Realmadrid News

UEFA Chapions League Special Final 2007:Video Highlights Milan Vs Liverpool 2007

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 3:20 AM 0 comments

UEFA Chapions League Special Final 2007: Inzaghi inspires Milan to glory

Wednesday, 23 May 2007

by Michael Harroldfrom OACA Spyro Louis Stadium


Faith repaid
Inzaghi had been forced to sit out the 2005 final which Liverpool won on penalties after trailing 3-0 at half-time, but he made up for that here with a double strike that fully justified coach Carlo Ancelotti's decision to select the veteran ahead of Alberto Gilardino. The gods were smiling on the 33-year-old when he deflected in Andrea Pirlo's free-kick on the stroke of half-time though there was no doubting his ability when he rounded Pepe Reina to make sure of victory with eight minutes remaining.

Solid start
Mindful of the damage Milan caused in the first half in Istanbul, Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez was taking no chances. The Spaniard opted for a five-man midfield with Jermaine Pennant and Boudewijn Zenden on the wings, while captain Steven Gerrard moved inside to provide support for lone forward Kuyt. The tactic had the desired effect as Liverpool held the ball well, showing no signs of the nerves that gripped them in the early stages two seasons ago. Pennant worked the first opening on nine minutes, dispossessing Alessandro Nesta before drawing a sprawling save from Dida. Pennant's pace provided a nuisance but Milan also threatened, Pirlo coming close to releasing Inzaghi before Pepe Reina saved well from Kaká.

Pennant threat
The Brazilian was coming into the game, bringing the Milan fans to their feet with one supreme drag-back and turn, yet neither side could put their stamp on a surprisingly open contest. Xabi Alonso and John Arne Riise both missed from distance while, for Milan, Massimo Oddo and Marek Jankulovski were dangerous pushing forward down the flanks. It was Pennant, though, who looked most likely to furnish a breakthrough. Running at the veteran Milan rearguard was bringing rewards, and on 35 minutes he stole the ball off Paolo Maldini to supply a shooting chance for Kuyt. The 38-year-old Maldini had become the oldest outfield player to appear in a European Cup final, his record-equalling eighth, and was being kept busy.

Inzaghi opener
A defensive lapse at the other end, however, cost Liverpool dearly on 45 minutes. Kaká for once was afforded too much space on the edge of the box and was brought down by Alonso. Pirlo's free-kick eluded the Liverpool wall but struck Inzaghi and deflected in. Five of the Liverpool team that started the final two years ago were picked again here, against seven survivors from Milan. Having been given the rare opportunity to make amends for the disappointment of 2005, the Rossoneri were in no mood to let another lead slip. It was Gerrard who had sparked the recovery in Istanbul, and Liverpool looked to their talisman once again to lift them. On 61 minutes Gennaro Gattuso's misplaced pass was intercepted by the Reds captain and he breezed past Nesta into the area only to shoot weakly at Dida.

Clinical second
With Massimo Ambrosini and Gattuso shielding the Milan back four, Liverpool were finding chances hard to come by and with 13 minutes to play Benítez brought on Peter Crouch for Javier Mascherano to try and open up the match. This time, though, there would be no comeback. Kaká, so often Milan's match-winner en route to the final, turned provider here, slipping the ball through to Inzaghi who scored with a typically clinical strike. Kuyt sparked hope when he nodded in Daniel Agger's flick-on from a corner in the last minute of normal time but this was Milan's night.

By:uefa.com

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 2:46 AM 0 comments

Roberto Carlos to AS: "We deserve to win the League"

GOAL OF VICTORY

"Sergio Ramos cleared the ball in defence and Higuaín and Gago initiated a counterattack. Five Recreativo players closed in on them and I saw the right moment in which to come down from the left. We practice that play a lot during training. Sevilla do too: whenever their keeper, Palop, grabs the ball he gives it to Alves, Jesús Navas or Adriano to play down the wings. When Gago had the ball just outside the box I shouted out for him to give me the ball. The grass was slightly wet, and this made the ball roll faster towards me than I expected and it stopped right under my body. I didn't know what to do. Guti asked for it, but I decided to hit it with the inside of my left foot. The keeper slightly touched it with the tips of his fingers, but it went in.

"I scored with the quality I usually showcase and I suddenly found myself with players climbing on me. This picture [points to Monday's front page of AS] shows the good vibes on the team. There was never a division between Brazilians and Spaniards on the squad."

MEA CULPA
"Recreativo drew because I made a mistake. I should have been onto Uche. I thought the ball wasn't high enough in the air and that Cannavaro and Ramos would be able to clear it. Capello showed us videos of Recreativo matches and we knew they like Juanma to be a nuisance for their opponent's centre backs in these sorts of plays. I failed to see it and didn't try to obstruct Uche's shot. Prior to the game, Capello warned us: no one besides Sevilla has played as well as Recreativo in the League this year."

THE FIGHT FOR THE LEAGUE
"The team deserves to win the League. We haven't come all this way to finish second. We will win the title by two points, defeating our opponents in the next three games. I want Zaragoza to defeat Sevilla next Sunday and qualify for next year's UEFA Cup because if they don't we will have a tough game in Zaragoza the following weekend. Barcelona will put pressure on us until the very end. I don't think Espanyol will manage to take any points against them because they have already covered all their goals for the season, but Getafe may. On Saturday we will know when we'll win the League. If we had defeated Barcelona 3-2 at Camp Nou we would have practically won the title. Let's hope the points we dropped there and in some home games this season don't come into play."

CAPELLO
"It's not luck, he's got here with hard work. He knows how to read a game. He isn't to blame about what happened two or three years ago. If he had Zidane on his squad we would already be champions. He is the same person he was ten years ago; he's a great coach."

"He is 61, old enough to know what he wants to do. He should be acknowledged for making the squad recover team spirit. We had won so many titles that we had completely forgotten about the badge we wear. At one point we thought donning this shirt was enough to win games. We wouldn't have been able to pull off this season's comeback three years ago. This has been thanks to Capello."

BECKHAM
"He's been great for the Club, setting an example on and off the pitch with his personality and his joy. His personality shines through; he is a very Brazilian Englishman."

VAN NISTELROOY
"Ronaldo's like my brother, but Ruud is very good. Next year, Ronie will have scored 36 goals in Italy and the Dutchman will have scored at least 34 here. Together they would have lost many games because they don't defend."

SERGIO RAMOS
"He is in great shape. I prefer him as a centre back and I don't think it's good for him to change positions so much. I think versatility can be detrimental for a player."

ROBINHO
"He has to play more. Some days he'll do everything right and others he will screw up, but I'm still convinced he will be the world's number one player some day."

DRESSING ROOM LEADERS
"Raúl will always be the first captain and I think Casillas is also capable of playing that role."


REFEREES
"They're very good. In Italy, if a player goes down too easily the refs watch a replay on a screen and suspend him, although the match result isn't altered. I wish they did that in Spain."

LEAVING REAL MADRID
"I stand by my decision of leaving. I can't afford to take a step back. I did the same with Brazil. I didn't decide to leave the Club because of what happened in Munich. I don't have to apologize for that. The quarterfinals against Munich lasted for 180 minutes, not ten. I don't think I am to blame for what happened, but I think it's time for Marcelo and Torres to take over.
What else can I win at Real Madrid? Disappointment? Pressure? I've won three European Cups, three Leagues and two Intercontinental Cups at this Club. I was League champion in my first year here and I will be a League champion again before I leave."

"People don't have to feel bad. Players like Di Stéfano, Puskas, Gento, Juanito, Santillana, Gordillo, Hugo Sánchez and Zidane have left this Club before me. Zidane could have stayed on, playing at a very high level in the ten most important League games and six or seven Champions League clashes, but he was exhausted. He suffered with the criticism he was getting. It's not easy to carry on when you have a wife, kids and enough money."

HIS FUTURE IN FOOTBALL
"I can still play two more years on a top team, after which I will go back to Brazil for a final season as player. I will become a coach when I retire. I feel better than ever. Next season you'll see I'm not finished. Not playing for four months has been good for me. If I thought I was getting old or felt tired I would go to Qatar, but I don't."

THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD

"Marcelo will have six great seasons at this Club. Torres will do great too. The Club will only need to sign a new number '3' if Salgado leaves."

"I have always seen myself as a left back. I wouldn't have been half the player I've been if I had been an attacking left winger. I wouldn't have had enough space. I don't have the element of surprise in me, and that defines an attacking left winger. Left backs like myself come from Brazil because we're not afraid of trying out different things. I've been a left back since I was 12 years old, professionally since Luxemburgo coached me at Palmeiras. I have always preferred attacking than running back to defend, as long as I did it responsibly. Things have been easy for me at Real Madrid. Every coach I've had has favoured me, although it's hard for a player like me to know exactly what to do. If you attack a lot people say you leave the back unprotected, and if you stay back they say you aren't as fit as you used to be. The hardest part of my job isn't putting the finishing touch on a ball, but being able to play the ball well after an 80 metre run."

THE BEST
"I have been surrounded by top quality players in the eleven years I've been at this Club. I have never played with mediocre players."

BALLON D'OR
"Cannavaro's award acknowledged the job defenders do. I didn't win when I was up for it because Ronaldo had a phenomenal World Cup."

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 8:00 PM 0 comments

DIARRA EXCLUSIVE: The midfielder looks back on his past and praises his teammates and the Bernabéu

Realmadrid.com and RealmadridTV conducted a joint in-depth interview with Mahamadou Diarra, whom they accompanied to his native country of Mali for the space of eight days. Once in Spain, the Club media decided to speak to the number ‘6’ of the Whites and look back and contrast the different experiences lived on African soil with those as a Real Madrid player, his experience in the Spanish League, his opinion on the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and, above all, insight into the significance of what goes on inside the dressing room through his own eyes. The interview was held inside the dressing room and on the turf of an empty Bernabéu. It was the first time the Mali native had been interviewed inside the Stadium, an event that filled him with excitement.



THE DRESSING ROOM

How do the players sit inside the dressing room?
By shirt number. I'm number 6, so my locker is between number 5, Fabio Cannavaro's, and number 7, Raúl's. But sometimes Ruud Van Nistelrooy comes over, or David Beckham perhaps... Or sometimes I'll go over to them to talk about the game. Other players do the same. It's what makes a team.

How early do you get to the stadium on matchdays and what exactly goes on?
We get here one and a half hours before the match. Ninety minutes gives us enough time to focus on the game. Sometimes we get here earlier if it's a Cup match or another competition. It's the most important time; more important than kick-off even. It's when you really think about the match; about what you need to do and what you need to avoid doing. We analyse the opponent and motivate one another to do our best on the turf.

What do the players do during that time?
Some players get massages. Others, like me, see the physiotherapists to get taped up. Some listen to music, while others sit in their corner, next to their shirt, to concentrate on the match.


We know that you tend to be very serious and focused before matches.
Yes, that's just me. It's how I always am before a game: stressed out. It's how I should be; nervous and scared. It's how I focus. I go over to a corner all by myself to think about the game, to think about how it might unfold, and I prepare myself for everything that might happen on the pitch. But, like I said, I mostly think about giving it my all and not letting anybody down. That's how I feel before a game.

And what happens in the final minutes leading up to kick-off?
Well, we yell a victory chant and something about Real Madrid. It's essential to this team. It gives us strength before taking the pitch. It's the last group action before a match. I don't understand all the chants, but I know they're for the good of the team, for motivation, and to bring out our team spirit.

Who takes part?
Everyone. The 20 to 22 players who have been called up. I love it because it proves we have team spirit and it reflects the strength of this group.

Describe what one of these team huddles is like.
Everyone brings it in and we each put one arm forward and place our hand on top of Raúl's. Then we yell something. Sometimes I feel like laughing, but I hold it in. It's great, even if I don't say anything.

What role do the dressing room leaders have?
There are a number of leaders, as there would be on any team. They say what needs to be said. Normally, everyone says something in the five minutes leading up to the game. You point something out to your teammates, whether it's about a training session or about the previous week's match, in order to correct mistakes. And someone does the same with you. They are words of encouragement. But most importantly, not everything has to be said in the dressing room. The pitch is where you really need to talk.

Who are the leaders and what do they say?
Many players speak: Raúl, Íker Casillas, Salgado. Guti has less to say and gets straight to the point. He always says exactly what needs to be said. Beckham sometimes says some words. Ruud doesn't have much to say, but I love his way of being. As I stated earlier, everyone says what he has to say. But it all has to carry over to the pitch, which is exactly what is happening now.


THE BERNABÉU

What are your thoughts on the Santiago Bernabéu?
It's the first time I've seen it empty like this. It's like being stuck inside a calabasa –traditional percussion instrument of Mali-. Well, I also saw it last season when I came to play against Madrid with Lyon in the Champions League. I spent 10 minutes just walking around and looking at it. I then went to sit in the dugout and I realised how comfortable the seats were. You're sitting there all curled up and comfortable... you can really get used to it. Anyway, it's a stadium I hold in great esteem. It's gorgeous, absolutely brilliant.

What's it like playing in the middle of the field?
Playing as a midfielder means that you are surrounded by a lot of people. As is commonly said in football, you have to see before receiving when in the centre of the pitch. It's where most players gather and, therefore, it's where you have to apply tactics on the pitch. You have to have great vision for the game. You're in the heart of it all here. It's the centre-point of the stadium. It's like being in the middle of 22 actors. The team suffers if you don't have a good day.

What does coming out of the p'layers' tunnel feel like?
You can't hear a thing when you step out of the tunnel and the entire stadium is yelling. If a player is 10 to 15 metres away you have to communicate with gestures. To the left... back up... to the right... Let's say I'm 15 metres away from you and there are 80,000 fans yelling their hearts our. You can't sit there trying to hear what a teammate is saying because the ball is still in play and you have to run after it!

Sergio Ramos whistles. Do you?
No. I don't know how to. I don't like it. I have a low-pitched voice, so I can shout out to someone who is 50 metres away if there isn't much noise. I don't have to whistle because I tend to speak loud anyway.

How is the Bernabéu treating you?
Well. The team wasn't doing that well during the first four or five months of competition. We admit it. Of course this crowd is used to seeing spectacular football, lots of technique, dribblings, beautiful goals... We weren't playing at that level and the public grew impatient. But they are truly behind us now. The fans have become the 12th man. They push us to give our very best. We need them. We are really motivated to play here now.

MAHAMADOU AND FOOTBALL

In Mali you are known as Djilla. Where does the nickname come from?
It was given to me by one of my older brothers who sadly passed away a year and a half ago. He was a friend of a former Malian player named Mohamed Djilla. I share his name, Mahamadou, and they said I played like him as well. When I was starting to become recognised in the streets of Bamako, he was reaping success with the national team and Malian clubs. Everyone named Mahamadou wanted to follow in his footsteps; he was their idol. That's how I became Djilla. Additionally, my family calls me Mohamed, which I am very fond of, and sometimes Djilla as well.

How did you relationship with CSK Bamako, your first team, begin?
There weren't many football academies when I was a kid and not everyone had the means to sign up. They used to pay us. They started by paying me 1000 CFA francs –the equivalent of 1.5€– per month, which seems like very little but it actually was a lot for a 14-year old in Africa then. I went because I had a childhood friend who played for the Centre Salif Keita, or CSK. His father was a director and I told him I wanted to join. The father then spoke to the coach and Salif. I remember my test was on a Saturday morning. Everything went flawlessly and they picked me. I was very focused on studying then and my father insisted on the advantages of having an education. I also got good grades. That's why he didn't understand why I wanted to spend so much time playing football. You couldn't earn a living as a footballer back then. We were in Africa, football wasn't as popular, and young players found it hard to prove themselves. I combined school and football for four years; from 13 years old to 17. I became champion of Mali in the Under-15 and Under-17 leagues. I also played with the Under-15 and Under-17 Malian national teams. I played against Casillas two straight years. I clearly remember missing a one-on-one I had with him. Spain knocked us out of the Under-17 World Cup. When I look back on everything I have gone through until now, I realise all the hard work, discipline, and desire I put into it. I had a rough beginning. Finding a pair of boots was a huge challenge. And let's not talk about transportation to training sessions. Furthermore, we had to pay the football academy. It reached a point where my parents were rwally fed up.

Did the truly elite competition for you only begin when you started playing in the Champions League?
I discovered the Champions League while playing for Olympique Lyonnais. But I learned a lot in the streets of Mali, as does every African player. There were no real sports academies in my day like there are now. We learned in the streets. You stopped playing whenever you wanted to. It's the best football school there is. Kids were left to play in the streets until whatever time tey wanted. I learned a lot in Mali. Then I went to Greece for one year, and then to the Netherlands, where I played for three seasons. I played three UEFA Cup matches with Vitesse Arnhem. That was my first contact with the elite European competition. I played more than 20 Champions League matches over four years with Lyon. But Spain is different. To be honest, the French Ligue 1 isn't at the same level as the Spanish League, which is superior. You could say that Champions League matches are at the same level as any La Liga match. I love this Championship and wanted to play here since I was small. So I guess dreams can come true. It's up to me to make sure I continue to play here.

Interview by Luis Orueta
Photos by Ángel Martínez & Luis Orueta
Translation by Matthew Goltz

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 7:13 PM 0 comments

Fabio Capello:"Real Madrid truly were Real Madrid tonight"

"I think we gave away two goals and that we missed several chances, but that's football for you. Anything can happen against a good team with very active players. I liked my team's reaction in the end. Roberto Carlos ran 80 metres in order to join the counterattack and score. We proved to have guts."

"Our last goal was very important because the game was important too and proved to be tough in the end. I liked our performance, but we still have three games left and we haven't won the championship yet."

"Luck is always important, but I don't think my men lost concentration. This is proved by how they reacted in the end. We've told Roberto we are happy with him."

"Recre played a fast and balanced game, creating some danger, but Real Madrid truly were Real Madrid tonight."


Realmadrid.com

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 12:52 AM 0 comments

Recreativo 2-3 Real Madrid: The Whites earn another epic victory and come closer to winning the League

Recreativo fans should be proud of their team. The oldest football side in Spain are currently seventh on the table, with options of qualifying for next season's UEFA Cup, and they play fresh, uncompromising football against the biggest teams of the competition. Nevertheless, their victory over the Whites earlier this season wasn't a positive precedent tonight because Capello's team has radically changed since then. Showcasing quality stock and great efforts, Real Madrid are teaching all their rivals a lesson in this final stretch of the season.

The Madridistas took the pitch with the intention of dominating the game from start to finish. The new faces on the starting lineup were Miguel Torres as right back, Fernando Gago in midfield -the Argentine came close to missing the match due to a niggle, but he recovered in time- and Beckham and Robinho on the wings -both players missed last week's game due to suspension.

Typical Beckham assist

Recreativo were weak in midfield and the Whites soon stole the ball from them. David Beckham passed it to Torres, but the Spaniard gave it back to him. Becks crossed the ball into the box and Robinho put away a phenomenal free-header (8'); the direction of the shot was simply brilliant.

The Whites dominated the game and felt comfortable on the pitch, showcasing excellent ball movement. Gago and Diarra were extremely good in midfield, Beckham and Robinho stood out in most of the team's attacks, and Sergio Ramos once again led the defence.

Real Madrid came close to finishing off the game before half-time twice, but Ramos failed to finish off a phenomenal cross by Beckham (16') and Raúl didn't manage to score from a cross by Roberto Carlos on the 38-minute mark. Recreativo only had one chance in the entire first half through a free-kick by Beto that Iker Casillas -who turned 26 today- managed to save without any problems.


Recreativo's lineup changed after half-time, bringing on last year's Second Division Pichichi, Uche, and the team's spirit in general, as well as the fans', was lifted. But despite their good efforts, Recre conceded another goal. First, Ramos missed a one-on-one against Laquait, failing to lift the ball high enough over the keeper, who perfectly anticipated his move (50'). Beckham then missed a volley, hitting the ball with the inside of his right foot. On the 53-minute mark, Robinho brilliantly went through Recre's defence and faced the keeper, who hastily tackled him with his arms and was booked as a result. The Whites were awarded a penalty and Ruud Van Nistelrooy, the League's current Pichichi, didn't fail score his 15th goal away from Madrid. Third time lucky, as they say...

From then on Real Madrid continued being well positioned on the pitch, never leaving any open spaces. But this comfortable situation was not meant to last. Uche pulled off a classic Cruyff turn with wonderful skill in the box, managing to force Gago to bring him down with a light flick on the shin.
A penalty was awarded and Jesús Vázquez didn't fail to score, although Iker managed to touch the ball (73'). This goal created a small crisis for Real Madrid.

Once again, Madridistas sat through a heart-stopping end. The goal was an injection of adrenaline for Recreativo and Uche eventually scored the equalliser from a corner kick by Aitor.

But Madrid didn't despair and in added time their great efforts were rewarded. Higuaín ran with the ball down the right, giving the ball to Gago, who had his face to the goal. He saw Roberto Carlos' maginificent run down the left, turned and passed the ball to the Brazilian, who fired it into the back of the net.

The Whites still have to win three more 'finals' against Deportivo, Zaragoza and Mallorca, respectively. If they do, they will celebrate winning the title at Cibeles Fountain.



Report by Cristina Monge
Photography by Ángel Martínez
Special correspondents to Huelva
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 12:04 AM 0 comments

Fabio Capello press conference:"My men are excited because they know they can win the League"

Is Emerson's injury a major setback?
It's a problem because he has been playing well lately and we are about to face a quality team. Gago's in the squad list, but we are not sure if he will be fit enough to play the game. We'll decide what to do tomorrow.

Is it an advantage to play before Barcelona?
I don't care about playing before or after. Every game is a final for us and we don't think about what others may do.

Does the fact that the four main contenders to the title play away from home make this a special matchday?
I think it will be hard for all of us, especially now that the point situation is tighter than ever. We are all going to face good teams away from home.

Will you make changes in defence?
I haven't decided anything yet. I will tomorrow.

What worries you the most about Recreativo?
They are a very fast team and they are excellent at counterattacking. They play a very dangerous vertical game. They only shot on goal three or four times against us at the Bernabéu and scored three goals. We must be solid in defence.
Guti's had some niggles and didn't play too well against Espanyol. Have you lost faith in him?Guti has always had great drive when he comes on as a substitute player. He was a starter last week, but he was slightly niggled. He can be a starter any time. A coach with Guti on his squad should count himself lucky.

What do you think about the comments made by some Atletico fans saying they want their team to lose against Barcelona?
I doubt the players feel that way.

Are you worried about the state of euphoria of your squad?
I've addressed that issue this week during training. It's logical to feel that way if you lead the table, but it is my job to calm them down. My men are excited because they know they can win the League.

Raúl recently said you are to blame for the good moment the team is going through...
Then, I'm happy to be blamed.

Will you coach the team next season?
I'm not worried about that right now. The important thing for me is to work with my players, my coaching staff and Pedja Mijatovic. The President will decide what to do. I currently only think about tomorrow's game.

Report by Juan José López Soto
Photography by Daniel Sastre /AS.com
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 8:06 PM 0 comments

Squad list for Recreativo Huelva: Beckham, Gago and Robinho in; Emerson out

Report by Juan José López Soto
Photography by Daniel Sastre
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 7:57 PM 0 comments

Emerson to El País:"I feel essential to the team"

How have Real Madrid achieved becoming leaders a year and a half after being in the top spot for the last time?
The key to our success was the match against Barcelona. We realised we could play better.

Was it a matter of pride?
I think there's been a change of mentality on the team. Before, we played for the sake of playing, but now we truly know what we want.

Did you play for the sake of playing because of things that were happening within the Club, or because of things surrounding it?
A bit of both. The Club had problems and people in office didn't know what was going to happen with the whole absentee vote controversy. The team had problems with Ronaldo and with some new players, like myself, who still had to adapt.

What about now?
We can win the League. We believe we can take the title and we depend solely on ourselves to achieve that goal.
Despite the recent radical change, Real Madrid still have trouble dominating for 90 minutes. This was evident in the games against Valencia, Sevilla and Espanyol. Why is that?How do explain those 45 minute 'amnesias'?
It's normal for them to happen. We are not alone on the pitch; we face eleven players. Unlike Italy, Spain doesn't have weak teams.

Who's responsible for the latest comeback victories, Capello or the team?
We all are. Capello has managed to instill his mentality on the team. He's been trying to do that from the very start, but was unsuccessfull at first.

Why?
Because he came from calcio, which is very different from football in any other country. Real Madrid never gives anyone enough time to work and making a winning team in four months with a new coach, new players and after a three year title is simply impossible.

What is Capello's mentality?
He wants to build a team that never gives up, that fights to the very end, that is convinced of being able of turning the score around, that believes it can always improve and do better... We weren't even like that during training sessions before, but we are now. As a result, the coach is much more relaxed.

Maresca literally said 'Capello has a flower up his back side', meaning he is extremely lucky...
I don't think Maresca can allow himself to make such a comment about a coach that has won practically everything in this sport. He has never worked with him and I think his comment was very disrespectful.

Real Madrid are in better physical form than Barcelona and Sevilla. Why is that?
I think it's because we only play one game each week. That allows us to recover well after a match.

Are you the same player you were in August?
Absolutely not. My stay here hasn't been easy because I've had personal problems that haven't allowed me to do my best. I've been a professional footballer for 14 years and never before had I felt useless to a team. I wasn't ready to feel that way.

And now?
I feel essential to the team. I feel well and more confident with what I do. I would love to have a magic wand to change what I didn't do well in the past few months.

What criticism has hurt you the most?
Personal attacks have nothing to do with football. I have always tried to do my best for the team. Maybe I should be a bit more selfish on the pitch, but I prefer to do things for the rest. I have never been interested in being the best. This is how we all think now.

You said many times that you needed to work more in order to do better, but you are being coached by the same staff you had in Roma and Juventus. Has their working method changed at Real Madrid?
No, their method and mentality are still the same. The players are different. It's pointless to ask Ronaldo to do his best during training because that's never going to happen. He's never done it. Each player is different; some like to do their best during training and others prefer to save up energy to do really well during a game.

At the start of the season, Capello liked to use you and Diarra in midfield. He later made room for Guti, Beckham and Gago. Now he's gone back to his original scheme. How does one win his trust back?
I think he had a very clear idea of what to do when he arrived, but because of the problems Diarra and I had and the lack of good results he decided to make some changes. He's now gone back to the idea he's had all along.

Against Espanyol, each time Guti received the ball, you and Diarra were at least 15 metres away from him. Did Capello tell you to do that?
No. Guti constantly looks for the ball and when he gets it we shouldn't be only 5 metres away from him.

But you're not supporting him well by staying 15 metres away from him.
We made a mistake. Espanyol's first goal came after Guti lost the ball and we were too far away to try to recover it. We are sometimes too confident, thinking our teammates won't lose the ball.

Would you follow Capello if he leaves the team?
I have a contract with Real Madrid, not with Fabio Capello.

Have you spoken to Gianluca Zambrotta or Liliam Thuram about the crisis at Barcelona?
No, but I know Fabio [Cannavaro] talks to Gianluca often and it seems the team is going through a difficult moment. I think it's normal for a team that has won it all to have a sharp drop. It happens automatically.


Realmadrid.com

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 7:21 PM 0 comments

Raúl press conference: "We're in good form, but we have to go in for the kill as soon as possible"

How responsible is Fabio Capello for the recovery of team spirit?
He's gets all the credit. I think he tried to instill his values in us. The start of the season wasn't easy for any one, but little by little, especially in the last few months, we've recovered our game, team spirit, and the fighting attitude that has always defined Real Madrid. That's why we're in such a privileged spot. We're leaders and we know we have four finals ahead of us. First up are Recreativo, and the League depends on winning all four matches. We need to maintain this form. We know that winning depends on staying on track, but we also know that our rivals are close behind and can pass us if we don't take the three points on Sunday.

So it's pretty much do or die?
This is an important week for the four top teams because we all have difficult matches and whoever wins will take a huge step forward. This is the most dangerous match we have left in my opinion. They smashed us in the first half of the season. There wasn't any moment that we were ready to fight for the victory, and I think this match will be very complicated. They are also in the hunt for a berth in the UEFA Cup.

Looking at Barça and Sevilla, who would you rather have as a rival?
I think both teams, and Valencia as well, have a chance to win the League. Some dust may clear this weekend depending on how they do. Everything is neck and neck. Sevilla are full of morale after winning the UEFA Cup. Barcelona need a win after their last two results in the King's Cup and the League. But great teams, as we have experienced, have to perform well and play good football when they are in sticky situations. Nothing is certain, but we are lucky that we control our own destiny. We don't have to see what the other teams are doing unless we lose. But we're certain that we'll win and that we'll maintain or increase the distance between us and the second spot.

Can you tell us about you talk with José Ángel Sánchez yesterday ar Jarama?
We just talked. It was a normal conversation and we talked about football, the team, and cars. I have a great relationship with José Ángel.

You know there are Atletico fans that would rather lose to Barcelona than see Real Madrid win the League.
We depend only on ourselves. Everyone has a right to believe what he or she thinks. I think Atletico need to win in order to make it into the UEFA. They deserve it. They've gone through a rough patch, so hopefully they can do it. I would love another Madrilenian team to be in the UEFA, whether it means defeating Barcelona or any other team.

Does the fact that the Club is sending out so many messages of optimism worry you?
I think that it's good that everyone be made aware at times, but we also have to be prepared, because this is a game after all, and we might find ourselves in some trouble on Sunday at 9 pm. Or maybe we'll be very happy. We know what challenges a League and each match can present. I think the tune we've been hearing for several weeks now has helped us out, so let's keep it up.

Do you think fatigue will take its toll on Sevilla?
Sevilla are just cruising right now, and the UEFA boosted their confidence even more. Three months ago people were saying they would wear out, and the team just moved along from semifinal to final... Hats off to Sevilla, and I'd also like to congratulate them for the title, but Espanyol as well because it was a great final. Sevilla have options in every competition. They've won one, and now they're after three points against Deportivo.

Do you see many similarities between this Barcelona and Carlos Queiroz's Real Madrid?
Let's see what happens in the final weeks. It's obvious they are struggling after their last defeat, after drawing against Betis, and after losing the top spot, but Barcelona are a great Club with great, proud players. I am sure they'll play their hearts out on Sunday at the Calderón. But we don't have to focus on the other teams. We have to look at ourselves and know that it will be a touch match. We'll remain leaders if we win, and that's all we're interested in.

How is the squad taking the commitments the Club has once the League ends?
All we're interested in is winning the competition. I'm sure we'll be happier if we win. We are all looking forward to our holiday, but we have to take care of business first. We have to be available for the Club, so our obligation is to go and to make a good impression.

Are the victories the main cause of the better atmosphere?
Winning always helps improve the atmosphere. We are all more confident, the group is happier, and things get complicated, rumours start swirling, and the word 'crisis' comes up if we're having trouble. Living is a lot easier and everything seems nicer when you win. We're going through a great patch now and the fans are totally committed. The team is a lot better psychologically after all the trouble we went through. Turning matches around like we have make us mentally stronger, and we are cofident in our options. We have to maintain this form. What's left is the real test. We're now leaders, but we have to withstand the push over these next four games.

They compared the image of you walking off the pitch last week with that of Juanito. What does that mean to you and how did you feel then?
I think Juanito is a symbol for all Madridistas and that the two images have nothing to do with each other. Throwing the League away at home against Espanyol after all we had suffered would have really hurt, and I think the team reacted after the break, and that's what made us so happy and gave us an up close look at the League. And look, 24 hours later we were leaders. Fans are having fun at the Santiago Bernabéu. We get a whole new feeling when we get to the stadium now than we did several months ago. We have to do as well as we can because we owe it to our fans and we have a great opportunity that we can't let slip away.

Do you think Capello should stay on if you win the League?
Stability is always best for a Club. Capello is the current coach and has two years left on his contract. Our goal is to fight and win the League, then to go on holiday and return together to continue making history with this Club.

Do you think it will be a tight race until the last week or would you rather win it sooner than later?
I don't want to have to suffer so much, but I think it will come down to the wire because there are so many teams that are so close. But I would bet on a victory if it meant playing the last match at home with everything depending on just us. But there's still a long road ahead.

On a personal level, has this year been the hardest?
We'll see what happens. We've gone through some tough patches. We're in good form, but we have to go in for the kill as soon as possible. There's a lot of optimism, but four matches still have to be playes and none of them will be easy.

Is this year's atmosphere different than prior years?
The atmosphere is great. In passed years we were never really in the title running and it was only months ago that we had very little chances this year. The talk of players coming and going always creates tension. Right now, we're all very happy. We have the common goal of winning the League, and that's all we're thinking about. It really helps ease relationships.

In your last press conference, you hinted that the Club should silence all the rumours about your possible departure, and it did. Are you here to stay?
I don't doubt that I will be continuing with Real Madrid, and I didn't have any doubts before the President or Pedja Mijatovic said otherwise. Honestly, I am very happy. I was able to speak to both of them, and sometimes you just have to hear it in person.

There was a bit of controversy after Beckham's fifth yellow cars was rescinded, and now the referees have taken measures when it comes to making post-match decisions. Yout thoughts?
I think measures had to be taken in order to prevent situtations like this from happening, but that's what the Committee, the League, and the FA are for.

Report by Arancha Díaz
Photos by David R. Anchuelo
Translation by Matthew Goltz

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 7:11 PM 0 comments

Metzelder: I Deserve A Big Move

The German international defender reportedly signed for los Merengues in early May, but neither Madrid or Borussia have made the transfer official.

Despite that, Metzelder played his last game for the Bundesliga outfit in the local derby against Schalke 04 at the weekend and is now relishing the prospect of playing abroad.

"The time I have spent with Dortmund I will never forget, but now the moment has arrived for me try to another country and to measure myself after different players," he said.

"If a club of this magnitude wants you then there is very little to think about. It was time for me to join a club like this.

"The decision to leave was taken in February.

"But the date when I will officially sign for the new club will be announced by them."


Metzelder believes that he should not be criticised to looking to play at an even higher level and thinks that his performances for Borussia have earned him the move to Madrid.


"I am 26 and have been for seven of them and I think I have earned the right to make a move like this," he continued.

"Borussia will always be in my heart and I will come back as a supporter and maybe, one day, as a player.

"It was a very emotional time on Saturday as I said goodbye to the Westfalen Stadion, but the hardest time is yet to come.

"That will be at the end of my last training session here and I have to empty my locker.

"I have won the German league here and I have become an international player."

By Goal.com

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 1:40 AM 0 comments

More than a victory: Figures highlight the importance of Real Madrid's victory over Espanyol

Saturday's match was truly special because it allowed Real Madrid to become leaders of the League for the first time in over one year. The Whites hadn't been in the top spot since 15 October 2005.

Real Madrid showcased their greatness by becoming leaders after a phenomenal 4-3 victory over Espanyol against all odds. Their comeback from an adverse 3-1 score has been described as "epic and heroic" by the media. Nevertheless, Real Madrid have managed to come back from losing by two goals 39 times in their entire history, winning 19 games in total. The last time this happened was at Valladolid's Nuevo Zorrilla Stadium on 1 February 2004. The Whites were losing 2-0 by half-time, but Ronaldo and Figo scored two and one goals, respectively, turning the score around and earning a victory for their team. The last time this happened at the Bernabéu was on 15 December 2002 against Recreativo Huelva. 14 minutes into the game, the Whites were losing 2-0, but Raúl Bravo, Iván Helguera, Raúl and Figo -on the 89-minute mark- drove Madrid to a 4-2 victory. But the greatest comeback the Whites have ever had has to be that of the 1972/73 season against Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabéu, in which Grande, Pirri and Amancio netted three strikes in only eight minutes.

Saturday saw the first game in the League this season to end with a 4-3 score. Real Madrid hadn't finished a game with such a score since their victory over Malaga on Matchday 21 of the 2000/2001 season. That game was very similar to Saturday's in several aspects: its goal scorers were Raúl (2), Guti and Helguera, all of whom were on the pitch against Espanyol. The latter scored the winner in the very last minutes of the encounter, after Darío Silva netted Malaga's equaliser on the 73-minute mark.

Real Madrid hadn't scored four strikes at the Bernabéu in over a year, since their 4-0 victory against Deportivo on 26 March 2006.

It is impossible not to mention the team's top scorers. Di Stéfano leads the ranking with 216 strikes, but Raúl is getting closer to that figure. The captain equalled Santillana's 186 goals on Saturday and now shares the second spot with him.
On the other hand, Van Nistelrooy scored his 21st League goal against Espanyol -his 29th in all competitions-, getting closer to winning the Pichichi Trophy -awarded to the championship's top scorer- at the end of the season. He has won similar awards in two different European leagues so far. The player has recovered his goal scoring instincts, netting strikes in seven of his team's last ten games. Van Nistelrooy is also a strong candidate to win the Golden Boot award. He is rivalled only by Alfonso Alves, who has earned 51 points so far this season. Ruud currently has 42, but he's still got four games left in which to try to overtake Alves.

Report by Patricia Alcubilla
Photography by Ángel Martínez & David R. Anchuelo
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 1:51 AM 0 comments

Fabio Capello: "It was Amazing"

“I am happy because the team displayed indomitable faith in the victory. I liked the character they demonstrated and their enthusiasm to turn the game around. Today was amazing because we were up against a team that had spectacular counterattacks," said Fabio Capello in his post-match press conference.

When asked whether the team's spirit or the changes were the key to victory, Fabio Capello affirmed that “both were. Guti had a niggled hamstring during the week and needed to come out.” He pointed out that there was some confusion about Espanyol's goals, “although I was told that the first and third were offsides. They didn't take many shots, four shots and three goals, but we let them counterattack with relative ease.”

He assured that this great patch is due to all the hard work. “Luck plays an important part, but winning isn't possible without hard work. This isn't a casino where the ball turns. This is about the work of the team, the coaches, and the doctors. Sometimes the ball hits the post and doesn't go in, sometimes it hits and does go in. That's why luck is important.”

“It's times like these that we are convinced that we can win every match. That's our task. We're treating each match like a final and we can't let any points slip through our fingers. Today we got them back.”

“Euforia has always been a good thing, but euforia without work isn't good.” Capello concluded by talking about his players' fortitude: “Turning around a game like today's isn't easy. The fans really helped, and for that I thank them.”


Report by Juan José López
Photos by Realmadrid.com
Translation by Matthew Goltz

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 1:45 AM 0 comments

Leaders: Real Madrid hold on to the leadership after Barcelona draw with Betis

Higuaín's goal in the 89th minute on Saturday drove the Bernabéu wild because it allowed Real Madrid to take the top spot on the table, if only for one day. The goal of Betis player Rafael Sobis in the last minute against Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday evening confirmed the Whites' leadership. Real Madrid and Barcelona both have 63 points, but the Whites lead thanks to winning the goal-average against the Catalan side -they won 2-0 at the Bernabéu and drew 3-3 in Barcelona.

Real Madrid depend solely on themselves to win the title. They still have four games left this season: Recreativo Huelva, Deportivo, Zaragoza and Mallorca.

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 1:38 AM 0 comments

Real Madrid 4-3 Espanyol: Video Highlights

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 1:26 AM 0 comments

Real Madrid 4-3 Espanyol: The Whites stage an epic comeback

None of the matches down the home stretch of the season will be easy, especially if you have a UEFA Cup finalist visiting the Santiago Bernabéu. But Real Madrid doesn't mind who the opponent is, and they've got numbers to back them up: four straight victories on their turf, the last being an stunning turnaround against another European finalist -Sevilla-, a steady climb upwards with only one hitch in the road in the last twelve matches, and hard working spirit and team work that have proven to be the keys to success.

With Guti and Higuaín the two new additions to the starting eleven –Robinho and Beckham were suspended one match and Gago out injured- and the return of Roberto Carlos to the left wing, Fabio Capello's gameplan relied on finding every open space possible and Cicinho and Roberto Carlos as the workhorses along the flanks -no matter the risk it entailed-. The entire left side of the pitch was Brazilian territory, while Guti roamed around the midfield to link up with Raúl and Van Nistelrooy. Real Madrid came out en masse. It appeared the hosts would take the lead, and Van Nistelrooy had two chances to make it happen: a first minute half-turn strike and then nearly missing a low cross by Roberto Carlos (min. 7), but roles would swap 15 minutes into the game.

Nightmare...
Espanyol were well-positioned on the pitch -Guti rarely touched the ball-, they kept their lines tight, and stuck to their counterattacking mindset. And their plan couldn't have been any more fruitful: Rufete, who had excellent vision all night, connected with Jonatas, who returned it right back to the Periquito number '18'. The midfielder then served the perfect assist to one of the night's main stars: Walter Pandiani. The Uruguayan finished off the great play to give the visitors the lead and Real Madrid saw how they would have to mount another crucial comeback.

The White's ensuing push was almost rewarded by a Diarra header (min.22) that forced Kameni into a double-take save. But things don't always turn out correctly on the first try and, once again, Espanyol, and especially Pandiani, made the most of their opportunities. A carbon copy of the goal ten minutes earlier produced by an inspired Rufete, whose great cross from the left wing was struck home by the Espanyol forward. The turnaround became a steep uphill battle until Van Nistelrooy replied to add to his League-leading tally. With 15 minutes until the break, Raúl found Roberto Carlos, who served the assist to the Pichichi -number 21 for the Dutchman-.

A crucial goal that gave wings to the Whites, who were again determined to stage an epic resurgence. However, Espanyol didn't come to Madrid for a walk in the park. Yet another attack down the left flank (min.34) that Moha cut off in the front of the box to dish to the hat-trick man: Pandiani. Real Madrid players insisted the opponent was offside, but the Uruguayan used his craftiness to score his third on a confused Madridista defence. But what stands out most about this team is that it doesn't give up and it sticks to its winning attitude. Down 1-3 at the half and in need of a heroic second period of faith and hard work.

... awoken...
Capello made two changes after the first 45 minutes. Guti and Cicinho were replaced by Helguera -Ramos took over on the right wing- and José Antonio Reyes -Raúl moved to the right as the Sevillian made his way to the left flank-. And all of a sudden the score was 2-3. Raúl's first chance since the restart and a goal for the Whites. The captain popped down to the far post and nutmegged Kameni without hesitation. The Bernabéu could sense the comeback and Madridista fans were witnessing another thrilling match, not forgetting to cheer and chant for their players, of course.

Real Madrid knew exactly what they had to do and they took the game straight to their opponent on their turf. Players of the likes of Ramos, Raúl and Cannavaro dug fom deep within and the Together We Can spirit was never more present. Reyes then cooly netted the equaliser. Emerson lobbed the ball to the top of the box, Kameni came out to clear and ran into Higuaín, and the ball sat dead on the turf for the Sevillian to swiftly send to the back of the net.


... and sweet dreams as leaders
It was a whole new ball game after the 58th minute. Espanyol looked to shut shop and Madrid faced what were perhaps the most cruial minutes of their seaason thus far. Van Nistelrooy could have made the dream reality had he won a one on one with Kameni (min.64), and Luis García could have sent Madrid reeling (min.78), but Iker Casillas saved the day -and season- by clearing the ball when Moha was alone in front of goal. With no width to the match, both sides carved out everything they could as the stands nervously trembled. A fanbase that provided the team with its second wind; a fanbase that didn't stop cheering and that was vital in achieving such an historic rally.

With the game in its closing minutes, the Bernabéu whistled for a penalty on Sergio Ramos. Referee Undiano Mallenco thought otherwise. But the best was yet to come and the dream had yet to become reality. A question that was finally answered by the last goal scorer of the night. Gonzalo Higuaín (min.89) scored his first goal at the Bernabéu, and it couldn't have been any more special or important. The Stadium roared, the spectators bounced up and down, and when the final whistle was blown, Madrdisistas embraced the possibility of winning the League even tighter. It's now a waiting game until Barcelona play Betis on Sunday, but tonight Real Madrid are the leaders of the Primera Liga.





Match summary by Cristina Monge
Photos by :Marca/Reuters
Translation by Matthew Goltz

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 12:45 AM 0 comments