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Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Confirmed: Ronaldo Transferred to AC Milan


AC Milan have finally completed the signing of Brazilian international striker Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

The 30-year-old, three-times FIFA World Player of the Year, has signed an 18-month contract until June 30, 2008 for a fee of 7.5 million euros ($9.7 million).

Milan are paying 7.5 million euros for the Brazilian up front and an extra 0.5 million if they qualify for the Champions League this season or next.

Real coach Fabio Capello said: "I wish him the best of luck in doing what he used to do which is being a great player."

Ronaldo had been angling for a move ever since Capello criticised him as being overweight and said he was no longer in his plans.

He seemed to make reference to the deterioration of his relationship with the Italian coach, who arrived from Juventus at the start of the season, as he left the Bernabeu on his way to the airport.









"I would like to thank the fans who've supported me all the time and thank all the team mates that I've had here and all the coaches I've had - except one," he said.

"It's sad because I've been here four-and-a-half years, but now I've got another important challenge in my life and that is to succeed in Milan.

"It breaks your heart, but that's life. It is a shame. I never had any problems with the coach, but he didn't want me and as I'm a professional I wanted to carry on playing and so we looked for another solution."

The move ends more than two weeks of negotiations between the clubs for the Brazilian, whose contract with Real was due to expire at the end of next season.

Ronaldo, who inspired Brazil to World Cup victory in 2002 in Asia and holds the record for goals scored in World Cup tournaments with 15, scored 104 goals for Real since joining them in August 2002.

He was the club's leading scorer in each of his four previous seasons in Spain but had limited opportunities to shine following knee surgery after the World Cup last year with coach Fabio Capello preferring Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy up front.

By:CNN.Com

Cristiano Ronaldo Tongue-Tied Over Real Madrid Link


Cristiano Ronaldo knows all about Real Madrid's interest in him, but he isn't talking. The Manchester United star has been told to keep a tight lip over reports linking him with Real Madrid.

"I know about the interest of Real Madrid," Ronaldo acknowledged to AS, before admitting, "I cannot say anything about it."

Ronaldo has been in sensational form for the current Premiership leaders, and it is no surprise the winger is being linked with another famous club. Real are thought to be preparing a summer swoop for Ronaldo.

"I spoke with (Manchester United assistant and compatriot) Carlos Queiroz and Alex Ferguson and they banned me from talking about Real Madrid," revealed Ronaldo.

Ronaldo famously helped get United teammate Wayne Rooney sent off for stomping on Ricardo Carvalho's groin during the Portugal v. England match during the World Cup, though the Portuguese international's case was supported by video evidence. Questions abounded, however, whether or not Ronaldo could return to England and deliver the goods knowing full well his popularity in the country was at an all time low.

"You must understand, I don't want to create problems for myself," Cristiano added.

By:Goal.com

Madrid Grapevine Points At Cassano-Oliveira Swap

















According to rudimentary reports emanating from Spain’s ‘As’ (Ace) newspaper and echoed by the Roma office of the EFE agency, Adriano Galliani may tempted by a Ramón Calderón suggestion that, aside from the almost-done Ronaldo deal, a hypothetical Ricardo Oliveira-Antonio Cassano loan swap would be beneficial for both clubs.


It appears that, if the bubbling hot gossip gels into actual fact, Galliani is going to return to Milan with a bumper duo of Xmas sale knockoffs: the Fenômeno and Talentino.

According to these sources it was Real Madrid who suggested the move to AC Milan, although this is yet to be confirmed.

The only possible stumbling block to the deal would be that both Cassano and Ronaldo have played the current edition of the Champions League with Real Madrid and would, therefore, be ineligible to play for the Rossoneri until the 2007-2008 European season.

Part of the seduction of such a move can be found in recent Inter interest in the unsettled rough diamond from Bari. Both Massimo Moratti and Roberto Mancini have expressed interest in the player and, combined with the landing of the ex-Nerazzurri, would represent a double whammy that would leave Inter black and blue.

Some pundits point towards the fact that Cassano’s preference for the flanks would spread out the Rossoneri attack as Oliveira, Alberto Gilardino, Filippo Inzaghi and (currently suspended) Marco Borriello are all options that thrive in a more central role.

Oliveira would arrive at the Bernabéu with a similar handicap to both Cassano and Ronaldo going in the opposite direction as he has played the current edition of the Champions League with Milan.

More smoke without fire - or just a whiff of what's being cooked up in the Bernabéu back offices? Time will tell as time is running out. Madrid and Milan have until Wednesday at midnight CET to seal the deal(s).


By:Goal.com/As.com

Ronaldo's Milan Move Hits A Snag


Franco Baldini ,RM negiociatior,
with Galliani,AC.Milan Vicepresident



Ronaldo's move to AC Milan has hit a snag, this after the Brazilian striker was in Italy last week to complete his medical.

Ronaldo's current club, Real Madrid, could be trying to leverage the transfer deadline to bilk AC Milan of more than compensation for Ronaldo.

The Merengue attack has been stagnant of late, and it is believed Real are hoping to land Ronaldo's compatriot, striker Ricardo Oliveira, from Milan as part of the deal to give manager Fabio Capello another option up top.

"There is no agreement at the moment," said AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani on Monday.

Galliani, though, claims Milan and Real simply are haggling over price.

"We have offered seven million Euros and Real want eight," added Galliani. "And we haven't agreed on the payment conditions either."

By:Goal.com

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Mijatovic: "We Lost Because We Didn’t Exist"


Real Madrid striker-turned-exec Pedja Mijatovic was crystal clear in his disappointment after the Merengues were beaten by Villarreal. The result leaves Real Madrid without the prize they were aiming for in the wake of the Ronaldo transfer: a temporary view from the top of La Liga.

"There’s really very little to say, especially about the second half. We lost because we didn’t shoot and basically didn’t exist on the field", he explained to ‘La Sexta’. “We knew that it would be a difficult game as Villarreal are strong at home, but we ceased to exist and that can’t happen.”

Mijatovic went on to detail his grievances. According to Calderón’s right-hand man Madrid played… "well in the first half when he created some chances but after the break we let Villarreal have far too much ball possession. Now we have to think carefully and try and find some solutions to the problems we saw."

He also commented acidly on Ronaldo, echoing fans remembering the Milan-bound striker with banners carrying messages such as ‘Ronaldo, el Madrid sin tí ha perdido peso’ (Ronaldo, without you Madrid has lost weight’. “Ronaldo lost too”, he concluded.

By:Goal.com

Capello says Villarreal were "physically superior"






"I've told my players that we must be stong psychologically in order to recover," said Fabio Capello during his post-match press conference, in which he tried to have a positive attitude. "We are close to the very top of the League table, therefore we must be doing something right," added the Italian coach. Capello considers the key to the game was in Villarreal's "physical superiority."

"We suffered considerably during the second half. They were physically superior. They found it easier to recover the ball."

"I have to cheer my players up in order for them to move on. I think Villarreal proved to be a tough rival that have recovered from drawing against Sevilla last week. They are a very difficult team to defeat at home."

"We will recover Raúl and Guti next week, and we will have to see how Emerson evolves... Roberto Carlos' injury will take longer to heal. We must look ahead positively."

"We did some good things, although we suffered physically at times."

"We had three excellent chances on goal in the first half, while they only had one. They are obviously a better team than Mallorca, but I think the match was even until they scored. It's hard to play here. I am rather surprised that they haven't done better this season, although, come to think of it, they have sustained several injuries."

"These things happen and we must be strong psychologically in order to recover. I've told my players this."

"We played with Van Nistelrooy and Higuaín as forwards and with Reyes and Robinho as attacking midfielders. Nevertheless, Villarreal gave us few options of getting through. We tried, but they stopped us many times."

"We are close to the very top of the League table, therefore we must be doing something right."

Report by Luis Navarro
Photography by David R. Anchuelo

Special correspondents to Villarreal

Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Villarreal 1-0 Real Madrid: The locals put an end to the Whites' winning streak




Real Madrid were incapable of earning their third consecutive League victory against Villarreal. The locals were more fortunate when it came down to scoring in a very hard fought and intense match that never saw the Whites give up. Marcos scored the game's only goal in the second half. Real Madrid will look to recover with a victory against Levante next Sunday in Madrid.



Villarreal took the pitch determined to make history, since they had never won against Real Madrid up until tonight. During the first fifteen minutes, the match mainly took place on Real Madrid's side of the pitch, as Villarreal pressured much more and proved more decisive. All the Whites could do was defend themselves any way they could, particularly from numerous corner kicks awarded in favour of the locals. Villarreal focused on attacking down the left wing through José Enrique, Mati Fernández and Marcos, who managed to put Ramos and Reyes through a lot of trouble.

Torres -who played his fifth consecutive match as a starter tonight- was also put to the test on the left wing, but he defended his position with accuracy. Villarreal's dominance ended with a long shot whipped in by Mati Fernández that Casillas had no trouble saving. From then onwards, Real Madrid got more involved in the match and started passing the ball much quicker. Robinho soon got a chance from a quick pass from Ramos, but he shot the ball over the crossbar.

Growing intensity
Reyes constantly asked for the ball and was in charge of taking all of his team's free-kicks. On one occasion he was close to scoring, but Viera managed to save the day for Villarreal. It seemed the stakes had been turned: Gago and Diarra were in control of the midfield, while Villarreal were growing quieter by the minute. But this was not meant to last. The locals soon took on the attack and reached Casillas' box on several occasions, especially through Senna, who even had a shot on goal that went over the crossbar.

Villarreal's attack grew stronger and their best chance was yet to come. Most of the fight for the ball took place in the midfield, where the game was stopped several times, but on the 30-minute mark Casillas' reflexes were put to the test, by stopping two consecutive shots -by Senna and Mati Fernández, respectively- and getting in the way of a third. His savings were masterly. The pace of the match decreased up until the end of the first half. Villarreal were showing signs of exhaustion and Real Madrid were quietly waiting for their chance, which came through a shot by Higuaín that the local keeper managed to stop. Both the Argentine and Van Nistelrooy were hardly assisted by their teammates tonight and they had hardly any chances to shine.

Villarreal strike
The second half also saw most of the fight taking place in the midfield. Both teams showcased a lot of heart and passion, but not enough planning. Robinho served two balls to Sergio Ramos, but the defender failed to put them into the back of the net, while Villarreal had one of their best chances from a corner kick by Senna. The game desperately needed a goal and Mati Fernández, determined to fulfil its need, gave an excellent pass to Marcos, who managed to put the ball in.

Casillas was powerless to stop the shot, which went in on the 67'. Capello looked to create more ball movement by replacing Reyes with De la Red and Real Madrid tried and tried, but were incapable of catching Villarreal off-guard. The locals, playing safe, focused on defending in order to keep the positive result they earned. It took them nine years to defeat Real Madrid, but through hard work they managed to finally do so. The Whites' next League match will be against Levante on Sunday 4 February.


MATCH REPORT:
1 – VILLARREAL:
Viera, Josemi, Cygan, Fuentes, Jose Enrique; Senna, Josico, Marcos, Cani (Tacchinardi 86’); Matías Fernández (Guille Franco 75’) and Forlán (Tomasson 82’).

0 – REAL MADRID: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Helguera, Cannavaro, Torres; Reyes (De la Red 65´), Diarra, Gago (Nieto 80’), Robinho; Higuaín and Van Nistelrooy.
GOALS: 1-0, 67':
Marcos crosses a ball into the back of Casillas' goal.

REFEREE:
Clos Gómez. Booked Ramos (34´), Cai (82’) and Senna (92’).
HIGHLIGHTS:
Matchday 20 of the Spanish League. Venue: El Madrigal. Attendance: 23,000.




Report by Luis Navarro
Photography by : Reuters/AP Photos

Special correspondents to Villarreal

Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Friday, January 26, 2007

Fabio Capello:"I want my players to take the pitch with heart, guts, and strength"







Fabio Capello appeared before the media prior to leaving to Villarreal, where on Saturday the Whites will play "a very important match" that's a must-win in order to stay at the top on the League table. The Madridista coach reviewed the current state of the team and confessed that one of his main objectives since rejoining Real Madrid has been to "get back that winning spirit."

What did you and Doménech talk about?
That's between two coaches. It wouldn't be proper to talk about here. He can talk about it if he wants, but I don't think it's correct because of the respect I have for a coach of his stature.

It looks like Ronaldo is definitely leaving.
He is still a Real Madrid player until he passes his physical and signs a contract. I know the offer exists, but it's not right to talk about Ronaldo. We have to wait. We will talk about him during the next press conference when all is signed and done.

Have you already started thinking about a replacement for the attack?
We'll talk about all that when the Ronaldo issue is over. We try to find players who can have a future at Real Madrid. We're always looking, not just because Ronaldo may be leaving.

Raúl could be the solution by playing further up in attack.
Raúl has played that same position a lot.

Your thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo?
He plays for Manchester.

Is it true that they called you from Italy to ask for Ronaldo?
That is private. I don't like talking about it to the press. It's not my nature. Private calls, like my talk with the French national coach, are private.

Was the Ronaldo issue a personal problem?
He wasn't very happy here. But I don't want the players to be happy. I want them to train and play like they know how to. I've never had anything personal against him because I have always respected everyone. I want them to train and to take the pitch with heart, guts, and strength. I have said that I want to get back that winning spirit since the moment I got here.

Beckham isn't traveling to Villarreal.
He didn't make the list under doctor's orders. His knee is bothering him. I want to speak about the match. The Villarreal match is very important to me as a coach.

Are you counting on him until 30 June?
He has to be fit in order to make the list. We can't call up players who don't train. A lot depends on his physical form, as it does any player. I don't have friends or enemies. I have a squad and I play the best I have. We are short on players right now, as is Castilla. I have to count on those who train. It's all up to [Beckham].

Did you think you rushed in saying that Beckham would never again play for Madrid?
Mistakes are often made. It's up to the coaching staff, and the three of us decide what measures to take. He can be a part of the team when I see him demonstrate good form and good mentality.

Do you like Robinho along the left and Reyes along the right?
I always remember Robinho playing along the left in Brazil. He has always played on the left wing here. I think playing the two, one on the right and the other on the left, provides the best results. I think Robinho has fewer opportunities to dribble along the right. His step-overs are a lot better on the left wing.

Would you have preferred to make some of the decisions that you are making now at the beginning of the season?
What's important isn't what is said or told, but what is done. We all arrived on 4 July. We are making decisions because we realise we have to take one route to get to the final objective. We are trying to get back that winning spirit, and the fans are understanding.

Are you worried that you are short of players?
We have five players out injured, and we need them back. I think we're jinxed.

Are you making sporting decisions that you previously couldn't, or weren't allowed to make?
There's not just one person in charge here. The entire coaching staff sits down to talk, but I have the final say, of course. I am the main boss.

Your thoughts on everything the press says.
I am a freedom of speech advocate. Everyone has the right to express their opinion, but always with total respect towards others. That, oftentimes, doesn't happen.


Report by Laura Navas
Photos by David R. Anchuelo

Translation by Matthew Goltz
Video By :Marca.com

Capello calls up 19 players for Saturday's match;Nieto, De la Red and Torres to make the trip





VS

Saturday 27 at 22:00 PM
(El Madrigal Stadium)






Fabio Capello will take all available players to Villarreal. With Raúl, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, Emerson, Marcelo, and Cicinho all listed on the medical report, the Italian boss is once again relying on the services of youth teamers Torres, Nieto, and De la Red. Guti will stay in Madrid despite having recovered from his sprained ankle.


Fabio Capello will take 19 pllayers to Villarreal for Saturday's match, 14 from the first team and four youth teamers -Nieto, Torres, De la Red, and Casilla- who continue providing positive results and have become regulars at training. The medical report helped the Madridista manager chalk up the final list of men who will travel to the province of Valencia. The five players still out due to injuries are Raúl, Roberto Carlos, Emerson, Marcelo, and Beckham. Then there's Cicinho who has been out since September. Meanwhile, Guti has recovered from his right ankle sprain, but will stay in the Spanish capital, mostly likely to avoid any relapse.

The name that comes to the forefront is that of David Beckham. The Englishman had returned to training on Thursday after getting over a strained quadriceps, but did not participate in today's workout while suffering from a niggled left knee. The official diagnosis is tendonosis, and for that reason Capello was not able to include Beckham on the squad list. Cassano and Ronaldo will also stay behind due to a coaching decision.


VILLARREAL-REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST:

  • Goalkeepers: Casillas, Diego López and Casilla.
  • Defenders: Míchel Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Raúl Bravo, Helguera, Pavón, Mejía, Torres.
  • Midfielders: Diarra, Gago, Reyes, De la Red and Nieto.
  • Forwards: Robinho, Van Nistelrooy and Higuaín.

SCHEDULE:
# Friday 26: Pre-match preparation at Real Madrid City and Valdebebas. 18:15 pm CET.
# Saturday 27: Villarreal-Real Madrid (El Madrigal Stadium). 22:00 pm.
# Tuesday 30: Training at Valdebebas. 11:00 am.



Report by Laura Navas
Translation by Matthew Goltz

Ronaldo has medical tests for AC Milan

Ronaldo took a physical for AC Milan on Friday following the Italian club's offer to Real Madrid for the Brazilian star.

He was examined at a private clinic near Como and had lunch with coach Carlo Ancelotti before having more tests at the club's training center in Milanello.

Milan has made an undisclosed offer for the 30-year-old striker. Club vice president Adriano Galliani has said he will travel to Madrid on Monday in hope of completing the signing.

Ronaldo has six days remaining in the January transfer window to switch clubs. Otherwise, he will have to stay at Madrid at least until the end of the season.

Ronaldo left the Spanish capital by private jet Thursday to attend Milan's 2-2 tie with AS Roma in the first leg of an Italian Cup semifinal at San Siro stadium.

"After the game Ronaldo came to greet us, he seemed very happy," Brazil midfielder Kaka said Friday. "He chose Milan over another offer that was financially more substantial."

Kaka plays with Ronaldo for Brazil and said teaming with him at Milan would be "a dream come true."

Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport said the deal had not been sealed yet, with Milan offering $9 million for the player and Madrid asking $9.7 million.

"It's not yet all over," Ronaldo told the news agency ANSA.

He hasn't been chosen to play for Madrid since the Jan. 7 defeat at Deportivo La Coruna. He said Monday his difficulties with coach Fabio Capello seem set to force him from the team.

If he goes to Milan, Ronaldo would be returning to the city where he spent five years with rival Inter Milan. He joined Madrid in 2002, winning the Spanish league at the end of his first season -- his last major title.

Associated Press
Photos:REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (ITALY)

Red Devil Red Alert Over Cristiano Ronaldo


Manchester United are starting to feel the first signs that another Old Trafford idol will be lured away to the Spanish capital as Real Madrid appear to have set their sights on a second ManU number 7. Will Cristiano follow in David’s footsteps?

Spanish daily ‘As’ (Ace) quotes a 50 million Euro offensive being put together by the men from Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo seen as the cornerstone of a new Merengue project as new President Ramón Calderón tries to stamp his own identity on the club.

With the Kaká bid having failed spectacularly last summer, a fresh assault on a young idol is being prepared and Manchester United are starting to feel the heat being turned up. After all, the number 7 all but threw a tantrum and wanted a move to the White House last summer.

He’s under contract until 2010, but the deal could be bettered by Madrid, so Old Trafford are pondering raising the club salary ceiling and offering the Portuguese forward a practically bulletproof lifetime contract at Manchester.

Alex Ferguson and owner Malcolm Glazer, are desperate to retain the star who’s still seen as developing his game rather than having peaked already. A Red Devils spokesman confirmed the Coach’s determination to continue counting on the player.

"Alex wants to build a future Manchester United around Cristiano and we’re working on a contract update that reflects the player’s performances and his importance to the club. This team needs him, never mind how much money Madrid offer, he’s more valuable here."

The 21 year-old is enjoying his finest season so far with 13 goals scored already and praise raining down from all corners of the sporting media. His shining performances have already earned him four all-expenses-paid R&R days in Dubai courtesy of Ferguson and Queiroz.

The only thing that remains to be seen is if Cristiano Ronaldo will follow his heart or the best offer. He’s back in the bosom of the Red Devil faithful after his stroppy summer outbursts and could well become a myth at Old Trafford, but the White House is beckoning with untold riches. Which will – or should – he choose?

By:Goal.com

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Ronaldo-Milan: The Fenômeno Has Landed

Ronaldo and Galliani in San Siro watching Roma-Milan Now

Silvio Berlusconi is in the process of receiving Ronaldo Nazario de Lima, a.k.a. Ronaldo, R9 or ‘O Fenômeno’ (The Phenomenon), the Brazilian having landed in Milan’s Malpensa international airport a few minutes ago.


Some sources put the ex-Italian Premier at the airport itself while others point towards a very public appearance alongside the new AC Milan striker on the Giuseppe Meazza (a.k.a. San Siro) terraces at tonight’s Milan-Roma Coppa de Italia clash.

Ronaldo is expected to pass the medical tomorrow, although some have actually tipped the Brazilian for a lightning visit to a clinic today in order that he can be officially ‘hugged’ by Berlusconi tonight in front of the Rossoneri stadium and television faithful.

Milan’s lawyer, Leandro Cantamessa, has confirmed that the path is clear for Ronaldo Nazario de Lima to sign the contract at the start of next week. "Monday or Tuesday are days that we could think of seeing Ronaldo presented officially.

But all of this is intimately related to the player passing his medical", underlined Cantamessa, also a member of the Lombardy club’s regional council, before ending on a high note. "We’ve got over all the obstacles with Real Madrid and now it’s just a question of the medical giving the green light", ended Cantamessa.


By:Goal.com
Photo By:La Gazzetta dello Sport/www.Gazzetta.it

Ruud van Nistelrooy : "I have faith in the team and I think we'll do well in the second half of the season"







Ruud van Nistelrooy has scored ten goals so far in the Spanish League, but he wants to score many more in the second part of the championship. Van Nistelrooy said that he has a lot of faith in the team.

The team hasn't scored many goals lately.
Results are more important. We need to win more than ever after the games against Recreativo Huelva and Deportivo. Winning the last two League matches has made us regain our confidence.

Does the team need another striker?
I'm a player, not the President. It's not up to me to decide.

Are you aware of the absentee votes situation that the Club is involved in?
I don't understand these words. No matter how many Spanish classes I take, I will never understand them... I know nothing about it.

What do you think of David Beckham's situation?
This is a hard time for David, and for us too, because we want the best for our teammates. The most important thing for us to do is to move on and keep winning games. Beckham has proven to be a true professional throughout his career. He made his debut at the age of 17 with Manchester United, which means his professional career has lasted for 15 years. It's a great opportunity for him to go to the US. It was his own personal choice. He had many other offers from other Clubs, but he decided to go to the States.

Rumour has it that Cristiano Ronaldo may join Real Madrid next season. What do you think of him as a player?
He is a fantastic player. This season is his best so far at Manchester United. He's scoring many goals and he is playing very well. Despite his young age, he has a lot of experience, as he has played in a World Cup and in the European Championships. It will be up to Real Madrid and Manchester to see what happens. Every new teammate is welcome. I know for a fact that he is one of Alex Ferguson's favourite young players. It's also up to the player to decide. Ronaldo causes a great impression on people.

You face Villarreal this weekend. The fact that it's an away game benefits you, as you haven't been getting good results in the Bernabéu.
That changed in the match against Zaragoza. We played an excellent game and the crowd were amazingly supportive. I am convinced we are going to get much better results in the Bernabéu during the second half of the season.

Didn't you have major differences with Cristiano Ronaldo when you were in Manchester?
Nothing serious ever happened. The press simply made too much out of nothing.

Do you think the Spanish League is worse this season than in previous editions?
No. I think the League is very strong this year. Five teams are strong contenders for the top spot, which shows this is a very competitive and hard competition to play in. Any team can win.

Why have you refused to return to the Dutch national team?
I spoke to Van Basten when he came to Valdebebas. An official statement I made was published by the Dutch press. My concerns didn't have any thing to do with playing or not. I just wanted the coach to have confidence in me. As he couldn't provide that confidence, I declined joining Holland. Nevertheless, I could make my return if he changes his mind about certain issues.

Are you happy with your ten goals in the League?
I am, but I haven't scored in many games. I came here to score goals. Some matches have been harder for me than others. I have scored in very few games, but I intend to score more often in the second half. I prefer to score in more matches than scoring many more goals per clash, although, naturally, I wouldn't mind scoring a hat-trick.

On Saturday you will play against Diego Forlan, with whom you played on Manchester United.
He's a great friend of mine, but it is important for us to win on Saturday. I will get together with him before or after the match.

Are you scoring less goals because Capello demands more defensive work from you?
I don't think so. We formed a new team at the start of the season. The team has changed again with the latest signings. These new players are helping us win games. I have faith in this team.

What do you think of Ronaldo's imminent departure?
How can you be so sure about him leaving? As far as I know he's on this team and I have just finished training with him as always. He is a fantastic player and a great person. He is one of the best footballers in history. I will be very sad if he leaves.

The current situation leaves you alone in the attack.
It's important for the team to have more options. Robinho could also play as a striker, as well as Higuaín and Reyes. I hope Raúl gets better soon because he is a very important player for us. Guti and Roberto Carlos are also currently injured. The team's three captains are injured!

Do you understand why Ronaldo is leaving?
I'm not here to talk about that. It concerns the Club, not me. I've never had any problems with any of my teammates.


Report by Luis Navarro
Photography by David R. Anchuelo
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell
Video By:Marca.com

Ronaldo Flying To Milan


The Fenômeno is on his way back to Italy four and a half years later, returning to the same city, Milan, although to wear a different jersey at San Siro.

Spanish daily ‘Sport’ somewhat melodramatically announced ‘Ronaldo’s second act of treachery’ as it described the deal that would see the number 9 wear a Rossoneri shirt.

The paper evidently refers to a first ‘treason’ – joining Real Madrid after playing for Barcelona – now being doubled as he ‘betrays’ Nerazzurri fans and father figure Massimo Moratti.

‘Marca’ (Score) says that the player is now flying to Milan in order to pass the routine medical that is the last step to him being unveiled by Galliani with a red-and-black jersey in hand.

Negotiator Ernesto Bronzetti has confirmed the agreement at six million Euros rather than the 7.5 million that was supposed this morning. Both Real Madrid and AC Milan ceded substantially in their demands to reach the agreement.

"The deal to bring Ronaldo to Milan is now a fact and the price is around the six million-Euro mark", explained Bronzetti to RAI International television.

Bronzetti was at pains to dot the ‘I’s and cross the ‘t’s as he stressed "This doesn’t mean that the player has been transferred as he must pass the pertinent medical exams.

“After we’ve sorted that out then there are a few details that need sorting out, nothing big, but we’re in a no big hurry and prefer to do things correctly”, he added.

'As' even suggests that the player may well watch the AC Milan-AS Roma Coppa clash at San Siro tonight and undergo the medical first thing tomorrow in order to be unveiled at lunchtime.

By:Goal.com

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

No Real move for Ronaldo - Queiroz


Manchester United have shrugged off reported interest from Real Madrid about winger Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the player is going nowhere.

Reports in the Spanish press on Wednesday suggest Ronaldo will be the big summer target for Madrid, who were also heavily linked to the Portuguese international last year.

However, assistant boss Carlos Queiroz, who was manager at Madrid in 2003, is adamant the 21-year-old is not for sale.

"No (to a possible transfer). In addition to that, we are speaking with him about renewing his contract," Queiroz said in Marca.

Ronaldo's current contract ties him to Old Trafford until 2010.

"The club have a clear policy. It is not necessary that a player has to finish his contract before we think about renewing it," Queiroz added.

"(Ryan) Giggs has been with us for 14 years and he has renewed his contract many times.

"This club do not need the agents to recognise the work of the players.

"We anticipate things ourselves and that is what we are going to do with Cristiano."

Speculation about a possible Madrid swoop for Ronaldo hit fever pitch during last summer's World Cup.
Ronaldo twice declared he wanted to quit Old Trafford for Spain, the second time coming in the wake of his antics in the World Cup quarter-final against England, where he appeared to be involved in getting United club-mate Wayne Rooney sent off.

However, Ronaldo ended up staying in Manchester and has been a revelation this season, scoring 13 goals already to help United go clear at the top of the Premiership.

And Queiroz believes it is the way of the sport that rival teams such as Madrid will be linked to the player, who was a £12.24million signing from Sporting Lisbon in August 2003.

"It is natural that the media talk about Cristiano Ronaldo with Real Madrid. He is a great player and Madrid are a great club, but it is just speculation. They are fantasises," said Queiroz.

"The football that he is playing in Manchester is an example that he is happy here and he has his head at United. He has talent and is the best in the world.

"He is always the first to arrive at training and the last to go.

"Many times when the session has finished, we shower, eat and then we look at the pitch and he is still training," said Queiroz about his fellow Portuguese.

"He is a player who has a divine gift. He was born to be the best in the world."

By:foxsports.com

Madrid Looking To Switch Ronaldos


Reports from Madrid are suggesting the name on Ronaldo’s Bernabeu locker won’t need to change next season, as someone with his same name is expected to arrive in the Spanish capital this summer.

With the Kaka’ deal stalled, Madrid chairman Ramon Calderon has now decided Cristiano Ronaldo is the club’s top priority for next season.


Real appear to be one of the few clubs able to complete the requests necessary for the completion of the deal.

The first is clearly the money to afford both the player’s high salary and the huge transfer fee Manchester United are expected to ask in exchange for their Portuguese prodigy, who has a contract binding him to the Red Devils until 2011.


The second, almost more important than the first, is the fact that C. Ronaldo would be more than happy to make the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu as he has stated in more than one interview over the past few years.


Going back to the other Ronaldo, the possible deal bringing him to Milan has entered its crucial phase with the next hours being the deciding factor to whether the switch will actually take place or not.

By:Goal.com

Ronaldo Deal Not Today-Galliani


Adriano Galliani

AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani has confirmed the deal bringing Brazilian super-star Ronaldo to Italy is still on hold.

“Ronaldo won’t arrive today,” Galliani told reporters on Wednesday morning.

“I met once again with Real Madrid’s sports director Franco Baldini. The talks are ongoing, we will talk again soon,” he added.

Baldini arrived in Milan last night to negotatiate with the Milan management.

This is a step forward in the deal, as until yesterday AC Milan only had the player’s ok, while they hadn’t even begun talks with Real.

The Spanish club is said to want 10 million euro (US$13 million), well below Milan's unsuccessful offer of 22 million euro (US$28.6 million) five months ago.



By:Goal.com/AP.

Ronaldo ready for exit


Ronaldo remains hopeful that talks with Real Madrid will conclude with him being released on a free transfer in order to join Milan.

The Brazil international has fallen foul of Fabio Capello's desire to purge his squad of those that he feels no longer have the appetite to play on the highest stage.

David Beckham has seen his days in the Spanish capital numbered by the Italian disciplinarian and now, Ronaldo too appears to also be heading for the exit door.

Milan are eager to bring him back to Serie A, where he previously enjoyed a prolific but injury ravaged spell at their neighbours Internazionale earlier in his career.

They are not, though, willing to pay a fee for his services, leaving Ronaldo with the task of trying to negotiate a release from his existing contract.

"I think my future will be far from Madrid," said Ronaldo. "It will be that way because the coach doesn't want me."

Agent Ernesto Bronzetti, who is handling the deal from Milan's end, is confident that an agreement could be struck before too long.

"I'm still optimistic," he said. "This will be resolved. Everything is in Ronaldo's hands."

By: Skysports.com

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Mijatovic to Realmadrid.com: "We're leaders: mission accomplished so far"


Halfway through the current campaign, Pedja Mijatovic wanted to take stock of Real Madrid's performance to date. With the Whites co-leading the championship next to Sevilla and Barcelona, the Director of Sports talked exclusively to Realmadrid.com and RealmadridTV and analysed the role of the winter window signings. He also spoke openly about the situation of Ronaldo, Beckham and Cassano. Mijatovic is very happy with the team's attitude these last few League matchdays and trusts that the Club will meet its objectives by the end of the season through hard work and commitment.


The first half of La Liga has gone by and Real Madrid are table co-leaders with Sevilla and Barcelona. Your thoughts, please.
Things are good. Mission accomplished, I think. Although it is also true that we are thinking of the points that have already fled the Bernabéu in the last 5 months. But that's football for you. I think we played fairly well. The team did its job and is up there, fighting for the title. Now, we have to keep on fighting to maintain this privileged position until the end of the campaign. I think we have a competitive team, so it shouldn't be a problem. The team have proved exceptional character over the last three games and it has a good blend of youth and experience. The signings in July brought the necessary experience, while the Winter transfer window signings have focused mainly on young players, thinking of the future as well. I think this will work, although it is true that we have a lot of work ahead of us still. The team knows what it has to do: work harder with every passing day to meet our objectives.

The winter transfer window has seen three new players join our ranks.
We signed young players thinking of now, but especially of the future. It would be unfair to think that they are here to fix the problems we have now. Surely, they are top quality players that will be stars in the future team of Real Madrid. We have to work hard. We have the plans laid out. It won't be easy, but we knew this from the start. We inherited quite a difficult situation, with the team having won nothing in the last 3 years. But it's not an excuse. I think we can fight to win it all and also improve.
In spite of the elimination against Betis, the fans saw the team off the pitch with a roaring farewell.
The team is convincing many skeptics. I am sure that we can do even better, work harder, but we are getting there little by little. The fans are increasingly convinced that the team can stay up there and be fully immersed in the fight for the titles. We're pleased at the moment. We've lived through rough patches. For example, last summer we had many difficulties: we couldn't do our job because we had very little time to achieve what we wanted. But, in the end, things are working out. Our priority right now is to stay in the very top end of the table and maintain our options intact, both in the Primera Liga and in the Champions League. Also, we need to improve with every passing game.

The image of the team has changed radically since the game against Deportivo Coruña.
We wanted to correct our mistakes and I think we're achieving this. The team has a positive attitude and is hungry to do things well. Moreover, we have brought new and extremely talented players who have, in any case, joined when things were quite complicated. So, we need to give them some time. But we're very excited because the team is working and, therefore, I think we are in a position to do this. Now, we need to focus on maintgaining this philosophy and improve in all terrains little by little.

The arrival and good performances of Gago and Higuaín, who have made the teamsheet consecutively in the last few games, has also been a morale boost for the fans.
Take into account that our last three signings -Higuain, Gago and Marcelo, who unfortunately injured himslef a few weeks ago- are players that can be useful now. But we brought these players thinking of the future. We can"t tell the fans that they are here to save the team through its current mishaps. They have adapted well, to the point that two of them have been starters over the last few games. They have proved that they have a bright future ahead of them. I think we need to protect and look after them. We have to explain to them that they haven't come here to save the day, but that they are here thinking mostly of the future.

With just a few days before the winter transfer window is officially closed, there are three footballers who have been targeted by all media because they might be leaving Real Madrid pretty soon. How is the whole Ronaldo affair as we speak?
We are talking things through with his closest circle. We have some offers for him and we'll have to see what happens before closing date. I want to make one thing very clear because there's been a lot of talk surrounding this matter in the last few days, and that's letting him go for free. Real Madrid cannot allow that. He has suffered a lot over the last few years. It is true that he has not played a lot but we have trie to recover him for the team. Both me and the coach decided to decline the offer we received for him this summer. We kept him here, thinking that we could recover him for the team. In the end, we have been forced to realise that things have not turned out as we thought they would. That's what the situation is like now, so we'll have to wait and see what happens these next few days.

Cassano is pretty much expected to leave.
We have had problems with Cassano. He's done a couple of things that we did not like at all. We will try to find a solution that's good for him and for the Club. If nothing interesting arises in the ten days until the winter window is up, he will stay here and then we'll see what happens.

How about Beckham's situation?
He has six months left on his contract. He's here and like many players who have been important in this Club, he wants to play. But there are very promising youngsters who want an opportunity and look like they have a brilliant future ahead of them. I think these young players have an advantage right now, because the future of Real Madrid now has priority over the players that have been here for many years. What is evident is that he still has six months left on his contract, which he has to see through. The rest is up to the coach.

Given this situation, the most benefitted parties are the youth system players, who have now found an open door through which to slip through and find a spot in the first team. Torres is doing everything right.
Yes, we are very happy with Torres. He has done very well through these tough times. Since we were elected this summer, our intention has always been to count the youth players in. I think that Míchel has done a great job in this sense, because in the summer we had no time to sign anyone for Real Madrid Castilla. We are ever so happy for the kid. He's made the starting eleven in the last few games and he's doing exceptionally well. There are others, like De la Red, Valero, Nieto... many young and promising and talented players. We want to promote players from the youth system categories always. The B team is in a very tough championship, the Spanish Segunda Liga, but they're strong and working and doing better with the passing of time. I think that we will have a chance to see many more players from our youth system in the future.

Proof of the quality of the youth system are youngsters like Nieto, who has gone from Real Madrid C to being called up with the first team.
There is lots of talent in the youth categories. But when we arrived here this summer, I have to say that Míchel found a situation that could best be represented as chaotic. He had no reports and it was very hard to work in those conditions. But he's done well by the team. He's assembled a solid side and now he's out there, competing every weekend. There is talent and quality, but also a lot of work ahead of us to achieve the goals we have set for the first team and all the youth teams in our system.

How about a message for Madridismo?
We have two main objectives: the League and the Champions League. We are working hard and excited to do things well. The team has the capacity to stay at the very top. In spite of all the problems we have faced these five months, we finish the first half of the tournament leading the table jointly with two other teams who were in a much better situation to win the League. In the Champions League, we will face the Last 16 stage against a superb opponent, so the tie will be hard-fought. But we will do everything that is in our hands to go through. It would be key for us. Now, the most important thing is to avoid thinking of the ultimate objectives and focus on the games at hand. This is how we will get closer and closer to our objectives. As regards RM Castilla, the team needs to stay in the Spanish Segunda division. Míchel is very acquainted with the entire youth system, so I think that he will also be able to achieve our goals in the end.


Interview by Laura Navas
Photos by Ángel Martínez
Translation by Luis Orueta

Fabio Capello believes his team is in "good psychophysical form"


Fabio Capello appeared before the press at the Ono Estadi to anlayse the important victory against Mallorca. The Italian boss thought Madrid had the best scoring opportunities -up to five-, while Casillas was rarely put to the test by the islanders.


"I didn't make any gesture. Absolutely not! It was a sign of frustration, but not directed towards anyone. Please, let's get this straight. I was one metre away from going into the tunnel. Let's not create more controversy. It was just nerves because the game could have gone either way until the very end."

"I liked my players' attitudes. The team is in goodpsychophysical form. Winning here isn't easy. I am pleased."

"We are happy because we are in the top spot until Wednesday, but this is a very hard League. I am happy for the kids who are playing during these difficult times. It's not easy to find a player with so much personality and talent in defence and attack as Torres."

"We had our chances, at least five clear opportunities. Getting to the box is what's important. There will be days that we take three shots and score three goals. That's football."

"I decided to play Torres because he's in extraordinary form. I spoke to Raúl Bravo before the match to find out how he was feeling. Torres is a true Madrid player. After Ramos was injured, I put everyone in their natural position because he is a true winger, although he also played as centre back against Kyiv. I thought it was the most natural thing to do."

"There's still a lot of time before the Champions League and we're missing many players. We can't talk about our chances because we still have a month to go. We lost a lot of players in just one week."

"We won with merit. We did well in the second half. Only long balls could have changed the outcome at the end, but we also had some chances on the counter. I saw several scoring opportunities, and Casillas didn't even make one save, except for when he was warming up. The deserving team won. We're in good form, we're hungry to win, and we defeated a team that stopped Sevilla in their tracks."

"The two forwards did a great job. They held on to the ball and had their chances, and that's what matters."

"We're on the way. We're the top team until Wednesday. We are very happy. We've gone through some tough moments and lost fairly at times and had matches to forget about. We're well."


Report by Luis Navarro
Photos by Daniel Sastre
Special correspondents to Mallorca

Translation by Matthew Goltz

Monday, January 22, 2007

Mallorca 0-1 Real Madrid:Crucial win thanks to a Reyes free kick gives the Whites a share of the top spot





0 - 1






Mission accomplished. Real Madrid will leave Mallorca with three points in hand thanks to a an absolutely beautiful free kick. The Whites had their fair share of chances to open up a bigger lead against a scrappy Mallorca who fought until the final whistle. Sergio Ramos withdrew in the second half due to injury. The second consecutive League victory gives the Madridistas a share of the top spot in the League table.


Capello was finally able to use the same back line that played during the second half of the Betis match. Youth teamer Torres got his fourth consecutive start and played along the left wing, Sergio Ramos occupied the right flank, and Helguera and Cannavaro were paired up as centre backs. From the midfield up, everything was as expected with so many players injured. Diarra and Gago joined forces in the centre midfield, Reyes and Robinho took the wings, and Higuaín and Van Nistelrooy led the attack.

Mallorca came out of the starting blocks the hungrier side and quickly made their way to the visitors' third, but Ibagaza's cross was cleared by the defence. The islanders had little trouble moving the ball as Madrid tried to get organised on the pitch. In minute 7, Maxi López was the next to fire a warning shot after a give-and-go with Ibagaza. Casillas made the save with ease.

The match was at a virtual standstill and neither side could move with fluidity. Gago and Diarra tried their best to control the midfield, while Reyes and Robinho switched sides with each other, but nothing seemed to work. More plays were being stopped than created by the 22 men on the pitch.

Two Madridista chances
Capello and Manzano did what they could from their respective benches to make the match more pleasant to watch. The players weren't doing their share to warm up a frigid night until the Madridistas had two chances which brought the crowd to its feet -following a wayward Van Nistelrooy shot from outside the box-. First, Higuaín skillfully contolled a long ball from Diarra only to find himself directly in front of the keeper Moyá. Then, Ramos' header off the resulting corner kick hit the crossbar of the Mallorca goal.

They were the best scoring opportunities of the first half, and things went right back to normal soon thereafter. There was little pace to the match, but standing out was Jonás, who was a constant threat along the left flank. Casillas was forced to make an agile save on one of the islander's shots moments before halftime. Maxi López, Barinas, and Higuaín all had their goes, but none of their long range shots were cause for concern. The teams headed to the dressing rooms with 45 more minutes to decide the match.

Brilliant Reyes goal
Real Madrid took the pitch for the second half with their sights set on putting the game in the books. Van Nistelrooy immediately received a Helguera pass which resulted in a corner kick, but Diarra was unable to header the ball on target from inside the small box. It was the third obvious chance the Madridistas had to score. As Raúl Bravo had replaced Sergio Ramos, who left the field with a niggled ankle, Torres moved to the right wing and quickly adjusted to the change. No matter what side Capello plays the youngster on, he continues to impress the Italian boss. Real Madrid wanted the victory and went right after it. The lone goal of the match came off a free kick provoked by the scorer himself. Reyes' perfect technique sent the ball curling away from the keeper and into the corner of the net, giving the Whites three crucial points. Capello's men held their ground and De la Red had yet another clear scoring chance. Real Madrid will again be put to the test next Saturday at Villarreal.

MATCH SUMMARY:
0 – MALLORCA: Moyá; Héctor, Ramis, Nunes, Navarro; Jonás, Basinas, Jordi López, Varela (Jankovic 80’), "Caño" Ibagaza (Arango 71’); Maxi López.
1 – REAL MADRID Casillas; Ramos (Raúl Bravo 56’), Helguera, Cannavaro, Torres; Reyes, Diarra, Gago, Robinho; Higuaín (De la Red 86’) and Van Nistelrooy.
GOALS:
0-1, min. 77: Reyes free kick.


REFEREE: Fernández Borbalán (Andalusian Referee Association). Ibagaza (24’), Ramos (43’) and Diarra (66’) booked.

MATCH SUMMARY IN Video:


Matchday 19 of the Primera Liga played at the Ono Estadi. Real Madrid wore black armbands in honour of the death of Vicente Boluda Crespo, father of Club Vice-President Vicente Boluda Fos.




Match report by Luis Navarro
Photos by Daniel Sastre Special correspondents to Mallorca
Translation by Matthew Goltz

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Mallorca-Real Madrid preview:More than just Three Points





VS





Real Mallorca (15th, 20pts)
Real Madrid (3rd, 35 pts)


When: 21:00 (CET) - Sunday, January 21, 2007
Where: Ono Estadi, Mallorca



It's the final match of the first half of the season, and the battle for the top spot in the table is tighter than ever. Real Madrid are hoping that the great play demonstrated in their last League match against Zaragoza is just the be
ginning of a string of success. While Cicinho, Guti, Marcelo, Roberto Carlos, Raúl, Emerson and Beckham are all out due to injury, the Whites have landed in Mallorca with their sights set on the three points that would crown them the top team in the League and Winter Champions.



It will be the last match of the first half of the season in terms of the time it gets underway, but it definitely won't be the last in terms of importance. At stake are three crucial points for two teams who aspire to very different things. The hosts will be looking to bring smiles to their supporters -they have won just one match at the Ono Estadi all season- and to prove that their victory over Sevilla wasn't a fluke, while the visitors hope to string together their second consecutive League win which would be a huge morale boost heading into the second term.

Sevilla's draw against Villarreal on Saturday has left the top of the table tighter than ever, and Real Madrid are in better form than ever to battle it out for the National Championship. A win on the island would be a giant step in the right direction. The players know it and are ready to step up to the challenge. We already saw a change in the team's attitude against Zaragoza last weekened, and it will hopefully be repeated at the Ono Estadi tonight.

Coach Fabio Capello held two training sessions during the week in order to be as prepared as possible, but there were several important injuries that had to be taken into consideration. Names like Cicinho, Guti, Marcelo, Roberto Carlos, Raúl, Emerson and Beckham aren't easy to replace, but none of the aforementioned players were available against Zaragoza, and the squad proved they have what it takes to win. Capello is well aware of the difficulties presented by tonight's match, just as he mentioned in yesterday's press conference. “They defeated Sevilla by playing a great game at a tough stadium. They also played well against Deportivo. It will be a tough match because our opponents always play their hearts out against us. They are a strong adversary,” said the Italian boss.

Few changes are expected to the Madridista starting eleven. Plagued by injuries, and with Ronaldo and Cassano out due to a coaching decision, it's the the back line that presents the main questions. Raúl Bravo was a last-minute addition to the squad list having finally overcome his muscle problems, as was Míchel Salgado, who has recovered from acute gastroenteritis.

We'll have to wait until moments prior to kickoff to see if the Italian manager will continue counting on the youngster Torres, or whether he will play Ramos on the right wing with Helguera and Cannavaro paired up as centre backs. There are far less questions from the midfield up, as it is likely Diarra and Gago will cover the centre of the pitch with Reyes and Robinho on the wings, and Higuaín and Van Nistelrooy leading the attack. The pressure and speed of the forwards will once again be the primary weapons of a Real Madrid looking to score off their counterattacks.

Except for last season -a 2-1 win for the islanders-, Mallorca has been a pushover for the Whites in recent years, with a 1-5 win in the 2002/03 season and a 1-3 victory in 2003/04 standing out above the rest.

Gregorio Manzano's squad receive the Madridistas sitting in the 15th spot of the table with 20 points and morale sky high stemming from their 1-2 victory over Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. Mallorca will be without their centre back Sergio Ballestero, who is serving a one game suspension for yellow card accumulation, and Sevillian forward Diego Tristán, who is injured. According to box office forecasts, the Ono Estadi will register its largest attendence of the season. But it's a given that ticket sales soar when Real Madrid come to town, as does the opponent's confidence and morale.

Report by Luis Navarro
Photos by Realmadrid.com
Translation by Matthew Goltz

Milan won't budge on Ronaldo



Adriano Galliani has reaffirmed Milan's stance that they will not pay a fee for Ronaldo.

The Brazilian forward has slipped down the pecking order at Real Madrid and has been informed that he can seek out a new home.

Milan are keen to bring him back to Italy, but are only prepared to sign the 30-year-old on a free transfer.

Real are eager to secure some sort of fee for Ronaldo and at present there seems no sign of a resolution being found.


Galliani has stressed Milan have no plans to enter into dialogue with Real and has urged Ronaldo to resolve his own future.

"I'm certain that the player is determined, furiously determined to come to AC.Milan."

"I hear people saying Real are waiting for my trip to Madrid," Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I want to make it clear that Milan has no intention of opening negotiations with the Spanish side.


"This affair has been presented to us with the assumption that Ronaldo will annul his deal in January.

"So we will not intervene. We will wait with patience up until 7pm on 31st January (when the Italian market will officially close).

"It will be up to Ronaldo to tell us he will be able to free himself within that time."

It has been suggested that Milan have offered Filippo Inzaghi as a makeweight in the deal, but this has been denied by Galliani.

"I repeat there haven't been contacts with Real and there won't be. Pippo is untransferable."

By:Skysports.com/Gazzetta Dello Sport.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Capello press conference: "Mallorca, like every opponent, will be extremely motivated to play"


Members of the press bombarded him with questions about Beckham and Ronaldo, but coach Fabio Capello insisted on only talking about the importance of Sunday's match against Mallorca. "We've reached the crucial part of the season," said the Italian boss, who also commented on being eliminated from the King's Cup on Thursday as well as the difficulties of drawing up the squad list for tomorrow. "We're very few," stated Capello.

Raúl's press conference
“I think Raúl hit upon all the important topics yesterday. It was a great talk, just as it should be coming from a captain.”

Possible reinforcements
“We're looking. We don't sign for the sake of signing. We look for good, talented players. It's easier said than done right now.”

Injuries
“We've had bad luck in terms of injuries. But I think we'll get a few players back pretty soon. I'm counting on this squad.”

Beckham and Ronaldo
“Beckham is injured. He didn't train today and is out. Ronaldo is still recovering. I still envision him wearing the Real Madrid shirt. Ronaldo has had some problems and is getting better. Raúl didn't ask me about them.”

“We have said that there may be some changes. We have to wait and see. The other day I said there was a possibilty, but it depends on several factors.”

“What's important is that tomorrow we have an important match. We've reached the crucial part of the season. We should be speaking about the game, not other things.”

“In Italy they say that a player needs to play in order to help. It's basically a joke. Those who don't play can't do any harm. The group is all that matters.”

“We have doctors and a medical staff. Beckham is niggled. He briefly took the pitch and then withdrew. I'm not a doctor, so I can't comment on his injury.”

A tough week
“There are always rough patches evrey season. We have to analyse the situation and take the necessary measures. It's happened to me before.”

“A lot has happened this last week. We hope it doesn't repeat itself. We need to work with clear heads. People need to be more careful.”

“I always sleep well. I'm lucky. My mind only starts working when I wake up. I sleep well at night.”

Mallorca
“They have improved drastically. The coach has really given the team direction. They beat Sevilla by playing a great game in a tough stadium. They also played well against Deportivo. It will be a tough match because our opponents always play their hearts out against us. They are a strong adversary.”

Fatigue
“We don't have a lot of time to recover. We've had light workouts lately. We haven't had fatigue issues yet, and I hope we never do.”

The referees
“What happened with the referees is just a coincidence. I trust them and the linesmen. But truth be told, they don't really call many penalties in our favour.”

Eliminated from the King's Cup
“Being eliminated is never fun. We really had higher expectations. What really counted was the applause from the fans. It meant a lot to us. But I never like losing, and that's why I'm not happy.”


Report by Santiago Siguero
Photos by Daniel Sastre
Translation by Matthew Goltz