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Florentino Perez, Real Madrid president

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has welcomed the new Los Blancos signing Mateo Kovacic saying “he is a fantastic player.”

Perez praised the former Inter Milan man, who has signed a six-year deal with Los Merengues: “He’s young, but he has experience and great talent that will help to strengthen our terrific squad. He’s a fantastic player, and he comes to the club from an important league and, in Inter Milan, from a historic club that is a friend of Real Madrid.”

Speaking directly to Kovacic, Perez warned the player of the responsibility of joining Real Madrid: “You arrive at the most prestigious and valuable club in the world at the age of just 21. A new chapter in your career begins that will prove to be an exciting one. This is the team that has won ten European Cups. Being a part of this club is a privilege, one that also brings with it great responsibility, dedication, effort and sacrifice.”

The Los Blancos president reminded Kovacic he is the fifth Croat to play for Real: “The fans will support you all the way if you give your all for this badge, as your international team-mate Luka Modric has done. We’re sure you’re going to help us to keep on improving and that with your talent and dedication you’ll experience something unique: the thrill of going down in Real Madrid’s great history.”

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Former Real Madrid striker Emilio Butragueno believes Sergio Ramos will go down as a Los Blancos legend one day.

The central defender signed a new five-year deal with the Santiago Bernabeu club on Monday ending a summer of speculation in which he was reportedly unhappy at the club and was keen on a move to Manchester United.

But the 29-year-old, who will remain at the club until 2020, has taken over the captaincy from Iker Casillas, who left for Porto in June.

Ramos is already considered a legend among fans after netting the injury time equaliser against Atletico de Madrid in the Champions League final in 2014 – a game in which Madrid went on to win 4-1 and secure La Decima.

And speaking to AS, Butragueno said Ramos’ legend will continue to grow.

“He came in from Sevilla at just 19,  but with a great personality. There are players who were born to be at this club and Sergio has the spirit of legendary players. He begins a new stage with the club and has all the conditions to be successful as captain of Madrid,” he commented.

The six-time La Liga winner also said he was excited about the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Inter Milan.

“Kovacic is a talented player who has spent several years in Italy even though he is just 21. We have high expectations for him because he is technically very gifted and he will certainly be a great signing.

“When a season begins, the approach is always the same – we go out to win all the titles we can, there are very strong teams in Spain and in Europe, but we are required to do our best and to meet the expectations of our fans.”

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The Collins Column

The new season is upon us once again – where has this summer gone to? Los Blancos take on Sporting Gijon at the weekend as they begin their quest to wrestle the title back from Barcelona.

It’s been a pretty busy summer so far at the Santiago Bernabeu. We have a new boss for starters with Rafa Benitez replacing Carlo Ancelotti. We’ve also said goodbye to loyal servant Iker Casillas who ended a 25-year career with the club when he signed for Porto.

Real have been busy in the transfer market – Danilo, Lucas Vasquez, Kiko Casilla, Mateo Kovacic have all been added while Casemiro and Denis Cheyshev have returned from their loan spells. With the David de Gea saga seemingly changing on a daily basis and rumours of bids to strengthen the strike force, don’t be surprised if more arrivals happen.

But let’s have a look and assess the state of the squad as we start the new season.

Goalkeepers:

This is the first year in 16 that the first team squad won’t have Iker Casillas on the books. His departure was widely seen as the club clearing the way to sign David de Gea. But Manchester United’s refusal to sell means Real have hit somewhat of a snag.

The keeper is always under scrutiny at the Santiago Bernabeu and Keylor Navas and Kiko Casilla will need to adjust quickly. Navas look nervy at times when he played last season. He’s been the number one in the pre-season under Benitez and has looked more assured. Casilla will likely play understudy. The former Los Blancos youth player returned from Espanyol and while he has bags of potential he is probably short of being capable of filling Casillas’ gloves at the moment.

Navas should start as the number one but the situation is an odd one – if Real manage to complete the de Gea deal by the end of the transfer window, the Costa Rican will likely leave and Casilla stay as understudy.

Defence

Real’s backline has been fairly settled for a number of years now. Marcelo, new captain Sergio Ramos and Pepe are familiar face and have 700 appearance between them for the club. Raphael Varane should see more and more action in the first team this season as Pepe enters the autumn of his career. Nacho Fernandez provides excellent cover at centre back too and seems happy enough with his role in the squad knowing that he will largely be confined to the Copa de Rey for his football. Fabio Coentro, if is stays, will provide cover at left back.

The right back slot is the most interesting. Daniel Carvajal has made it his own over the past 18 months and has impressed with his rampaging runs forward. He was caught out defensively a few times in big games last season and the arrival of Danilo will provide him with serious competition. Los Blancos surely won’t have splashed out 31 million euros to put him on the bench?!

Finally, Alvaro Arbeloa is more motivator than anything else these days. The vastly experienced defender can provide cover at right back and centre back if needed though.

Midfield

Real have an array of talent packed in midfield but perhaps one weakness was the lack of an enforcer last season since Xabi Alonso was sold. Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Isco and James Rodriguez are all world class players capable of unlocking any defence with their precise passing and trickery. Mateo Kovacic has just arrived from Inter Milan, and will add to that talent in midfield. Add to those they younger attacking midfielders such as Lucas Vasquez and Denis Cheryshev and Real are strong going forward.

The issue still lies on the defensive side of things. Lucas Silva is set to leave the club on loan, while Asier Illarramendi is a bit of an enigma. Signed as the natural heir to Xabi Alonso, it hasn’t quite worked out for him at the club even though he’s shown in patches what he is capable of. With Liverpool hovering, don’t be surprised to see him leave. That leaves Casemiro – the Brazilian who returned from Porto this summer. He obviously gained valuable first team football, but is he ready for Real? I think Benitez will get his chequebook out again.

Forwards

Another fairly settled situation for the club is the forward line. Cristiano Ronaldo had his best season last year in terms of goals – 61 for his club. He will be joined again by Gareth Bale. The Welshman endured a tough season last time out – sometimes the criticism was harsh and undeserved. But the 25-year-old will need to start the season in good form to stop the criticism growing. We all know what he is capable of – a bit more of his first season form and he’ll be fine.

Karim Benzema is the out and out striker in the squad and despite some criticism from fans, works hard for the team by holding the ball up well. He’s also well capable of scoring 25 goals a season. Despite interest from Arsenal, I think the Frenchman will stay and prove his worth to the team once more.

Jese Rodriguez is the back up option, but Real need more. Javier Hernandez was also on the books last season and Benitez will need to sign another striker before the end of the window.

 

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Manchester United are keen on signing Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas if Los Blancos finally bring David de Gea to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Spanish radio station Cadena SER has revealed the Red Devils would be interested in a switch, as they know De Gea’s arrival would force the departure of the Costa Rica international.

United are desperately looking for a goalkeeper as both De Gea and Victor Valdes have been put aside by Louis Van Gaal, and Sergio Romero is not fulfilling the expectations.

According to Cadena SER, Navas has always been one of Van Gaal’s favourites and De Gea’s move to Madrid will be the perfect opportunity to bring him to Manchester.

The former Atletico Madrid man is still waiting for negotiations to come to a good end. “De Gea will arrive this summer at Real Madrid. Both parts are far from reaching an agreement, but they will come to terms. Agent Jorge Mendes is trying everything and it will be solved in the last week of the transfer window,” Cadena SER have reported.

Meanwhile, Keylor Navas is set to feature as the starting goalkeeper in the season opener against Sporting Gijon on Sunday. Both him and Kiko Casilla have completed a great pre-season, but Rafa Benitez believes Navas has earned it.

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Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has hailed striker Karim Benzema and says the Frenchman is capable of scoring 25 goals this season.

The forward is subject of interest from FA Cup and Community Shield winners Arsenal, who are believed to be prepared to pay between 40 and and 50 million euros to secure his services before the end of the transfer window on September 1.

The Gunners have looked short up front so far this season and while they have created plenty of chances in their opening two games, need to find a more clinical side to their game – something that Benzema would offer.

But the 27-year-old is a favourite of club president Florentino Perez and now it appears Benitez is keen for the forward to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu too.

Speaking to reporters, the boss stated: “I placed a lot of trust in him and he has sufficient resources to operate in all types of attack with any attacker. Benzema is a great player and one of my ideas is that he will surpass 20-25 goals this season.”

Benzema joined the 10-time Champions League winners from Lyon in 2009 and has gone on to score more than 120 goals for the club. Last season he netted 22 times in 46 appearances.

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Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro says he is ready to give his all for the team and will ‘fight like a bull’.

The Brazilian returned to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer after spending a season on loan at Porto gaining valuable first team experience. Los Blancos have plenty of options in midfield, with the likes of Luka Modric, Isco, James Rodriguez, Asier Illarramendi, Lucas Vasquez, Lucas Silva and Casemiro all vying for a place in the starting 11.

But speaking after the Trofeo Bernabeu win over Galatasaray, in which the 22-year-old made an appearance from the bench, he said he is ready to make the grade with the 10-time Champions League winners.

He commented: “We are doing things well and we are still adjusting things before the start of League, but we are on the right track. I am like a bull, ready to fight and give everything.”

He then went on to speak about his former club Porto and said they are in safe hands now that Iker Casillas is between the sticks at the Estadio Dragao.

“Porto is a great club and I think Iker will go very well there because he is a great goalkeeper,” he commented.

And he went on to welcome new addition Mateo Kovacic, who has joined Los Blancos from Inter Milan. “Kovacic will be welcomed here, we are happy to have him and to help us,” he said.

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Real Madrid left back Marcelo has urged his team mates to start the season strongly after ending pre-season with another trophy.

Los Blancos defeated Galatasaray at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening to lift the Trofeo Barnabeu. The Brazilian netted the winner 10 minutes from time with a superb solo effort, weaving his way through the visitors’ defence before prodding home with the outside of his left foot.

Speaking to La Sexta television pitchside after the game, the left back said he was happy with his goal and with the win.

But he went on to add that while winning trophies in pre-season is nice and keeps the winning mentality going throughout the squad the hard work starts now. Los Blancos get their La Liga campaign underway this weekend with a trip to Sporting Gijon. Last year, Real began the season poorly, losing two of their opening three games and Marcelo doesn’t want history to repeat itself.

He stated: “I’m happy for the goal. Most important thing is that we played seriously. We need to start the season well. It will be a hard start But we should prepare to start the League this Sunday on the right foot. Its important that we’re gathering pace. We are ready. We will do everything possible to have a good season.”

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Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez says there is plenty of room for improvement after watching his side lift the Trofeo Bernabeu on Tuesday evening.

Nacho Fernandez and Marcelo grabbed the goals for the hosts while former Los Blancos player Wesley Sneijder scored for the visitors. The 10-time Champions League winners we far from their best though and will need to improve if they are to harbour aspirations of wrestling the league title back from Barcelona this season.

But at his press conference, Benitez told reporters there were many reasons why the team was looking under-par, such as a number of players missing through injury and the late arrival of some players back to pre-season.

He stated: “The team is good, but needs to improve we had positive things, but we lacked some control. The first day is exciting but we’ve to be highly concentrated. Regarding the starting 11 there are many alternatives.”

He went on to discuss a number of options he already has at his disposal and added he could still dip into the transfer market.

“With Isco, James and Bale we have different movements and that is what we seek. Gareth creates spaces to create chances for him and for others too, must find the balance.

“Cristiano had occasions today, we should know it’s the same with Jese, Gareth and James. They are players who should score. I am very happy with what I have, and I hope against Sporting we leave aside the debate of whether I need a striker. Until August 31 everything can change I have a very good squad and it’s here, will have to be commitment.”

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New Real Madrid signing Mateo Kovacic has thanked Inter Milan for the chance they gave him but says he had to sign for Los Blancos because it is a unique opportunity.

The 21-year-old midfielder joined the 10-time Champions League winners with the club revealing he has a agreed a six-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ahead of being presented to the Madridistas on Wednesday afternoon the creative midfielder thanks staff and fans of Inter for all they had done for him over the past couple of years. Since breaking into the first team two years ago, the Croatian international has made more than 80 appearances for the Seria A giants.

At Real, Kovacic will be able to learn from his compatriot and idol Luka Modric. Club officials believe he is the natural successor for the ex-Tottenham Hotspur man.

He said: “I have to thank all the fans, the company and the team. I am grateful for the love and affection I have received in recent years.”

And he added: I don’t know what to say, on the one hand I’m sorry but on the other I am happy to join Real Madrid as it is a great opportunity. The best moment was when I signed for Inter, a team like them gives you confidence when you’re young & that is an important thing.”

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Real Madrid left back Marcelo scored a superb solo goal 10 minutes from time to help Los Blancos beat Turkish outfit Galatasaray and win the Trofeo Bernabeu.

The 2-1 win means Los Blancos end their pre-season preparations having lifted three trophies – the International Champions Cup in Australia and China to go along with their 25th Trofeo Bernabeu. Their league campaign gets underway this weekend with a visit to newly promoted Sporting Gijon.

New boss Rafa Benitez will have plenty to think about in the coming days as despite the win Los Blancos still looked short of what they are capable of with perhaps some reinforcements needed up front before the transfer window closes.

In the absence of the injured Karim Benzema, Jese Rodriguez led the line, supported just behind by Gareth Bale and Isco. Cristiano Ronaldo also started for the 10-time Champions League winners but he had a frustrating evening overall – caught offside on many occasions and clearly not performing at his normally excellent levels just yet.

Madrid started the game the strongest with the Portuguese forward firing over and the movement of the Los Blancos players looking good. The opening goal came through an unlikely source though. Central defender Nacho Fernandez rose highest to head home a 17th minute Luka Modric corner.

Galatasaray striker Lukas Podolski, a summer signing from Arsenal, looked lively throughout and had a couple of chances before the break. He then made his influence felt in the 52nd minute as the visitors dominated the second period. The German played in former Los Blancos midfielder Wesley Sneijder who cut inside Danilo and fired a superb effort past Keylor Navas in goal to equalise.

The Turkish side could have taken the lead as they looked to assert their dominance but Real rode out the storm and eventually got a foothold midway through the second period. A raft of changes disrupted the game as a spectacle but just as spectators started thinking about the possibility of a penalty shootout, Marcelo weaved his way through the penalty area and finished low with the outside of his left foot.

 

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