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Re: Real Madrid / La Liga Talk « Reply #142 on Oct 28, 2009, 3:05pm »
Absolute joke performance.
Just need to win 5-0 at home in the return leg now.
Quote:
The first humiliation of Real Madrid's second galactic age arrived in the Copa del Rey last night, when Manuel Pellegrini's side were hammered 4-0 by Alcorcón from Spain's regional Second Division B, Group II.
Even a second-leg turn around at the Bernabéu will not undo the damage done to a club that spent €254m (£229m) in the summer. During his first spell as president Florentino Pérez went through six coaches in three years. Just eight weeks into his debut season, and with the pressure having already built after a series of disappointing displays, Pellegrini will be concerned for his future.
"There's no explanations. We were focused and the training sessions were very good, but Alcorcón played very well," Pellegrini told Marca after the game. "We hope our fans can forgive us after this defeat."
Madrid did not even have the excuse of having put out a starting XI made up of youth-teamers. Although Iker Casillas was replaced in goal by Jerzy Dudek, Cristiano Ronaldo was injured and Kaká and Xabi Alonso were left out, there was a place in the side for the club's other galáctico, the €35m striker Karim Benzema.
He was joined by the captain Raúl, plus Raúl Albiol, Guti and Rafael van der Vaart. Not one youth team player was included as Madrid travelled to the Municipal de Santo Domingo stadium just south of the capital, where temporary seating had raised the capacity from 3,000 to 4,000.
"It is our goal to win every competition." Pellegrini had insisted before the match. That will take a huge second-leg victory now. Alcorcón had fired three warnings in the opening three minutes alone and were 3-0 up before half-time, thanks to goals from Borja Pérez and Ernesto Gómez and an own goal from former Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa.
It was 4-0 eight minutes into the second half and Madrid were grateful the scoreline was not even more embarrassing: the home side hit the post and wasted a series of chances, while Dudek was Madrid's outstanding performer.
"Our opponents...we've seen it 3,200 times before," Pelligrini said. "A team who were tremendously motivated and were able to play at their best. I saw them in recent games, we had reports, but they played very well.
"We need to react. We are going to find difficult opponents all over the place. We need to play well everywhere. I am not thinking about my job or about resigning, only the next match."
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Re: Real Madrid / La Liga Talk « Reply #143 on Oct 28, 2009, 3:06pm »
Quote:
Raúl: Real Madrid can recover from Copa del Rey humiliation
Real Madrid's captain Raúl insists his side can turn around their Copa del Rey last-32 tie against Alcorcon despite suffering a 4-0 defeat in last night's first-leg against the Segunda Division B side.
Madrid were embarrassed at this stage of last year's competition when they were knocked out on the away goals rule by another third-tier side, Real Union, having lost the first leg 3-2, but they face an even bigger task to make it through to the last 16 this time around.
However Raúl, who scored a hat-trick against Real Union in last year's second leg at the Bernabéu when Madrid won 4-3, believes his team can make things right against Alcorcon in a fortnight's time.
"If there is a club that knows about overcoming this it is Real Madrid. We will not give up," he said. "In two weeks we will play this team again and we have an opportunity to fix what happened here.
"I've experienced eliminations from the Copa del Rey before and bad results in other ties, but the great fightbacks in Real Madrid history have come following bad results in important competitions.
"We have to congratulate Alcorcon because they had a great game. It's a great day for them but there is still a second match to be played and we have to put all our efforts into turning this around."
Despite missing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká, Iker Casillas and Xabi Alonso, Madrid's team was still a strong one.
The defeat was their third in five games following the loses to Sevilla in La Liga and Milan in the Champions League, a run that has heaped pressure on the new coach Manuel Pellegrini.
But Raúl insists everyone must shoulder their share of responsibility for the result: "We win and we lose together, which is why are all to blame."
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Re: Real Madrid / La Liga Talk « Reply #144 on Oct 29, 2009, 11:41pm »
This is the letter that Andres Iniesta wrote to Daniel Jarque after his death in the summer.
Iniesta
Quote:
Hola Dani, ante todo quiero decirte que te encharé mucho de menos. Me reprocho a mí mismo no haber insistido en vernos más veces y poder hablar más a menudo. Un no se hace a la idea que la vida pueda ser tan injusta como dejarte sin un amigo como tú. Por eso, me alegro de no haberte robado ese tiempo que de bien seguro has aprovechado con tu familia y tu mujer que es lo que más querias y sigues queriendo. Me quedo con tantos y tantos momentos que hemos vivido juntos, las charlas que teníamos en las concentraciones sobre cosas ajenas al fútbol. Desde los partidos en categorías inferiores, cuando hemos coincidido en la Sub-15 y la Sub-17, cuando ganamos el oro en el europeo Sub-19, la clasificación con la Sub-21 y todos los derbis que hemos compartido ya en el primer equipo. Antes de viajar a la gira americana, dónde nos informaron de tan triste noticia, repasé mis camisetas guardadas y entre ellas tengo, al menos, 20 tuyas. Siempre nos la cambiábamos porque era la tuya la que quería tener cada año, tanto en el partido de ida como en el de vuelta. Hemos sido rivales pero siempre te he apreciado de corazón. Cuando me preguntan por tu equipo, el RCD Espanyol de Barcelona, siempre digo el mismo: en el Espanyol tengo grandes amigos, y uno muy especial, y esto está por encima de cualquier rivalidad. Te echaré de menos, Dani, mucho. El próximo derbi será difícil. Allá dónde estés sé que cuidarás siempre de los tuyos, de tu familia y que animarás fuerte a tu equipo. Hasta siempre amigo!
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Re: Real Madrid / La Liga Talk « Reply #145 on Oct 29, 2009, 11:47pm »
Quote:
Hi Dani, first of all I want to say I miss you, lots. I'm sorry I didn't see you more often and spoke more. One doesn't realise life can be so unjust as to leave you without a friend like you. Although I'm glad I didn't take time you have spent with your wife and family, which was and is the most important thing of all to you. I have so many memories of you, of the chats we always had about stuff not related to football. From the youth teams, U15, U17 and winning gold in the Euro under 19s, U21s qualifying, plus all the derbies we've had against each other in our first teams!
Before I went on the pre-season tour to America, which is where I found out about you, I went through all my match shirts I'd saved, and between them I had at least 20 of yours. We always swapped, because your was the one I always wanted each season, both the home and away games. We were rivals, but I always appreciated you in my heart. When I was asked about your team, Espanyol, I always said the same: I have great friends there, and one in particular, which goes beyond any club rivalry.
I miss you Dani, so much. The next derby is going to be hard. Wherever you may be now, look after yourself and your family, and support your team. Your friend forever.
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Re: Real Madrid / La Liga Talk « Reply #146 on Nov 2, 2009, 11:18am »
Quote:
Coaches Are Not In Control At Real Madrid - Barcelona Legend Johan Cruyff
Manuel Pellegrini has a tough task at the Bernabeu as others make the decisions...
Johan Cruyff believes that Real Madrid are having problems settling this season because coach Manuel Pellegrini has discovered that he is not the one in charge.
The Dutch legend spoke out as Los Merengues produced another display that gave them the result, but did not convince many that they have turned a corner.
Without naming any names, Cruyff stated that it was common knowledge that orders from the higher echelons of the club impeded the coach's ability to do his work.
"Everyone knows that the one who gives the orders is not the coach, the orders come from other people," he was quoted as saying by the Spanish media.
"If a team has so much pressure and has a lot of new people in, it is very difficult for them to adapt.
"They have a coach who I believe is very good, but everyone knows that Madrid is controlled by others.
"Therefore it is difficult in the dressing room as the players know that the instructions are coming from elsewhere."
At Camp Nou the situation is different, for Cruyff, where he believes that Pep Guardiola is in complete control and is doing a great job after such a stunning first term in charge.
"Barça are doing very well, although we all know that the second season is difficult after so much success," he continued.
"But the club have a coach who is strong-minded and if there is a problem he knows how to tackle it."
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Re: Real Madrid / La Liga Talk « Reply #147 on Nov 2, 2009, 11:18am »
Quote:
Guti Left Out Again By Fuming Pellegrini For Real Madrid's Visit To Milan
Los Blancos will again be without their playmaker for the trip to San Siro...
Manuel Pellegrini's annoyance with Guti has not lessened after the midfielder was again left out of the squad for the Champions League encounter against AC Milan in midweek.
The Chilean coach was reported to have been stunned by the star's half-time reaction to the Copa del Rey game in Alcorcon in midweek and omitted the vice-captain from the Saturday match with Getafe.
While Guti himself claims that he is not injured, Pellegrini has told the media that he is and that is the official reason for his absence.
Marca believe that the coach is actually fuming about the way Guti behaved towards him and other players as Madrid were humbled in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday.
Despite not performing well in the cup tie, Royston Drenthe is back in the squad for the trip to Italy and young Antonio Adan is also named as a third goalkeeper.
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek, Adan Defenders: Arbeloa, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Drenthe, Albiol Midfielders: Gago, Kaka, Lass, Xabi Alonso, Van der Vaart, Diarra, Granero Forwards: Raul, Benzema, Higuain, Van Nistelrooy
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Re: Real Madrid / La Liga Talk « Reply #148 on Nov 2, 2009, 11:19am »
Quote:
Cristiano Ronaldo: There Is Much More Pressure At Real Madrid Than At Manchester United
Manchester United may have been demanding, but Madrid is another level up...
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he is feeling far more pressure at Real Madrid than he ever had to endure at Manchester United as the Spanish club's fans expect to win every game.
The Portuguese star is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, but he is stunned by the demands placed on a side that are still trying to gel after a summer spending spree.
Madrid won against Getafe on Saturday to record their first win in four competitive games, but the criticism is unrelenting as the team's performances have yet to impress their supporters.
"The fans are totally different here to England. There is far more pressure than in Manchester and the Bernabeu crowd is particularly tough," Roanldo told The Sun.
"Yes, it's a bad moment but every team have these. No side in the world can be at the top all the time, it's impossible, but maybe here they don't accept that.
"Madrid have to win every game and the people just won't accept defeat.
"But Madrid have so many new players and a new coach that it's very difficult to blend together immediately.
"Now, of course, they expect me to be the saviour. But I can only play in my position, not as a goalkeeper or in defence."
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Re: Real Madrid / La Liga Talk « Reply #149 on Nov 2, 2009, 11:20am »
Quote:
Manuel Pellegrini Will Give Real Madrid A Positive Season - Florentino Perez
The supremo has offered his backing to the coach despite stories suggesting a replacement had been lined up...
Florentino Perez has leapt to the defence of under-fire coach Manuel Pellegrini, insisting that the Chilean will remain Real Madrid coach until the end of the season and that he will bring success to the club.
In an interview with Italian television show Rai2, Perez has spoken of his expectations and reckons that under Pellegrini’s stewardship, Los Blancos can win trophies, despite being linked with moves for a host of coaches to replace the former Villarreal tactician.
When questioned about the possibility of a move for Italian Roberto Mancini, Perez stated, “The newspapers have revealed names of great coaches, but we are happy with [Manuel] Pellegrini and we are sure that he will be boss at the end of the season.”
“I respect the press and the stories they release, but it is the club that decides and we are happy as we are. If we are patient then we will live through a wonderful season.”
Perez also offered his vision of a dream end to the season – hosting AC Milan in the Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu in May.
He said, “It is a pleasure to come to a city as beautiful as Milan, but though we are friends we have come to stop them. We want to play in the Champions League final against AC Milan.”
Warlock says he's been paid to curse Real Madrid star Ronaldo
A Spaniard who describes himself as a professional warlock claims to have been hired to cast a spell on the former Manchester United footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
Jose “Pepe” Ruz, 58, from Malaga, has written to Florentino Pérez, the president of Real Madrid — the club that paid £80 million for the Portugal international — to warn him that the hopes of millions of fans are about to be dashed. “I have been contracted so Cristiano Ronaldo suffers a serious injury. I can’t promise when that will be, but I can say he will be injured for more time than he plays,” he wrote.
Speculation has abounded in Spain over who might have taken out a black-magic contract on the star. Was it Sir Alex Ferguson, his former manager at Manchester United? Or Joan Laporta, president of Real Madrid’s rivals, Barcelona? Neither is a known practitioner of the dark arts — so is it one of the hapless defenders who will have to face Ronaldo in the coming season? Mr Ruz refused to name his client, other than to say that he or she was “famous and knows the player”.
Mr Ruz claims to have practised witchcraft for 22 years; a calling for which he says he is well paid. This time, however, he will have his warlock work cut out: the Portuguese winger has already scored seven goals in five games for his new club.
Real Madrid dismissed the threat. “It is a nonsense, like many things we have to deal with regularly,” a spokesman said.
Quote:
Blow for Real Madrid as Cristiano Ronaldo injury shows no improvement
Cristiano Ronaldo may face a further three months out if he is forced to have another operation on his injured ankle. Real Madrid have announced that the Portuguese winger has not showed enough improvement to join the first team squad in training and that he has travelled to Amsterdam to see the Dutch ankle specialist Niek van Dijk.
The news comes as a big blow for the player, his club and his country. Real Madrid have struggled without Ronaldo and play Barcelona at the end of the month while Portugal face World Cup qualifying play-off games against Bosnia-Herzegovina on 14 and 18 November.
It is the same ankle that needed an operation in the summer of 2008, when Ronaldo was still at Manchester United. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have won every game the Portuguese winger has played in but have lost against lowly Alcorcón in the Cup and Milan at home in the Champions League in his absence. "The injury is showing no sign of improving," Real Madrid said in a statement.
Real, whose coach Manuel Pellegrini, is under huge pressure after recent results, trail Barcelona by one point at the top of La Liga, face city rivals Atlético Madrid this weekend. Ronaldo injured his ankle in the Champions League game against Marseille on 30 September with the defender Souleymane Diawara later admitting he was "tormented" by the incident.
Blow for Real Madrid as Cristiano Ronaldo injury shows no improvement
Cristiano Ronaldo may face a further three months out if he is forced to have another operation on his injured ankle. Real Madrid have announced that the Portuguese winger has not showed enough improvement to join the first team squad in training and that he has travelled to Amsterdam to see the Dutch ankle specialist Niek van Dijk.
The news comes as a big blow for the player, his club and his country. Real Madrid have struggled without Ronaldo and play Barcelona at the end of the month while Portugal face World Cup qualifying play-off games against Bosnia-Herzegovina on 14 and 18 November.
It is the same ankle that needed an operation in the summer of 2008, when Ronaldo was still at Manchester United. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have won every game the Portuguese winger has played in but have lost against lowly Alcorcón in the Cup and Milan at home in the Champions League in his absence. "The injury is showing no sign of improving," Real Madrid said in a statement.
Real, whose coach Manuel Pellegrini, is under huge pressure after recent results, trail Barcelona by one point at the top of La Liga, face city rivals Atlético Madrid this weekend. Ronaldo injured his ankle in the Champions League game against Marseille on 30 September with the defender Souleymane Diawara later admitting he was "tormented" by the incident.
Ahhhhhhhhh poor Real Madrid, they're pressured because they overspent & even though they're only ONE measley point below Barca' that's just NOT good enough. Oh I'm crying my eyes out. & now Ronaldo "aka the diver" is out for 3 months Booo Hoooo !!! Suck it REAL !!!!
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Re: Real Madrid / La Liga Talk « Reply #154 on Nov 9, 2009, 11:03am »
Quote:
Real Madrid Invite Portugal Medics To Inspect Cristiano Ronaldo Injury In Madrid - Report
A club source says they will send the medical evidence to the Portuguese Football Federation...
Real Madrid officials have invited members of the Portugal national team medical staff to Madrid, to assess the fitness of winger Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Marca.
Despite an ankle injury, Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has included his team captain in a 23-man squad for the World Cup play-off against Bosnia. The first leg takes place this coming Saturday with the second leg in Bosnia on Wednesday November 18.
"On Monday, we will send all of the medical evidence from both our physician and surgeon, Niek van Dijk, to the Portuguese federation, which indicates that Cristiano Ronaldo is injured and is unavailable," a source said.
"He's an injured player, who must follow his recovery process, and therefore, if they [Portugal] want to check [the injury], we invite them to come to Madrid to do so. Not that we refuse to let him go, but we adhere to the regulations, as has already occurred in other cases."
Ronaldo picked up the ankle injury in the UEFA Champions League tie against Marseille on September 30, and aggravated the injury further whilst on international duty with Portugal 10 days later.
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Re: Real Madrid / La Liga Talk « Reply #155 on Nov 9, 2009, 11:04am »
Quote:
Real Madrid Star Cristiano Ronaldo May Be Absent Until January - Report
If his ankle does not improve in the next fortnight he may face surgery...
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo may be set to face the operating theatre and a further two months on the sidelines, according to Spanish publication ABC.
Under the advice of Dutch surgeon Niek van Dijk, Ronaldo should not return to action until at least November 20 and the surgeon has instructed a specific set of progressive exercises to test the strength of the ankle and if the ankle has healed he will return to training as normal and could face Racing Santander on November 22.
Real announced last week that surgery would not be necessary but if the bone in Ronaldo's ankle has not reset it is likely that he will have to go under the knife. Such a procedure would leave a recovery period of between 6-8 weeks, depending on the extend of the damage discovered by the surgery.
Should surgery be necessary, the 24-year-old will miss in the region of twelve more games for Los Blancos having already sat out eight games since being injured against Marseille on September 30.
Real Madrid will be hoping that the Portuguese Football Federation do not put the player at risk in the upcoming World Cup play-off games against Bosnia or their prize asset may end up being an expensive spectator.
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Re: Real Madrid / La Liga Talk « Reply #156 on Dec 7, 2009, 4:54pm »
Quote:
Real Madrid are ready to make eight first team stars available in the January transfer window in a bid to balance the books at the Bernabeu according to reports in the Spanish press. El Mundo Deportivo, Cardena SER and Marca are all reporting that eight Madrid first team players will face the axe in the New Year with president Florentino Perez keen on recouping part of their £250 million summer spending outlay. Former Liverpool veteran Jerzy Dudek is looking for first team football and is available on a free transfer, while Dutch international Royston Drenthe has been linked with Chelsea and Inter. Argentine international Fernando Gago has been linked with a return to his homeland as well as a move to Manchester City. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has this morning ruled out a move for Ruud Van Nistelrooy, but North London rivals Tottenham Hotpsur have expressed their interest in the former Manchester United forward who is thought to be valued at a cut price £3 million. Spanish legend Guti and Dutch international Rafael Van de Vart have been linked with January moves to the Premier League with City, United and Liverpool reportedly interested. Tough tackling midfielder Mahamadou Diarra was billed as the solution to Arsenal's midfield problems, while also interesting AC Milan. Finally young Argentine defender Ezequiel Garay is set to leave the club after falling behind Pepe and Raul Albiol in the pecking order; the centre half is being touted as a possible recruit for both Villareal and Valencia.
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