bag Alonso
Bolton have completed the signing of left-back Marcos Alonso for an undisclosed fee. The highly-rated 19-year-old defender joins on a three-year deal despite Real giving Alonso his debut for the first team in April last season, coming on as a substitute for Gonzalo Higuain in the 2-0 victory over Racing Santander.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle spoke of his delight at sealing the transfer, hailing the Spaniard as one to watch in the future. Coyle told the club’s official website:
He is an exciting young player who has undoubted quality and he will bring that into our mix. I think that we have a real talent on our hands. I have said before that when we are investing money in transfers that I want to do it with young, talented players. He isn’t the finished article yet – he’s a young player making his way – but you don’t get through at Real Madrid without having a bit about you.
Mainz tie up Szalai deal
Ádám Szalai has sealed his permanent transfer from Castilla to Mainz. The 22-year-old striker has penned a contract with the German side which runs until June 2013, with Madrid set to receive £500,000. Szalai, formerly of Stuttgart, was on loan at Mainz last season and impressed the club enough to earn a permanent deal. Mainz 05 general manager Christian Heidel told the club’s official website:
We have finally completed all paperwork that was still pending. We are delighted to have captured Ádám permanently as we are convinced of his skills as a player. He has impressed us when he was on loan at our club last season. He will be looking to make further progress.
Last season Szalai played 15 Bundesliga games for the club and will be hoping to make an impact next season.
Cristiano Ronaldo press conference
Cristiano Ronaldo addressed the media following Real Madrid’s first training session in Los Angeles.
Cristiano Ronaldo: "Mourinho's training sessions are spectacular; we are all very happy to have him"
Mindset:
We are very excited and working very hard. We have to keep this level of excitement up in order to win titles.
Raul:
Raul was always an important player to Real Madrid. He made the decision that best suited his interests. He is a great professional and I’m sure he will play at a very high level.
Mourinho:
I already knew Mourinho well. His training sessions are spectacular. They have great intensity. We are all very happy to have him. We don’t feel tired because we are extremely motivated.
Mourinho is a winner. Real Madrid has attacking players, so we will be an offensive team. The priority right now is to get back in shape as soon as possible.
Pre-season schedule
Real Madrid are planebound for Los Angeles, where they will land at approximately 1:20 am CET on Thursday. The team will stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel located on Sunset Boulevard.
Real Madrid are en route to Los Angeles, where they will stay until 7 August
The 18 players who are making the trip will begin two-a-day workouts on Thursday on the UCLA campus. The US tour includes a match against Club America in San Francisco on 4 August followed by a game against the LA Galaxy in the Rose Bowl on 8 August.
The team will then travel to Germany, where on 13 August they will play against Bayern Munich in a match in honor of club President of Honor Franz Beckenbauer. The tour wraps up on 17 August with a game in Belgium against Standard Liege. Real Madrid will then return to Spain where they will play against Hercules in Alicante and the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy.
Players traveling to US include Dudek, Adan, Pepe, Marcelo, Garay, Drenthe, Diarra, Lass, Granero, Gago, Pedro Leon, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema. Youth teamers: Nacho Fernandez, Marcos Tebar, Alex Fernandez, Juanfran and Alvaro Morata. Other World Cup and Under-19 internationals will steadily rejoin team over the next few days.
Profile: Sami Khedira
Defensive midfielder Sami Khedira (Stuttgart, Germany, 1987) had his coming out party during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, during which he was one of the most outstanding players on the German national team. The new Real Madrid signing played seven matches and scored what proved to be the third-place clinching goal against Uruguay. One year earlier, Khedira captained the German Under-21 side to the European Championship title.
A dynamic midfielder who can cover a lot of ground and can quickly join in attack
Khedira is a dynamic midfielder who can cover a lot of ground and can quickly join in attack after recovering the ball from the opponent. Standing at 189 centimeters, he has flawless aerial technique and a powerful mid-range shot.
Born to a German mother and Tunisian father, Khedira came into this world in Stuttgart, Germany in 1987. After initially playing for TV Oeffingen, he joined the VfB Stuttgart academy at the age of eight. He slowly climbed his way up through the ranks until earning his first team debut on 1 October 2006 against Hertha BSC. A couple weeks later he scored his first two Bundesliga goals against Shalke 04 and Stuttgart would eventually go on to win the league title. Prior to his arrival in the Spanish capital, Khedira scored 14 goals in 98 total matches with the German side.
Sami Khedira has also had a successful run on an international level. In 2009 he captained Germany’s Under-21 side to the European Championship titles. He debuted with the senior side two months later and has earned a third-place finish in the World Cup. In less than a year he notched 12 caps for Germany.
VfB Stuttgart (2006-2010)
Titles & Accolades:
UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2009
Sami Khedira becomes a Madridista!
German star signs five-year deal
The official word:
Real Madrid C. F. and VfB Stuttgart have agreed to the transfer of Sami Khedira, who will sign a five year contract with Real Madrid.
Stuttgart wanting to avoid the free transfer of Sami Khedira, who was inching closer to a move by the day, permitted Real to negotiate personal terms with the German midfielder and now Stuttgart have confirmed that Sami Khedira has joined Real Madrid, subject to a medical. A statement on the Bundesliga club’s official website read:
In the end, everything went very quickly and those responsible for Stuttgart and Real Madrid agreed a switch for midfielder Sami Khedira. As soon as the German international has completed the sports physical examination, he will put his signature on the contract.
The 23-year old midfielder becomes Real’s third signing this summer after the coups of Angel Di Maria and Pedro Leon.
Dudek press conference
Jerzy Dudek addressed the media following Tuesday’s evening session.
Dudek: "We can learn a considerable amount from Mourinho"
Contract extension:
It’s fantastic for me to be given the chance to extend my contract with such a great club.
Goals:
I am very motivated and I will have to fight hard to earn a spot on the team. I will give everything I’ve got. I am anxious to help.
Mourinho:
Mourinho likes to work with the ball in short, but intense games. We have a good coach who also happens to be a good person off the pitch, but he is very serious on the pitch. We all want to do more and we’ve been working hard since day one. We can learn a considerable amount from Mourinho.
Raul:
Raul is a legend. He’s made history at the Club and it’s been a real pleasure for me to play with him. Despite my experience I found myself learning from him since the first day I arrived. He sets a great example for all youngsters and he is a great captain both on and off the pitch.
Raul press conference
Visibly shaken up and sad to leave behind the more than 15 years that he gave his all for Real Madrid, Raul Gonzalez held his final press shortly after his farewell event at Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Raul: "It was a long, hard decision, but this isn't a goodbye, but rather a see you later"
Leaving Real Madrid:
The time has come to make a decision. I have worn the shirt of the best team in the world for 15 years. I am now 33-years old and it was my last chance to experience playing football outside of Spain. It was a long, hard decision, but this isn’t a goodbye, but rather a see you later. I will always support Real Madrid wherever I go.
I want to thank Real Madrid for their patience in allowing me to make this decision without haste. I have thought about with my family and the club in a calm manner. It was difficult because there was a new coach who counted on my services. I had to look at the situation from a certain perspective. I made a decision and it is a painful one, but I think it is also the correct one.
Fond memories:
I have many fond memories and to think of just one is impossible. I think the greatest moment for me was when I got home on Friday 28 October and told my mom that I was traveling to Zaragoza with the first team and that I was going to play. My mom could not hold back her happiness, which was the greatest thing I have ever seen. I will stick with this memory because it was the first, but there have been thousands.
Number ’7′:
Number ’7′ is very symbolic for Real Madrid. I am sure that the players who wear it will do so as they should. You must enjoy the moment and not live in the past. What is important is not the number, but rather the crest. That is what I consider most important. The number is important because of its tradition. I am sure that whoever wears the number ’7′ will do it well.
Mourinho:
Jose Mourinho made me think long and hard about my decision. He is a great coach and I have always admired his work. We spoke and he told me that he counted on me and was looking forward to training me. But I decided to make my decision from a different perspective.
The End of an Era
Raul Gonzalez bid farewell to Real Madrid on Monday in an event held at the Presidential Balcony of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and attended by club President, Florentino Perez, Director General, Jorge Valdano, head coach, Jose Mourinho and several members of the Board.
Raul bids farewell to his lifelong club during an event with hundreds of fans on hand
Florentino Perez:
Good afternoon and welcome to the Santiago Bernabeu. Dear friends, as you well know, this legendary stadium has witnessed one of the unforgettable chapters in the history of our club. This pitch is full of emotions and passionate deeds. And today in this stadium we will experience another emotional event.
Many men make up part of the legend of Real Madrid, and many have left their mark on the history of this club, where as we all know the demand for perfection, titles and victories is immense. Many have managed to conquer the glory, the memory, the respect and the affection of our unmatched fans here. But within this group of extraordinary men, there are very few who are chosen to be the symbol of what Madridismo is and should be.
Raul possesses an unquestionable gift and the talent to respond to the sacred code of the most important values of this club. With his infinite commitment, ceaseless work and love for Real Madrid, Raul has earned the indestructible devotion of a fan base, so that no matter where he goes, he will always be considered one of them.
I personally met Raul ten years ago when I became the President of Real Madrid in 2000, and since then I can confirm that the demand he places on himself, his undying effort and his yearning to triumph exceed all logic.
Today I must say that one of my dreams as the president of Real Madrid is that the players who form part of this club fit in with the spirit and the legacy that Raul Gonzalez Blanco, our captain, leaves us. Both on and off the pitch, Raul perfectly responds to the values that permeate Madridismo.
As president, I would also like to point out the pride I always felt by the formidable respect and admiration shown to him by all our adversaries on the pitch. It is just another example of how one of the best of our best honorably served our club.
Raul’s resume and his conquests are perhaps what are most relevant to many. It is not easy to have six leagues, three European Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, one European Super Cup, four Spanish Super Cups, three gold medals: from the Spanish Football Federation, from the Community of Madrid and the Royal Order for Sports Merit. UEFA’s Best Forward in Europe in 2001 and 2002, the two-time top scorer in the Champions in 1999/00 and 2000/01, the top scorer in La Liga in 1998/99 and 2000/01, the official top scorer of Real Madrid, Madrid’s top scorer in La Liga, Madrid’s top scorer in Europe, the most official matches played for Madrid, the most league matches played for Madrid and the all-time top scorer of the Spanish national team with 44 goals.
But despite this incredible resume, which is more suitable for a club than a person, lest you forget, and I direct this to Raul, that you must always include one more, and that is the conquest of the recognition and the applause of millions of supporters of this sport that consider themselves Raulistas no matter where they are in the world.
Raul is the captain of Real Madrid, but Raul is also the owner of his destiny. He has decided to end his stage as a player here, but we all know that this is not a goodbye, but rather a see you later. I would like to remind you that this also happened with our President of Honor, Alfredo di Stefano, an institution of this club. Dear Raul, wherever you may go and wherever you may play, the Real Madrid shirt is and always will be your shirt, the crest is and always will be your crest, the fans will and always will be your fans and this Santiago Bernabeu stadium is and always will be your home.
Captain, thank you, thank you very much for all these passionate years you have given to your Real Madrid. We will not forget you because, among other reasons, we do not want to forget you.
Raul Gonzalez:
Before I begin I would like to thank everyone in attendance, and thank you to the president for his kind words. I love football more than anything, and to play for Real Madrid is the best dream I can think of. I feel like a footballer, and I want to continue doing so as long as time and my body permit.
Throughout the years I have always tried to stay true to the values of Real Madrid. Today more than ever before I want everyone to know that I tried to give my very best in every play, every dribble, every shot and every gesture on the pitch. That is what Real Madrid is to me, and that is why the word surrender never existed in my head.
Today is a very emotional day. Today is a day of powerful feelings. Today is a day that cannot do without my gratitude and thanks. It is impossible to name each and every person who over this time have stood by me and helped me. They know I will never forget them because they never let me down and they always stood by me even in the worst of times. Thank you to all the presidents and directors because they always made me feel at home over the last 16 years. Thank you to all the teammates who I shared a dressing room with. Their sacrifice and commitment helped me be a better player. Thank you to all club employees, because they are essential and they make our work easier. Thank you to all the coaches and coaching staff who I shared day-to-day duties with and who I shared victories and defeats with. Thank you to our opponents, because I always felt your respect. It was an honor to play against you. Thank you to the media as well, because whether it was by praise or criticism, you also helped me make it to this point. And thank you to my people. You know who you are because you are always by my side. Thanks Jorge for giving me that first opportunity. For many it was a crazy move by a football poet, and thank you to Florentino Perez, because I know you always search for what is best for this club. I am convinced that this will be a great season and I hope that Real Madrid win many titles this year. Thank you, of course, to the millions of Real Madrid supporters who always want us to win and who suffer with every defeat. I will never forget that their strength was also my strength and fortitude, and also to the Santiago Bernabeu, where I always felt loved and respected. Thank you everyone for everything and for so much. And finally, thank you from the bottom of my heart to my family, because thanks to them, nothing, not even football, would make any sense.
I cannot end this speech without sending my love, support and deep admiration to our maestro, Alfredo di Stefano. I hope that one day soon he is able to again sit in this balcony, from where I am sure that during every match he will want to move the ball with his eyes and thoughts.
Football is and has been my life. Real Madrid has been my home and here I have experienced unique emotions. Today is the first day of my new life, during which I will try something so complex and difficult as it is to be as immensely happy as I have been at Real Madrid. Many years have gone by since I suited up in white for the first time. With that time now passed and on the day of my farewell, I reassert more than ever my commitment to this club and my loyalty to its values. I will always be available for whatever it needs. Thank you from the bottom of my footballer heart. Hala Madrid!
What they say about Guti
Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas, along with his teammates had nothing but kind words for departing teammate Guti on his last day as a Real Madrid player.
"One of the greatest footballers and a role model for Real Madrid academy players is leaving and we will really miss him because he is an exceptional person"
Florentino Perez:
As President of Real Madrid, I wish to thank Guti for everything he’s done for the Club these past 24 years. Spending a lifetime defending and fighting for our team shows the degree of loyalty and passion he has for Real Madrid. I will never forget the incredibly important offer Guti received from great club AC Milan when I entered office for the first time in 2000. He nevertheless chose to remain with us.
Guti was and is a different player who has exceptional talent. That’s why he has always had a special room in the heart of all our fans worldwide.
His career has unquestionably become part of Real Madrid history. His contribution to the title success the team has had these years proves just how lucky Madridismo has been to have him. Real Madrid will forever be his home.
I had the chance to talk to him this mornring and, as President, thanked him in the name of all Madridistas for everything he’s given us, for his talent and for the imagination he’s showcased on the pitch.
Guti begins a new stage in his life and I’m sure he will continue to prove his quality. I wish him luck in this new venture. He knows Madridismo will never forget him.
Iker Casillas:
Guti is a great player, a great person and a great captain. He leaves us now but he will always be part of Real Madrid. As a footballer, he has always been one of the most talented players I have ever seen in my life. As a person, I have known him from the past 10 years. He is very kind-hearted and I consider him to be a good friend. I am never going to forget his moves, passes and superb matches. He will always be part of Real Madrid’s history and I will miss him very much.
Guti to Realmadrid.com
Guti sat down with Realmadrid.com and RealmadridTV for an exclusive interview following the press conference in which he announced he was leaving the Club.
"I've spent practically my whole life at Real Madrid, the greatest club in the world"
Are you moved by this? How had you envisioned this moment?
I think I am a bit moved. I feel many emotions at the same time. I’ve spent practically my whole life at Real Madrid, which I regard as the greatest club in the world. I’ve been surrounded by friends, family and journalists that have grown up with me and whom I’ve known practically since day one. I’ve experienced much and I am very happy about having played 14 years on the first team. I’m happy because the Club and I reached an agreement to rescind my contract. I am now waiting for a new stage in my life to begin.
You arrived when you were 9 years old and you’ve won many titles in 24 years. What do you think of all that?
I think my parents and my sisters did a great a job. They deserve half of the credit for the titles I’ve won. I wouldn’t have reached this far without their great efforts. I remember many trains I had to get, many cold evenings I spent at Real Madrid City… I’ve lived many things here and many of them have been very good.
Which is your fondest memory?
Probably making my debut. It’s what every kid wishes for; to play at the Bernabeu before 80,000 fans. I guess that’s the most profound moment I’ve lived. It was also the product of a lot of hard work from my part and my family as well. It was incredibly satisfying.
You are capable of serving an assist before anyone else. What do you feel when the crowd cheers you on for something like that?
You end up getting used to it and realising these things just happen in football. Sometimes you are remembered for great achievements and others you end up paying for mistakes. I feel proud when I hear people will miss me. It means I did a good job at Real Madrid and that’s what people will remember.
Fans were visibly moved when you said farewell at the stadium after the last league match. So were journalists today in the press room…
That’s true. We all do our job and it is impossible for everyone to agree about everything all the time. Some journalists began their careers at the same time I began mine. I also believe the fans have had greater affection for me in the past few years. I’ve felt it on the street. I think things have changed. Some people like you more and others less. Our job puts us in the public eye and everyone has an opinion. I have very fond memories. I’ve felt great affection from people in the last four months when my future at the Club was still uncertain. I am grateful for it. I want fans to know I will continue to be a Real Madrid supporter all my life.
Do you think you may come back some time?
I may. I’d like to because I’ve spent many years here and I know the Club very well. I also believe I could probably do a good job. This is a great club and what always remains is the crest and the Real Madrid name. Many people like me come and go. You never know what the future has in store for you.
Guti press conference
José María Gutiérrez ‘Guti’ put an end to his run at Real Madrid with a press conference, during which he was accompanied by Director General Jorge Valdano. Prior to the act, President Florentino Perez thanked the player for everything he’s done for Real Madrid and wished him luck for the future.
"I may end up playing somewhere else, but my heart will always be with Real Madrid"
Guti:
Thank you all. I leave knowing Real Madrid will always be my home. Part of my heart stays here today. I would like to return after retiring as a player.
I would like to thank Real Madrid for being so good to me. I’ve been at the Club 24 years and I achieved something very important to me: to play for the best team in the world and grow both as a player and as a person at Real Madrid. I owe half my life to Club because it’s been like a family to me. The values this shirt represents have all been instilled in me. I’ve had good and bad moments here, but the fans have always been there for me and I am very grateful. The fans are great and I’ve had a great connection with them over the years.
I know Madridismo loves me. The fans have given me a lot and we’ve shared many joys together. If they miss me then I’ve done a good job. I am about to begin a new and exciting stage in my career and I wish to enjoy being in a new country to the fullest. This has been a beautiful and glorious experience, but these things happen in football all the time. Younger players need to be given way and I feel proud and happy for having played here.
I’d like people to remember me for my passes and for having been a Madridista that gave his all for the team. I always wished to play for Real Madrid and I did my best to stay, refusing very tempting offers to play elsewhere. One of the best things I’ve experienced is the great mixture of star players and youth teamers on the team. I am proud of that.
I wouldnt have been able to achieve all this without my team-mates. My best relationships on the squad were with Raul and Alvaro Benito, who were also from the academy. Real Madrid have to promote players from the youth system. I know the Club is working hard on that. I’m sure new Gutis will come out of the academy.
Jorge Valdano:
Guti is a unique player who’s been with us 24 years, 15 of them at the highest level. He is a player capable of surprising everyone in each game. One of our own leaves today, but we have to do our best to make this a good day. Guti has brought joy to the Club by helping the team win many titles and by providing fans with unforgettable memories. Madridismo is grateful.
Lass press conference
The last press conference of the week was held by Lass Diarra, who dicussed Jose Mourinho, who he coincided with at Chelsea, as well as the youth team players who have been training with the first team.
Lass: "He always thinks about winning, which will help us win titles"
Playing for Real Madrid:
I always wanted to play for Real Madrid. Due to injury I wasn’t able to play my best football last year, but I have always wanted to demonstrate that I have what it takes to play here.
Mourinho:
Mourinho was my coach at Chelsea and we had several good seasons together. I am happy to have him as my coach again because he always builds winning teams. He is very intelligent and he knows how to control his teams. He always thinks about winning, which will help us win titles.
Youth Team:
The youth teamers are very good players and they have to take advantage of this opportunity. They can learn a lot from Mourinho.
Gago press conference
Fernando Gago discussed what he has to do to earn himself a spot in the starting eleven and commented on his new coach Jose Mourinho and fellow teammate Kaka during what was his first press conference of the season.
Fernando Gago: "I’m going to give it my all in every training session"
Effort:
I’m going to give it my all in every training session. All I have thought about since day one is putting forth my best effort in order to help the club.
Mourinho:
Jose Mourinho instills a lot of confidence in his players because he supports them. It is hard to say how exactly we will play once the season starts because we have yet to play a game. During the preseason we will learn how it is that the coach would like us to play.
Real Madrid future:
Mourinho and I had a private conversation. It was very helpful and I will try to do my best. There is still a lot to be done and we will all work hard to earn the coach’s confidence.
Kaka:
Kaka has a lot to give and will play a vital role on this team.
Diarra press conference
Following in his teammates’ footsteps, Mahamadou Diarra praised Jose Mourinho’s work ethic and discussed his personal motivation during Wednesday afternoon’s press conference.
Mahamadou Diarra: "I will work hard and fight for my spot on this squad"
Mourinho:
Jose Mourinho is a winner. He always wants his teams to be the best physically-speaking and to play the prettiest football. He is a great tactician and knows what to do with the ball.
Training:
We are training twice a day and the ball has come into play in almost every session. I think it’s great for the team.
Real Madrid career:
I will work hard and fight for my spot on this squad.
Marcos Tebar to Realmadrid.com
After joining the Real Madrid academy at the age of 12 and spending another 12 years playing for its youth teams, Marcos Tebar is ready to push for the final move to the first team. The Castilla midfielder has been a mainstay in first team training this preseason and he hopes that it leads to a permanent role on the squad.
Tebar: "I feel prepared to help the team"
How do you feel participating in the first team’s preseason?
I am very excited just as I was last year. Every preseason is different. Last year we had a different coach, but I am just as excited.
How have the first few days been?
They have been very intense and there has been a lot of hard work. We are doing a lot of ball drills in a very dynamic setting. We work on playing fast and in small areas.
How do you feel on a personal level?
Very good. I have the typical soreness and blisters that you get every preseason, but I feel great and am training well.
What is your take on the new coach, Jose Mourinho?
He is great. We are all happy with him. We are working at an intense pace and the coach pays close attention to what we do. He doesn’t lose sight of one small detail. Everyone is pleased with him and excited about the preseason.
He has also taken notice of the academy.
That is correct. He is treating us as if we were first teamers, which boosts our confidence when it comes time to training. He makes us feel excited to be here and to help the team.
What has Mourinho told you during these first few days?
We haven’t spoken one-on-one, but he has expressed his confidence in us. He has told us to remain calm and to play the way we know how to.
La Liga fixtures out; Real to play at Mallorca on Matchday 1
Fixtures for the 2010/11 season of La Liga are now official. Real Madrid will play their league opener against Mallorca at Ono Estadi on the weekend of 28/29 August. There will be three rounds of midweek matches played on 22 September, 2 March and 11 May. The first half of the season will conclude on 16 January, while the full season comes to an end on 22 May.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
It looks like Khedira will come here
Khedira for Real
According to Stuttgart’s sporting director Jochen Schneider, Real Madrid have confirmed their interest in Sami Khedira. After quashing rumors that Khedira is set to join Real, last week, Stuttgart have now officially changed their position. With Khedira now in the final year of his contract Schneider has hinted a deal could be brokered rather than losing him for free next summer. Schneider told kicker-Sportmagazin:
Months ago we have tried to thrash out a contract extension with (Khedira), we did not succeed. And now Real Madrid has officially indicated their interest in him.
The player though insists that nothing has been finalised with Real, although he has admitted that he is hugely flattered to be link with the Santiago Bernabeu. He said:
There is no agreement and there is also no decision on my future. I am delighted about such a club being interested in my services, but first of all I need to think things over.
I was having a very fairly and square chat with (manager) Christian Gross and Schneider. The manager was very firm on telling me how he would like to carry on working with me in the future. This was impressive. For now I am going on holiday and afterwards I am going to get back on the table discussing the future.
Heh, you just can’t say no to Real, can you?
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Garay press conference
Ezequiel Garay was the second Madridista to take the hot seat at Valdebebas this week. The Argentine defender commented on his motivation heading into the new season and discussed the coaching change that the team underwent earlier this summer.
Garay: "I will do whatever I can to be among the top eleven"
Goals for pre-season:
I have to use the preseason to prove to the coach that I deserve to be in the starting eleven. I will do whatever I can to be among the top eleven.
Mourinho:
Mourinho is very demanding and we have to respond without questioning anything. We work a lot with the ball and both he and the players are very pleased with the way training sessions are going.
Players’ opinion of Mourinho:
We are convinced that Mourinho is the right man for the job. We will stand by him in both good times and bad. Whether we play or not, we must all stand together.
La Liga:
Every team will fight hard to win La Liga. We hope the upcoming season is good for both players and fans.
Marcelo press conference
Marcelo discussed Jose Mourinho’s coaching methods and the team’s objectives for the upcoming season during Monday’s press conference.
Marcelo: "We train aggressively and with everything we've got"
Training twice a day:
We train aggressively and with everything we’ve got. In order to win we must suffer in training. Mourinho makes sure that we know we cannot ever relax during training and we are very happy with him.
Mourinho:
Mourinho is a good person. He speaks to all of us and doesn’t give anyone preferential treatment.
Goals:
Our goal has always been to win titles and this season is no different. We train hard to win titles.
Real Madrid:
I love training and eating alongside my teammates. Football is my life and this is the right call.
Brazil:
I will continue training hard so that I can also get a call-up from the Brazilian national team.
Di Maria to Realmadrid.com
In what was his first interview as a Madridista, Angel di Maria sat down with Real Madrid’s media outlets to discuss his life, career and future aspirations.
"I am here to win titles"
When did you begin playing football?
I started when I was four years old. A doctor told my mother than I need to channel my energy into sport. That is essentially when my career began.
What position did you play?
I always played up front and it worked out very well.
Are you still in touch with your childhood friends?
I still have the same seven friends that I’ve had since I was a child. They have been there for me in good times and bad.
How did you go from being like any other boy playing football with his friends to playing for a professional club?
I used to play for the team in my neighborhood and then I moved to Rosario Central which is where my career kicked off. When I was 17, the first team coach gave me the chance to play and I subsequently made my debut.
How did you go from playing for your local team to playing for a big club like Rosario? Did a scout spot you?
I always played just because I enjoyed myself. My father then gave me a push in the right direction and told me that I should see if I could play for Rosario Central.
As a child what did you want to be as an adult? Have you always wanted to be a footballer?
I wanted to be many different things, but when my father encouraged me to make a career out of football, I went for it. Thankfully, everything has worked out very well for me.
Granero press conference
Esteban Granero held the first player press conference of the season on Saturday and took the opportunity to discuss the two new faces at Valdebebas, Jose Mourinho and Pedro Leon.
"Mourinho expects the best from us and puts forth his best, too"
Training under Mourinho:
Mourinho’s methods are clear. We don’t have long workouts, but they are very intense. We like his methods because we believe a lot of ball work is a positive thing.
Mourinho:
He is a hands-on coach and he is very demanding. He expects the best from us and puts forth his best, too. We welcomed him as he deserved to be welcomed and we believe he will lead us to great things.
Pedro:
I feel a close connection with Pedro Leon because of our history with Getafe. He has a lot of potential. There is no doubt he will fight with the rest of us for a starting role.
Being back in training:
Spending so much time with teammates after such a long break is good for us both on the field and off. Eating together on daily basis is very convenient and we take advantage of the facilities we are provided.
Just another Madridista
What they say about Raul
Real Madrid squad members agree that Real Madrid is bidding farewell to a one-of-a-kind captain, player and legend. Here is what they had to say about Raul.
"Raul is an icon and will forever be a part of Real Madrid"
Iker Casillas:
Cristiano Ronaldo:
Xabi Alonso:
Kaka:
(more…)
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July 26, 2010 | Categories: Comments | Tags: Antonio Adán, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Gago, Iker Casillas, Jerzy Dudek, Karim Benzema, Képler Pepe, Lassana Diarrà, Marcelo Vieira, Royston Drenthe, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso | Leave A Comment »