Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Pedro Leon will play for Getafe

Pedro Leon will play for Getafe this season 2011-2012. It is official. The Real Madrid player will remain on loan at Getafe entity until next June, as reported by the Getafe's President Angel Torres, when was leaving the Santiago Bernabeu offices.

The agreement, as reported by Torres, provides an option to purchase by 6 million euros, although contrary to what was expected is not mandatory for the blue team. In addition, Real Madrid has established a clause increasingly common, according to which the player loaned can not play against Real Madrid wearing the Getafe shirt.

This season, Getafe takes over the wage of the player, 1.5 million euros net. Between the two entities had agreement from weeks ago, but the main obstacle was the attitude of the player. Pedro Leon refused to leave, but finally backed down and will leave the Bernabeu Stadium. He joins Garay (Benfica), Canales (Valencia) and Mateos (Zaragoza) as players who have left the club during the summer market.




Pedro Leon at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez (Getafe)

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Cristiano Ronaldo: A Real Madrid's recordman

Cristiano Ronaldo, with the devastating pace with which ended last season and has started this one, is poised to make history at a club with almost 110 years of life. With his hat-trick at La Romareda, has achieved 90 official goals dressed with the Real Madrid jersey. One statistic that becomes more important if we consider that he has scored all those goals in just 92 games. So, he has averaged nearly a goal per game played.




Cristiano Ronaldo: A Real Madrid's recordman

In the case of the Spanish League is even more spectacular, because has scored 69 goals in 64 games (1.07 average). Some numbers reached in just two years at the Bernabeu (arrived in July 2009), making it clear that going to destroy all records that he will propose. He scored 33 goals in his first year and 53 in the past (Destroyed the Spanish League record of Zarra and Hugo Sanchez, and Golden Boot to the pot). This season the '7' has just started scoring four goals.

The fact is that the Portuguese start has earned a place among the top 20 scorers in the history of the club. With his tremendous hat-trick of Zaragoza, he left behind Pruden (Striker from 1943 to 1948) and he is 19th. With his usual pace scorer, is more than possible to finish the season overtaking the record of the legendary Juanito (121 goals), Pahíño (124), Hierro (127) and Michel (130). To achieve the latter ( Michel closes the Top-10), Cristiano should get 40 goals more, which is not beyond his reach after the 53 achieved in the 2010-11 season.

But before reaching such heights, there is a moment that will raise the curiosity to unimaginable limits. If he scores 14 more goals, Cristiano will reach Ronaldo Nazario. Ronaldo & Ronaldo. The number: 104 goals. But the Portuguese will achieve this number ​​in approximately half the time. The average is only good for the loved Ronaldo Nazario, who 'only' scored 0.57 ​​per game, almost halfway that the Cristiano's pace. Therefore, he cost 96 million euros.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Castrol: "Tested to the limit"

Cristiano Ronaldo is the star of the film-documentary 'Tested to the limit' that Castrol EDGE is going to use to the launch of a new product, in which the qualities and performance of Real Madrid's player are analyzed thoroughly.




Cristiano Ronaldo worked in the advertising in July
Cristiano Ronaldo: 'Tested to the limit'

This audiovisual material, shot in Madrid last July, describes an intense series of medical tests and physical demands that the striker underwent in order to demonstrate why he is a high performance athlete and one of the best footballers in the world.

"Shooting the film has been really exciting as it is the first time I have ever done something like this. The challenges were designed to look at my strength and skill in detail and it has been a great experience to see how my body works. The challenges were really tough, but I think I did well on the day", said the player according to a statement of the brand.

The documentary shot using ultra slow motion and high impact Computer Generated Imagery, also features the participation of Italian coach Fabio Capello, England coach, and Frenchman Arsene Wenger, Arsenal coach, who share their views on Cristiano Ronaldo. The material will be exhibited in September in Madrid and later will be broadcasted in 15 channels from different countries in Europe and Asia.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Zaragoza 0 - 6 Real Madrid (Spanish League Day 2)

The difference between the two best and the rest of the teams in the Spanish League is bigger every season, and will bring many scores of tennis like yesterday. A better Real Madrid, as promised by Mourinho for his second year, acquired the hurricane condition when passed through Zaragoza. Aguirre's team was under construction and eventually reduced to rubble after spending a horrible time, chasing ghosts. His consolation is that the rest of teams, will probably suffer the same punishing (except Barcelona). Real Madrid showed its new convictions that seem stronger than those of a year ago.




Marcelo celebrates his goal

The crisis has thinned professional templates and have filled with young, inexperienced and low-cost, fact that will multiply the imbalance between Madrid and Barcelona and the rest of the Spanish teams. Because the difference between the Mourinho's team and Zaragoza was shocking and alarming. It looked like two teams in different leagues, in different galaxy.

Real Madrid has taken a decisive step towards prosperity. It is still the energetic team that built the first Mourinho, but has increased several steps in authority, courage, possession and even camaraderie. Even Cristiano Ronaldo works for the team and has good results for him: Scored three one-touch goals, unequivocal proof that pack hunting is better. He was top scorer scorer in May and back in August.

About football and on the field, Fabio Coentrao was positioned as central midfielder at the start of the match. Mourinho's men looked to score from the start, putting Roberto's reflexes to the test; the goalkeeper was by far the best local player. Ozil nearly scored the opener on the 9-minute mark, but the keeper saved it. Roberto again cleared a Real Madrid shot five minutes later. Aguirre's men stayed in their half of the pitch trying to get the ball out any way they could, but eventually Ozil pulled off a sensational effort and assisted Cristiano Ronaldo in the first goal (23').

Five minutes later, Ramos crossed the ball into the box and Ronaldo missed it attempting a bicycle-kick, but it landed at Marcelo's feet and he defeated Roberto with a phenomenal crossed shot. Real Madrid had 11 chances on goal in only 30 minutes, while the first threat for Casillas took 37 minutes to arrive. Cristiano could've scored a third on the 38-minute mark, but Roberto again saved the day albeit with difficulties.

Zaragoza focused on defending after half-time. A shot by Di Maria unbelievably missed the target (51') and the Whites kept having chance after chance on Roberto's goal. In the 53rd minute, Benzema took advantage of a huge mistake by Da Silva and faced Roberto in a one-on-one that was unfortunately won by the keeper. It was only a matter of time for the Madridistas to net another strike and Xabi Alonso scored it from a powerful 25-metre shot that hit Meira before entering the goal.

Ronaldo scored again seven minutes later following a pass on the goal-line from Di Maria. Mourinho then decided to make changes and made Callejon come on for the Argentinean and, later, with 15 minutes left to the end, replaced Benzema with Higuain. Kaka also came on for Ozil and Callejon nearly scored in the 78th minute, but his shot was cleared by the defence.

The fifth was scored by Kaka just five minutes after he came on. The Brazilian dribbled past a defender inside the box and defeated Roberto with a great shot that went through one of the top corners of the goal. But the icing on the cake was still to come, and it again starred the Brazilian, who after a great individual effort assisted Ronaldo to score the sixth and final goal of the evening just before the end of the clash.

Summary

Stadium: La Romareda
Attendance: 28,000
Goals: 0-1, min. 24: Cristiano Ronaldo. 0-2, min. 29: Marcelo. 0-3, min. 65: Xabi Alonso. 0-4, min. 71: Cristiano Ronaldo. 0-5, min. 82: Kaká; 0-6, min. 87. Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Preview: Zaragoza vs Real Madrid (League Day 2)

Real Madrid make their debut in the 2011/12 edition of the Spanish League against Zaragoza at La Romareda tonight at 20:00 (Local Time -GMT +1-). The Whites haven't lost a single game in the championship at Zaragoza's stadium in the past ten years. The Whites will look to keep up the good work they did throughout the summer, which gave them their best preseason in 24 years.




Zaaragoza vs Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho has always won the league title in his second year at the helm of all his teams. The coach called-up 20 men for the match, including Fabio Coentrao, who will return to the stadium in which he made his debut in La Liga as a loaned out player to Zaragoza in the 2008/09 campaign. Granero will miss the match due to coaching decisions, as well as Altintop, Sahin and Khedira, who are all out because of injuries. Youth teamer Mandi made the coach's cut.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema form the top scoring attacking duo in the First Division this summer. The Portuguese player will try to at least equal last season's 40 goal tally, which made him the most effective striker in the top five European leagues of the last 40 years. Benzema scored in his team's last two matches and currently averages one goal per match and holds a total tally of 10.

On other hand, Coentrao already knows La Romareda. The Portuguese was on loan at Zaragoza in 2008-09 (Second Division). He came from the Camacho's Benfica as part of Aimar's transfer. And in his first adventure in Spain, only played seven minutes in a game that was already finished against Alaves (4-2). He was disgusted with his situation and in December, three months after his arrival, he returned to Benfica. Today, with Khedira injured, he will return to Zaragoza in the midfield alongside Xabi Alonso.

Javier Aguirre was instrumental in getting Zaragoza out of the relegation zone last season. The Mexican coach's chief objective this campaign will be to avoid such an agonising end to the year. Despite the absence of Ander Herrera, Zaragoza have strengthened themselves with ten new signings, including Real Madrid academy players David Mateos and Juan Carlos, neither of whom will play tonight.

Goalkeeper Roberto returned to the team this summer. They also count on the talents of young midfielder Zaculini and on the experience of Fernando Meira, who played for Mourinho in the 2000/01 season. Zaragoza won none of their five encounters in the preseason, but they are nevertheless a dangerous opponent, which they proved by winning at the Bernabeu last season.

Jose Mourinho: "There are not untouchable players"

On the eve of the premiere of a new Spanish League season in which is shaping up another challenge against Barcelona, Jose Mourinho spoke to the newspaper 'El Mundo' for open-heart talk. He looks everything from the conviction of someone who exposes his truth.




Jose Mourinho

He believes that there are more lies than truths about himself: "But it's part of the game, of life. Unlike other leagues in which I trained, I think this is like a smear campaign. It is an unequal struggle with all the stones thrown against me, I could make a monument".

Mourinho, however, feels strong: "I am happy here, very excited. I have a feeling of being in the right place. I do not change it for anything. I can be wrong, but always say what I think, what I feel, without fear of consequences. I should have lived 100 years ago".

One of the most controversial chapters he has lived since he came to Madrid, was his relationship with Valdano: "With his departure has changed the structure, we work differently. Changes are being made I believe can be beneficial for Real Madrid".

The substitution of Casillas in the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy has given rise to many comments: "Iker is ahead, but I do not want untouchables. We should not be mistaken, most important thing here is Real Madrid. The goal is not a fertilizer you buy. Neither the goal nor the side midfielders nor front".

He considers that the team has improved: "The team does not work as a year ago. The team should be able to add to its game things that it had not early last year. And it is doing".

Mourinho also referred to the 'false' Real Madrid fans, of those he spoke in his letter after the incident with Tito Vilanova: "There are fans that show themselves as the best Real Madrid fans and are the first to turn away. For the enemies, I launch a bid: Match that referees give to me, match repeated". And, of course, a reference to Barcelona: "It's a team that plays the same competitions. One thing that no changes is that Barcelona wins when plays well and win playing badly. I do not believe this will change".

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Nuri Sahin: Out for three or four weeks

The new injury of Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin, grade II sprain of lateral ligament in his left knee in the distal third, can leave him off the pitch three to four weeks more. The misfortune accompanies Sahin in his first steps as Real Madrid player. In July, after the North American leg of the summer preseason, suffered a concussion in training that left him with a knee sprain grade I. Now when he was on the verge of his debut with Real Madrid, has re-injured.

Sahin, who has not played a game since April 15 when he went down injured with Borussia Dortmund against Freiburg in his right knee, continues his ordeal. He trained with his new teammates two days in the sports City of Valdebebas in the previous days of the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy where was planned by Jose Mourinho his debut in the final minutes, but again has suffered a sprain in the same area of his left knee.

Mourinho (resigned) confirmed it at news conference: "The Sahin's injury is not a relapse. This injury is different", he unveiled. "Sahin is not to play, so I will not be much more specific. I leave it to the medical department. I did not expect him to play in Zaragoza, so for me is not important", he said.

The month off that Sahin must take up anew, is a setback for Mourinho, that could not call Sami Khedira by muscle problems for the Zaragoza match and has ruled Esteban Granero by technical decision. So Fabio Coentrao holds the midfield starter position alongside Xabi Alonso and now the coach do not see as a problem that the club do not sell Lass Diarra.




Nuri Sahin  at the Bernabeu Stadium

Friday, August 26, 2011

Zaragoza vs Real Madrid: Broadcast close to suspension

The television broadcast of the Zaragoza-Real Madrid match is close to suspension because the administration of the Zaragoza Club (judicial administration) has decided to bar the way to Mediapro (company responsible for distributing the images) to the La Romareda Stadium, because this audiovisual company has a debt to the home team.

The match is scheduled to be broadcasted at 8:00 pm (local time) on Sunday, but Zaragoza has a court order dictated last June 22 authorizing the club to take the needed actions of pressure to collect debts. In the coming hours will be known if if the Zaragoza continues its actions or if instead reaches an agreement with Mediapro and the Zaragoza-Real Madrid can be broadcasted.




TV camera at La Romareda Stadium

Champions League 2011-2012: The Draw

The road in search of the Tenth European Cup is no stranger to Real Madrid, which will face to face with old 'friends' that already knows with the eyes closed. Lyon, always Lyon will be the greatest threat to Whites in a group stage that must pass without problems. Real Madrid will repeat duels against Ajax, with which already met last year, and will debut against Dinamo Zagreb, the only Croatian set this in the top continental tournament.




Group D of the UEFA Champions League 2011-2012 season
UEFA Champions League 2011-2012: Group D

Lyon is no longer a ghost

Bad memories that the French brought to Real Madrid were forgotten. Last season, Mourinho killed two birds with one stone. Ended its curse in the last-16 round and also the ghosts of the Lyon team that had ruined the lives of whites in more than one occasion. Little or nothing has changed the French team in the field since that day, but yes on the bench, now owned by Remi Garde. Toulalan is not, but the military force maintains its essence. The driver is the intermittent Gourcuff and the shooters are Gomis, Lisandro and Bastos, using the long distance machine gun. Still offers doubts its rear, with the goal defended by Lloris, a cat. Benzema and Real Madrid will return to Lyon, where never before in history has won the white team.

Ajax continues to reinvent itself

Ajax, another year, will be rival of Real Madrid in the group stage of the Champions League. The arrival of Frank de Boer to the bench after the elimination of the continental showpiece, was a breath of fresh air for the Dutch, accustomed to reinvent itself due to obligations of the script. The Dutch team no longer misses Luis Suarez. Ajax thinks in future, in long-term with Van der Wiel, Alderweired, Eriksen, Sulejmani and Janssen, a killer from the Twente. The Amsterdam Arena will be where the Real Madrid will finish the group stage.

Sammir's Dinamo

Nobody takes seriously the Croatians, but the Balkan team has its hidden weapons. Has reached this stage after knocking Swedish Malmoe on the previous round. Sammir, cheeky Brazilian footballer is the greatest threat of a Dinamo that already shown last year against Villarreal in the Europa League that can break pools. Dinamo Zagreb will check what it feels like to play against Madrid, which has never done and will do in its debut. In Zagreb begins the road of Mourinho's team. The aim is Munich.

SCHEDULE




Real Madrid matches of the Group Stage. UEFA Champions League 2011-2012

(Note: Time is GMT +1)

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Bernabeu Trophy 2011: Real Madrid 2 - 1 Galatasaray

The Santiago Bernabeu Trophy served Real Madrid to accumulate minutes before the start of the season, to Real Madrid fans to confirm their faith in the coach Mourinho, and to the Portuguese coach for both things: preparing the start of the competition and strengthen his position in the club. The white team left the tournament at home after the Galatasaray's early goal and the continued cheering to its coach.




Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas with the Bernabeu Trophy 2011

The white fans expected on Wednesday to see live Sahin and Varane, but in the case of the first, will have to wait few more weeks. The Turk was left out of the squad because someone did not see him fully recovered. And despite his absence, the former Borussia player was strengthened at the Bernabeu. Without him, they all want alongside Xabi Alonso.

With Khedira in the stands with health problems, Coentrao was the companion of Xabi in the midfield. The same that all people saw in the Camp Nou. The Portuguese can be two hours running from one place to another without stopping, but not giving sense to the Real Madrid actions. At least not for his peers, happier when the ball comes from Xabi.

The fans had not hung their last banner in support of Mourinho when Galatasaray went ahead on the scoreboard. After the ball stroll through the area of Adam, Eboue broke Sergio Ramos' waist and served the first goal of the game to Inan. In ten minutes, the Turks had already demonstrated in Madrid all their virtues.

The locals gradually had more chances to score. Goalkeeper Muslera cleared a shot following a good combination between Xabi Alonso and Di Maria (16'), and the defence later cleared a shot by Kaka (19'). Sergio Ramos scored the equaliser from a header following a cross by Alonso on the 33-minute mark.

This marked a turning point in the match, which the Whites started to control. Higuain came close to netting his team's second goal, but Muslera again saved the day for Galatasaray (41'). At the end of the first half, the crowd gave Real Madrid a standing ovation.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Carvalho, Ozil, Benzema and Albiol came on for Callejon, Pepe, Higuain, Varane and Kaka after half-time. Benzema scored on the 49-minute mark, but the referee disallowed the goal due to a non-existent offside. No matter: one minute later, the Frenchman easily defeated Muslera in a one-on-one and gave his side the victory goal. Cristiano Ronaldo nearly scored the third in the 64th minute with a shot outside the box, but the goalkeeper strained himself to clear his shot. Jose Mourinho then decided to bring on youth teamer Alex Fernandez for an exhausted Di Maria (66').

Coentrao nearly sealed the game, but his shot went straight down the middle into the keeper's hands. The locals had more chances on goal, but converted none of their shots. Academy player Morata received a standing ovation when he substituted Coentrao on the 76-minute mark. Sadly, Marcelo was forced to leave the pitch due to twisting his ankle a few minutes later and had to be replaced by youth player Mendes. Mourinho gave two other academy players, Nacho and Mandi, a chance to play with the first team before the end of the match.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 67,000
Goals: 0-1, m.10: Inan. 1-1, m.34: Sergio Ramos. 2-1, m.51: Benzema.

Spanish Football strike ends

The Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) has called off the strike scheduled for the second date of the season after reaching an agreement with representatives of clubs (LFP). After two weeks of negotiation, the championship will develop normally after the matches of the first date were suspended in the past weekend.

LFP and AFE have reached an agreement so the Spanish League can begin. The parties have agreed to extend the dialogue the time needed to develop what they have signed. The parties have described the pact as "very satisfactory". They have also urged the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to participate in improving the bankruptcy law and the development of future audiovisual law.

The first day of the season, affected by the strike, becomes the last of the first round and will be held on 21-22 January. The first date of the second round will be played on May 2 and will be the penultimate of the season.




Spanish footballers meeting
Association of Spanish Footballers 

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Preview: Real Madrid vs Galatasaray (Bernabeu Trophy)

The 33rd edition of the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy will pit Real Madrid against Galatasaray today Wednesday 24 August. If Real Madrid wins against the Turkish team, will match its best streak with success. Real Madrid wins the trophy summer in a row since 2005. That summer, defeated a Major League Soccer team by 5-0. Since then, five more victories in 2006 against Anderlecht (2-1), in 2007 in front of Partizan (2-0), Sporting Portugal (5-3) in 2008, Rosenborg (4-0) in 2009 and against Peñarol last year (2-0). Defeating Galatasaray, Real will reach the record achieved between 1994 and 2000, when linked wins against Palmeiras, Ajax, Benfica, Portuguesa, Peñarol, Milan and Santos.

Real Madrid decided to honour the memory of Santiago Bernabeu by the creation of a tournament with his name the year after his death. Ajax, AC Milan and Bayern Munich accepted the club's invitation in the Trophy's first edition and have accepted it other times since. The long and illustrious list of former participants also includes teams like Hamburg, Liverpool, Everton, Inter Milan and Benfica. South American football has also been represented in the tournament by Santos, Palmeiras, River Plate, and a side comprising MLS stars. Galatasaray will be the first Turkish side to participate.

Varane is the main new in the Jose Mourinho's starting line up for tonight. The French center defender will partner with Pepe. Interestingly, the Portuguese and Varane have been those who have shared less minutes in the center of the defense during the preseason. They played together only 12 minutes, the last of the game against Leicester. Although in the preseason played more minutes together, because Pepe played a few matches as midfielder and Varane as right side defender.

Sahin will be another new face to be seen today on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Madrid fans will enjoy the first minutes of Turkish midfielder with Real Madrid shirt. The Ottoman International completed yesterday the training with the rest of the group for a second day and will not have problems to play the final minutes of the match against Galatasaray.

On the other hand, Mourinho wants to keep Higuain focused in work hard and today will be starter against Galatasaray. The Argentina striker joined the preseason in the game against Leicester after the Copa America after enjoy two weeks of vacation, and has suffered the emergence of Benzema as a cyclone in the summer. French was the top scorer in the preparation white with nine goals, which moved 'Pipita' to the position of second striker.




Santiago Bernabeu Trophy

Real Madrid reports provocation and attacks in Barcelona

From announcement to another. After the decision of the Competition Judge in the RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) opening an investigation after what happened in the second leg of the Super Cup of Spain, in a statement issued on its website, the Real Madrid reports provocation, insults and attacks in Barcelona.

3D Real Madrid Logo

"Real Madrid CF wishes to say the following regarding the decision of the competition judge of the Spanish Football Federation to open an investigation following the incidents occurred in the return leg of the Spanish Super Cup:

  1. Real Madrid CF has from the beginning opted to show prudence and responsibility so as not to feed the tense atmosphere created by such events.

  2. Real Madrid CF wishes to express how surprised it is to see this investigation is being ordered five days after the match, curiously just a few hours after the President of FC Barcelona publicly demanded the Spanish Football Federation to take action.

  3. Real Madrid CF wishes said investigation absolutely clarifies what happened during and after the match. The club wishes it throws light onto the provocations, humilations, insults and aggressions that our first team squad and coaching staff were subjected to both on the pitch and inside the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms. These things regrettably gave way to the incidents that took place.

  4. Real Madrid CF will continue to defend this entity's inherent values and will always strive for the greatest collaboration possible between clubs and institutions throughout the world"

Jose Mourinho's Letter

Jose Mourinho wanted to step out of the information that emerged in recent hours about his possible departure from Real Madrid and, through an open letter published on the website of the white club, has wanted to deny categorically that is not well within the white team: There is no way I'm leaving. No way!




Mourinho smiling. Image of Real Madrid website
Mourinho's picture at Real Madrid website

The text appearing in the website is as follows:

"Only those who don't know me can dream, make up or believe I may leave Real Madrid at this stage...
I believe many people were surprised by the quality football showcased by Real Madrid during the preseason and it would be surprising news to them if I left the club now. Impossible!

I have a fantastic President who is very intelligent and with whom I have a great friendship. I also have a Director General who works for the club 24 hours a day, so my motivation is enormous and my Madridismo is even greater than that of some pseudo-Madridistas... There is no way I'm leaving. No way!

I also wish to apologise to Madridistas, and only to them, for my attitude in our last game. Some people are better adapted to the hypocrisy in football than I am, and they hide their faces and speak in whispers deep inside tunnels.

I'm not learning to be a hypocrite, and I don't want to.

Best wishes to all. We'll see each other tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Jose Mourinho"

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Mourinho plans his Real Madrid with Neymar

Guangzhou, China, August 4, 2011. Approximately 9:45 pm local time. Jose Mourinho, sweaty and satisfied, appears before an international legion of journalists, with an absolute majority of Chinese. His Real Madrid has just scored seven goals against the first rival of the tour. He evaluates the improvement of his players, score capacity, speed... but leaves a great headline: "We have a squad short... by choice".

The sentence as so many of Mourinho is distorted, cut and gets on your nerves to the point that in his next public appearance, the coach repeats the phrase in English with a sarcasm: "I am going to explain in English better...". Portuguese coach insists that the squad is short because he asked it, but there is a trick around. He knows that the template -20 or 21 field players- will have a new member in January: Neymar.

Mourinho knew then and knows now. Neymar will play for Real Madrid after the World Club Cup. In his book, when he comes to planning for the season, he looks for a balance of two players per position and the name of the Santos' star appears noted in red. The funny thing is that the coach does not point him in the strikers payroll along with Benzema and Higuain but in that of midfielders. "Neymar is no striker, is a player to play behind the '9' in any of the three midfield positions", Mourinho told to his assistants at Real Madrid when he was informed the deal was closed with the player.

According to Mourinho, Neymar can play any of the three midfield positions in his usual 4-2-3-1 scheme. At first, the Brazilian would dispute a place in the right wing with Di Maria, but could play as playmaker in Özil's central position and even occupy the left side owned by the untouchable Cristiano Ronaldo.




Neymar is on Mourinho's plans

Raphael Varane will debut at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

In the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy, Real Madrid fans will see two exciting pieces of this new Real Madrid 2011-12; Varane and Sahin. And tomorrow will be able to witness in action the French central defender against Turkish Galatasaray. The young defender, who has arrived from Lens in exchange for 10 million despite playing just 23 games in Ligue 1, played an important role in preseason (418 minutes), but did not participate in the Spanish Super Cup. Mourinho called him only for the first leg at the Bernabeu (leaving Albiol at the stands), but left him on the bench and did not play a minute.

It is expected that tomorrow, Raphael Varane will play, in the starting line up, the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy and the fans are curious to see how moves the young signing (18 years) that comes with a guarantee like Zidane, who recommended his hiring: "He has a great future. Players with his temper, that reminds me Blanc, I saw very few".




Raphael Varane with the Real Madrid white jersey during a friendly match in USA
Raphael Varane. Real Madrid USA Tour 2011 

Mourinho also stamped his mark on the recruitment and has shown it in preseason. Varane was the third player who played more, with 418 minutes, just behind Benzema (436') and Coentrao (422'). In the central defenders payroll, was the most used: Pepe played 351', Carvalho played 348' and Albiol, his direct competitor as the third central, played 331'.

Who could not walk on the green in the preseason was Sahin. He would play the first minutes for Real Madrid tomorrow. The Turkish has 51 days under the command of Mourinho, but a lateral ligament sprained in his left knee keeps him out despite the comeback was scheduled in the China Tour. Yesterday, he rejoined the group in Valdebebas Sports City and if tomorrow he has green light, would play a few minutes to start his history in the white club. It is expected that he can play against Zaragoza if the next League day takes place.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Neymar: Real Madrid stops negotiations with Santos

Real Madrid will change its policy on the signing of Neymar. The white institution wants to save the climate of tension which has surrounded the negotiations for Santos' star and will step aside. At the moment, has interrupted the dialogue with the Sao Paulo club until next December 2nd, Election Day for president of Santos.

At the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is understood that the preliminary agreement with Neymar is enough to dress him with the Real Madrid jersey. Therefore, the board of the club has adopted a strategy of restraint with Santos not to interfere in its electoral process. First, because if is not re-elected the current president, Luis Alvaro de Oliveira, the operation would take a new partner with whom to negotiate. Second, if the president renews his mandate, is expected he softens his speech once saved his image before the fans.

Santo's president has put pressure on the last month. Since the Council of the Sao Paulo club rejected two offers from Real Madrid on August 1st, went on the attack. He threatened to report Real Madrid to FIFA by Article 17 and had an aggressive discourse ("Neymar will continue in Santos until age 80") and provocateur ("The Spanish believe that are still in the Treaty of Tordesillas...").

In both cases, with Luis Alvaro de Oliveira or another, Real Madrid hopes to revive the dialogue in December to close the signing either January or July 2012. Neymar will decide in early September.




Neymar will decide his future in September

Note: Real Madrid gave the Pope Benedict XVI a signed shirt




Pope Benedict XVI Real Madrid jersey

Real Madrid has wanted the Pope Benedict XVI had a memory of the club and has given him a white shirt with his name that has been signed by all players in the squad. White club gave it yesterday afternoon at the Nunciature in Madrid. Pope Benedict XVI has been four days in Madrid for the World Youth Days that were closed yesterday in the capital of Spain.

Casillas gets a picture with the best Zamora's saves

Iker Casillas had a pleasant surprise before the work session on Sunday. Pilar Galdiano, widow of the legendary Real Madrid goalkeeper Ricardo Zamora, handed the captain of Real Madrid, a painting signed by former player which portrays his characteristic saves. "I feel very proud. It is an honor to receive this box. The Zamora family can rest easy because I will maintain with love and will occupy a special place in my house. It is a pleasure and an honor. You are very considerate to me", said Casillas thankful during delivery.

Ricardo Zamora Martínez joined the Real Madrid in 1930 and was known as 'Divine'. The goalkeeper was one of the best Spanish players in history thanks to his good position covering the net, his great security and reflexes in all his actions and personality. Moreover, he was easily recognized by his dress, wearing dark clothing and a cap in every game. Daily Marca, in recognition of her figure, established the award that bears his name to the goalkeeping record of the season in the Spanish League.

"My husband was the best in the world and Casillas is now. To me there is no other keeper like him. You are my favorite and I give you this picture with all the enthusiasm in the world. I cannot imagine a better place to stay that your hands", said Pilar giving the picture to Casillas.




Iker Casillas with the picture of Zamora
Iker Casillas with Pilar Galdiano

Sunday, August 21, 2011

The mysterious future of Kaka

Kaka faces his third season at Real Madrid in a much more uncertain situation than the previous two. In the first, he was a luxury signing that did not work, and in the second a player injured. Now, it seems he is not an importante player for Jose Mourinho, as was seen in the Spanish Super Cup.




Kaka would play loaned for Arsenal
Kaka's future is a mystery

Kaka's future remains shrouded in mystery. It is difficult to understand how a player of 65 million euros, Golden Ball in 2007, has hardly left some loose details in two seasons. Also is difficult to explain the series of circumstances that forced him to undergo surgery after the World Cup in South Africa. Perhaps the simplest is to take over his current situation; After almost two seasons without playing a good standard, has been overcome through the ranks of the team not only by Mesut Özil, but even by newcomers Coentrao and Callejon.

If Mourinho faced the Spanish Super Cup as a test for the season, the outlook is grim for Ricardo Kaka. In the first leg he did not play a minute and in the second the last 13 minutes, the final, with Real Madrid playing desperately. He left no trace in the Camp Nou. As in the rest of the preseason, except for a few good minutes in the game against the LA Galaxy, the first friendly. After that, did not shine nor in the U.S. nor in Europe nor in China. Too little for a player who spent his vacations denying his departure from the club and summoning the Real Madrid fans to his first 'usual' preseason after years of misfortune.

By now, the future of Kaka is the main sports mystery of the Real Madrid. The Brazilian has four seasons in the contract with 10 million euros per year. A salary that does not correspond with his performance and also stifles any possibility of transfer.

But a loan is possible. Wenger is pondering asking the Arsenal managing the loan of Real Madrid midfielder. The London club believes that Kaka is the only name that can ease the discontent of the fans following the departure of Cesc. A swollen that has started timidly to ask for dismissal of Wenger. To pay 10 million euros to the Brazilian would break the wage structure imposed by Wenger, but according the exceptional circumstances surrounding the club...

Nuri Sahin has recovered and will play the Bernabeu Trophy

Although Mourinho is delighted with his staff, the MourTeam II, still lacks a signing: Nuri Sahin. The Turkish midfielder, arrived this summer from Borussia Dortmund with the credentials of having been voted player of the Bundesliga in the last season, is the missing piece to Real Madrid to fit the entire Mourinho's puzzle.




Sahin will debut with Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy
Sahin will debut with Real Madrid in the Bernabeu Trophy

Sahin, who could debut dressed in white next Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy, will have gallons of starter since day one. Mourinho knows he will be a key in his game plan, to the point that the Portuguese coach is willing to vary his usual system 4-3-3 for a 4-2-3-1 system in lot of matches, similar to the Barcelona's, to allow coexistence in midfield from Xabi Alonso, Khedira and Sahin.

In addition, Mourinho is convinced that in most games at the Bernabeu Stadium, Sahin and Xabi can seamlessly integrate the midfield pair, because almost all rivals come to the Real Madrid stadium to defend a tie and his team needs more speed and imagination, with less muscle the middle line.

It is precisely, the displacement speed of the ball, the Sahin's feature that Mourinho likes more. The coach is confident that the Turkish international will become a top player at European level in a few months. Hence, in the preseason, Mourinho has insisted on the importance of Sahin in the workforce and did not want to force him at any time to join the group after the untimely knee injury suffered by the Turkish in the first training in the U.S.A.

Real Madrid coach has personally overseen the day-to-day recovery. He has consulted doctors, physical therapists and the player himself to see first hand how would evolve Sahin. Mourinho wanted to care of him, knowing that his contribution to the team will be critical. Even Zinedine Zidane, first team football manager and confidant of Mourinho, has become the great defender and a kind of Sahin's elder brother in the dressing room. During these early months, Zizou is helping in the adaptation of the Turkish player in Madrid.

With Nuri Sahin about to join the group and Neymar dressed in white from January (except monumental surprise) Mourinho will have available to a template that, as he himself acknowledges, is short "by choice", but also the best he has coached throughout his career. A template prepared to win it all.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Lass Diarra to play for Tottenham Hotspurs

Lass Diarra is one step from becoming a player of Tottenham Hotspurs, as was announced by the BBC. The agreement by the French, 26 years old, would be close to 11.5 million euros. Real Madrid, on the recommendation of the coach Juande Ramos, paid for him 20 millions in the winter market of the season 2008-2009.




Diarra and Adebayor could play for Tottenham Hotspurs

Real Madrid has been forced to sell him, although Mourinho wanted the player in the template, because the French do not admit his status as bench player. For this reason, Lass Diarra trained outside the team throughout the preseason, did not travel to American and Asian tours and has not play a single minute on a match. He also lost his number 10, the Mesut Özil's new number.

In two and a half years, the player's performance in Madrid has been uneven. He played 89 games and scored one goal. Khedira's arrival last summer sentenced him to the bench. Now, Sahin and Coentrao will close further the road to the starting line up.

Lass has opted for the London club because his ambition is to return to the Premier League. Even he is willing to lower his wage by 20 percent, as is said in the Britain islands. Harry Redknapp, the Spurs coach, spoke with the player to convince him. The veteran coach was his manager at Portsmouth, the best experience of French midfielder in England where formed a tandem that gave to the modest club the FA Cup 2008.

If he eventually signs for Tottenham, Lass could meet his former teammate Emmanuel Adebayor, who also negotiated his departure from Manchester City in the direction of White Hart Lane.

Mourinho is very sorry about his behaviour at Camp Nou

Jose Mourinho is not happy with Jose Mourinho. Real Madrid coach knows he made a huge mistake last Wednesday at the Nou Camp putting his finger in the eye of TitoVilanova, assistant coach of FC Barcelona. Is sorry for his behavior and so he has told his circle of trusted people, both his ​​family and close friends.

Mourinho knows that nothing justifies such action. For many provocations he received or how hot they were the last minutes of the game, there is no reason to attack a person. Also knows that the mistake was higher because he was the person who should set an example to his players in those difficult moments and also represented Real Madrid.

The next day, naturally calmer and with hindsight, Mourinho realized that he had exceeded and that he should control his nerves at the time of high tension that was lived in the Camp Nou field. He also knows he was wrong in the press conference with his contempt, when he called Tito Vilanova, 'Pito' (Translation: Whistle or... cock)

Mourinho knows what represents as coach of Real Madrid and that the action is not appropiate to the position he has. It was too late to rectify, but if a similar situation occurs again, he would act very differently. He is very clear.




Mourinho is sorry about his behaviour at Camp Nou

Friday, August 19, 2011

Wagner Ribeiro: "Real Madrid is the best for Neymar"

If the August 11, Neymar said: "I do not rule out either Real Madrid or Barcelona", now his father has ordered to rectify and delete the option Barcelona. He did yesterday, minutes after the Super Cup Classic on Esporte Interativo TV channel, where he went to pick up the Gringa prize of his child, awarded after being voted player of Brazil's 2010-11 and author of the best goal (against Colo Colo in the Libertadores). "Real Madrid is the best club in Europe, for its business structure and the way they treat their players. Real Madrid is best for my child".

The presenter of the show, Jorge Kajuru, put on the table the Barcelona name and comments claiming that his style fits more with the Neymar's football. The father of the player was blunt: "My dream is to keep him at Santos until the 2014 World Cup, but if you ask me about future club, I say that Madrid is the best option, but nothing is signed".

In Esporte Interativo also was Wagner Ribeiro, the agent of Santos player said: "I ​​also disagree that FC Barcelona is the best option for Neymar. Madrid is the best in Europe. Its fans are mature and love the club. They talk about wonderful numbers, 45 million euros and annual awards... is the best option for Neymar, but nothing is signed with them".

While the future of the star player is still on everyone's lips, Santos continues its slump in the Brasileirao Championship. Yesterday, added another defeat against Coritibia (2-3), despite go ahead twice in the score (1-0 and 2-1) with goals from Borges. With this defeat, Santos remains in relegation place (17 º). Neymar and Santos did not have against Coritibia their best day as the 'Menino da Vila' admitted after the match: "I do not know what is happening to us. We must become again the team that wondered America".




Real Madrid still works to sign Neymar

Spanish Super Cup: Positive results

Sporting controversies aside, in the squad of Real Madrid, the assessment made of Spanish Super Cup is very positive despite the defeat: "Playing as well, we usually going to win them", they say arguing that the image of the team on the pitch was quite satisfactory, with moments of absolute dominion over Barcelona.

That the distance between the two teams has been significantly cut, is something that is clear in the world of football and at the Bernabeu Stadium, where is believed that the final victory of Barcelona was decided on isolated details, and especially by the quality of Leo Messi.

Team is worried about some defensive mistakes which were repeated in both games, when the matches reached the end of the first half. In the first leg, after three clear chances of Real Madrid, the blow came from Messi. And in the second leg as well, in minute 44.

Leaving aside the final minutes, the assessment that both the coaches and Directive make of the Super Cup is positive: "We made two fantastic games and if you look at the six we have played in the last four months, you will notice a great balance", Mourinho told at press conference before the match.




Real Madrid played two great games agaisnt Barcelona despite the results
Real Madrid celebrates a goal against Barcelona

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Mourinho: "We feel like we played two very good games"




Mourinho at the press conference after the match

Jose Mourinho spoke to the press to analyse the return leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona at Camp Nou. The end result was bad but wanted to highlight the good game made by the team in two matches of this competition.

"Real Madrid gave a spectacular performance from the first to the last minute. I just say what I think. We came here to play. What I'm about to say is not a criticism, I'm just stating a fact: there were no ball-boys in the second half, which is something typical of small teams when experiencing difficulties. What happened simply happened, but I'm nevertheless happy with my team".

"We feel like we played two very good games in their entirety. This team is better than it was last year. The longer you work with people, the better the conditions are to have a better year. We played nine games this preseason and proved to be better than we were last year in the last two. I'm happy with the progress my men have made".

"The referee must punish what he deems punishable. Pepe and Marcelo played a great game, one for the entire 90 minutes and the other for 45. Pepe saw a booking for a minor tackle and Marcelo gave a great performance. I'm not going to say we're happy because we didn't win the Spanish Super Cup; that would be hypocritical of me. We intend to play like men and not fall on the ground at the slightest touch".

Mourinho declined to say nothing of his attitude toward Tito Vilanova, Barcelona assistant coach. Mourinho stuck a finger in the eye of Vilanova and the image has not liked in the Real Madrid: "He is the first to know that this image is not good for him or for the club". According to the club, what happened is explained, without wanting to justify what Mourinho did, because: "What it should not be allowed is that Tito Vilanova spends all the match with challenging gestures and insulting us".

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Spanish Super Cup (2nd Leg): FC Barcelona 3 - 2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid has become fearless, has increased his strength and kept bravery that excites Mourinho, but not enough to win Barca, When Messi is placed in the balance, continues to weigh more. The Argentine is the dam that stops a growing Real Madrid. Even short of fitness, as now. Spanish Super Cup stayed at the Nou Camp after a match that began sunny and bitterness, but ended with the same bad temper and reprehensible uproar of the last storm classics. Marcelo, Özil and Villa lost their minds in and finished sent-off on the street.

It was a match played out of breath. At 39 seconds Cristiano had sent a poisoned ball to Valdes, with half a dozen players from Madrid tightening at the security perimeter of Barcelona. Guardiola played with the starting line up that won the Wembley final of the Champions League, unequivocal proof that behind the mist of rotations appears the clarity of the untouchables. But the untouchables did not look good. A Xavi's pass failure served the first chance of Madrid. Pique walked without speed, which is to drift. Busquets did not offer great solutions and Pedro defended himself well against Coentrao, but did not have the force of Alexis.




Messi scoring a goal against Real Madrid
Messi won the title for FC Barcelona

Real, as in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, returned to be above for a long time, with gestures of courage, strength and without give the ball to Barca, which out of habit without it was mishandled. Its playing has an anesthetic effect, discouraged and empty physically the prey. Real Madrid did not tolerate it this time, but 'swallowed' a goal before the first quarter of an hour with no reasons. White team had been better before and after that pass from Messi leaving Iniesta face to face with Casillas, unable to guess the subtle touch. Iniesta was not Robben. Even away from the plentitude, Messi is credited as insurmountable as the last barrier that is resistant to Madrid. Hence the efforts of Florentino Perez to sign Neymar, who he sees as a possible clone of the Argentine.

The 1-0 showed the mismatches of the Real Madrid, hungry and offensive. Its central defenders and Ramos have tuning troubles to defend the counter-attacks. Coentrao sweats blood as left side defender. However, the team offered the best possible face: Pepe, fast and smart as a hare, but again close to vandalism in a foul on Messi and a nudge on Pique. Cristiano Ronaldo, fast, furious and scorer. Benzema, eager to finish every play. Not accompanied by Özil, who looks cannot play all kind of matches and without the pressure of Kaka.

And Real Madrid was adding opportunities until tie with a goal by Cristiano (end to the curse of the Camp Nou), before a beautiful shooting; Great saves by Casillas against Pedro and Messi, hand and foot. A Cristiano Ronaldo's missile to the bar followed by a Özil's diagonal shot that Valdes saved with many problems. Until a new emergence of Messi after a heel pass by Pique (luxuries are available to all in Barca), what froze again Mou's team in a psychological moment, the stroke of half. The same blow from four days ago. The same feeling that FC barcelona sends team to the canvas without effort.

Marcelo came on for Khedira in the second half in order to open up the attack down the wings and put more pressure on the locals. The Whites continued in their search for an equaliser that would keep them alive in the championship, while Barcelona slowed down the game with longer periods of possession. Far from despairing, the Madridistas kept trying. Higuain came on for Di Maria in the 63rd minute, which forced Benzema to play down the wings, and a few minutes later, Ramos grazed the near post by trying to head in a corner-kick (70').

Kaka replaced Ozil on the 81-minute mark and a corner kick served by him was converted into a strike by Benzema only one minute later (82') just before the Fabregas' debut with Guardiola's team. Barcelona decided to defend more and, just when it seemed the game would go into extra time, they scored through Messi in yet another effective venture in attack. Marcelo was sent off in the final minute when everything was already lost. It begins to look like a nightmare that cannot be finished.




Cristiano Ronaldo could win the Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo regrets the final score

Summary

Stadium: Camp Nou
Attendance: 92,965
Goals:1-0: Iniesta, min.15. 1-1: Cristiano Ronaldo, min.20. 2-1: Messi, min.45. 2-2: Benzema, min.81. 3-2: Messi, min.88.

UEFA Champions League 2010-2011 Summary

Here you will remember all the games played for Real Madrid during the 2010-2011 season of the UEFA Champions League that ended with FC Barcelona as champions. The white team was defeated in the semifinals by the champion team, after a great season and a controversial refereeing in the first leg of the semifinal round.

KNOCK-OUT ROUNDS



GROUP TABLE




Group Table

Squad: Jose Mourinho (Coach)




Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho (Setubal, Portugal, 26-1-1963) joined Real Madrid one week after winning the Champions League title with Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Nerazzurri hadn't won the title in 45 years, but under the Portuguese coach Inter also won the Italian Scudetto and the Cup of Italy during the 2009/10 season; the first-ever treble in club history. Mourinho also won the Scudetto in his first season at Inter, as well as the Italian Super Cup.

Earlier in his career, Mourinho won six titles in three years at Chelsea. During his first year at Stamford Bridge, he won the Premier League and the Carling Cup. Chelsea won the Premiership again the following year after a tight race with Manchester United throughout the season, which the Blues opened by winning the Community Shield. Mourinho led Chelsea to victory in the FA Cup and the Carling Cup during the 2006/07 campaign.

Before leaving for England, Mourinho won the second Champions League title for Porto in 2004 as well as the Portuguese league title (the first for Porto in four years). With the Portuguese side he also won one UEFA Cup, one Cup of Portugal and one Portuguese Super Cup.

Data
  • Place of Birth: Setubal, Portugal

  • Date of Birth: 26 January 1963

  • Nationality: Portuguese

Honours
  • Champions League: 2004 (Porto), 2010 (Inter)

  • UEFA Cup: 2003 (Porto)

  • Scudettos: 2008/09, 2009/2010 (Inter)

  • Premier League: 2004/05, 2005/06 (Chelsea)

  • Portuguese league: 2002/03, 2003/04 (Porto)

  • Italian Cup: 2009/10 (Inter)

  • F.A. Cup: 2006/07 (Chelsea)

  • Carling Cup: 2004/05, 2006/07 (Chelsea)

  • Cup of Portugal: 2002/03 (Porto)

  • Spanish Cup: 2010/11 (Real Madrid)

  • Italian Super Cup: 2008 (Inter)

  • Community Shield: 2005 (Chelsea)

  • Portuguese Super Cup: 2003 (Porto)

Personal accolades:
  • FIFA World Coach of the Year: 2010

  • IFFHS Best Coach award: 2004, 2005, 2010

  • UEFA Best Coach: 2002/03, 2003/04

  • League Managers Association (LMA) Hall of Fame: Inducted 2010

  • Best coach of the Italian League: 2009

  • Best Coach of the Premier League: 2004/05, 2005/06

  • Best Coach of the Portuguese league: 2002/03, 2003/04

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Spanish Cup 2010-2011 Summary

Here you will remember all the games played for Real Madrid during the 2010-2011 season of the Spanish Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo's goal ended with eighteen years of abstinence from the last Real Madrid's title in the Copa del Rey. Mourinho's first title for Real Madrid and the first final that Guardiola has lost on FC Barclona bench.

SPANISH CUP TABLE





Spanish Cup Table










Spanish League 2010-2011 Summary

Here you will remember all the games played for Real Madrid during the 2010-2011 season of the Football Spanish League that ended with FC Barcelona as champions. The white team was runner-up.

SPANISH LEAGUE TABLE