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Marco Asensio

Real Madrid must decide on the future of Marco Asensio in the next few days. The club are delighted with the work from the young player during preseason. However, a possible sanction from FIFA will force Los Blancos to decide on a solution as soon as possible.

Both President Florentino Pére and head coach Zinedine Zidane have great confidence in the future prospects of Marco Asensio who has dazzled in preseason friendlies.

If Asensio continues to deliver the quality shown in America, Real Madrid will have no hesitation in priming the player for an important midfield role next season. This is also the view of Zinedine Zidane who has praised him this summer. “I love Asensio, but as in other cases, a lot can happen from here to August 31”.

Real Madrid face sanctions from Fifa for the irregularities when signing minors and the club has attempted to recall young loan players, such as Asensio, Vallejo, Sergio Diaz, Llorente and Martin Odegaard. The club are not allowed to sign players in the next two windows, in January and summer of 2017, and loanees may be required to secure the future of the club.

Under normal circumstances, Real Madrid have until Aug. 31 to effect the return of these players, but if that sanction occurred ahead of schedule, they would not be able to make use of the players until they have completed two seasons. In this case, they could return but not be registered for the first team or Real Madrid Castilla.

The future of Marco Asensio also depends on the possible sale of other players playing in the same position. Players under the spotlight are James Rodriguez and Isco, but right now Real Madrid are looking to discard them nor have they received a good offer that would make them rethink the situation. Zinedine Zidane has spoken to both and announced his intention to give them one last chance this season to establish a place in the team.

 

 

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Although Gareth Bale is not expected to return to training with the rest of his teammates until August 5th, the Wales striker knows that Real Madrid need him to play the Super Cup.

Under instructions from manager Zinedine Zidane, Bale has been given a specific work plan in order to reach fitness levels before meeting up with the players who have had a full pre-season.

Bale knows that his presence in the important match against Sevilla is essential for Real Madrid who already know they will be without Cristiano Ronaldo. Also, concerns remain for Karim Benzema who has not yet been able to debut this season due to physical problems.

Real Madrid know that the Welshman is making great efforts to be ready in time for the European Super Cup and hope that he may appear in the starting lineup to play a significant part in the game, despite not having match practise. However, the presence of Gareth Bale depends on the final decision to be taken by Zinedine Zidane.

Although lacking supervision from Los Blancos coaches, Gareth Bale has been taking full training, performing specific work in the gym with exercises in the field and shooting on goal.

But it is not all work and no play for Bale who is also taking advantage of his free time to practice another passion, golf. Which is why he chose a place like Marbella, where he can train and practice his hobbies at the same time.

His presence in the match against Sevilla is not the only news about Bale, who could further extend his contract with Real Madrid on return from his holidays. Bale knows that Real Madrid is the best place to grow as a player. In future, he could be the most important player for Real Madrid, should Cristiano Ronaldo decide to leave the club.

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marcelo

Brazilian full-back Marcelo was the star of the show when Real Madrid defeated Chelsea 3-2 in the second game of the International Champions Cup on Saturday. Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane singled out the team captain in his post-match press conference after Marcelo scored two and provided an assist for the third goal at Michigan Stadium on Saturday.

Zidane heaped praised for a spectacular performance and stressed the importance of his captain leading by example.

“It is a joy to watch him (Marcelino) play”, said Zidane.

“He is showing himself to be a captain. He is spectacular and it is important for a captain to lead by example. We are happy with him and it is important for us to find our feet. We still have to keep working.”

The coach was without a number of first choice players who are working towards to fitness in America. Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez who has been linked with a move to PSG, Isco, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale were all sidelined for Saturday’s meeting with Premier League club Chelsea.

Marcelo’s man of the match performance began when he opened the scoring with a deflected shot from the edge of the area. The second came seven minutes later when the Brazilian intercepted the ball near the halfway line, worked a one-two with Marco Asensio before bursting into the penalty area and firing beyond the reach of Chelsea goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic.

Youth teamer Mariano Diaz scored the third with a long-range effort into the top corner after receiving a pass from his captain in the 37th minute.  The game was more even in the second half and Chelsea pulled two goals back in the final 10 minutes with efforts from Eden Hazard.

It was a return to winning ways after Real Madrid had lost the first game of the friendly tournament 3-1 against PSG and Zidane is pleased with the way his players are preparing for the Super Cup against Sevilla on Wednesday 9th August.

He said, “We played well and with intensity. I am happy with the game we played. We saw some new elements but we are still preparing”.

“The team are doing well and this game was important for us to see more, and we did see that. We have another match in order to prepare for the Super Cup and I think that will be preparation enough”.

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karim benzema

Speaking after Real Madrid’s 3-2 win against Chelsea on Saturday, midfielder Casemiro expressed his concerns about Karim Benzema’s absence from pre-season preparations.

Los Blancos are warming up for the 2016/17 season in the USA where they play three matches in the International Champions Cup friendly tournament. The Champions League winners lost the opening game 3-1 against PSG in Columbus, Ohio before finding the winning groove in Anna Arbor, Michigan yesterday.

Benzema has missed both games due to a hip problem prompting Casimero’s response in a post-match interview.

“When he (Benzema) is not training we worry because he is a real professional who always wants to train and play,” he told the press.

Benzema has been receiving treatment on his injury from the club’s physios every day the squad has been Stateside.

Casemiro echoed the medics’ hopes that the centre forward will be ready for the Super Cup against Sevilla on Tuesday week, adding, “I’m sure he’ll be in good shape for the 9th.”

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane would like to see the French striker play some part in their final game of the friendly tournament against Bayern Munich in New Jersey on Wednesday.

Gareth Bale and Toni Kroos missed Saturday’s win against Chelsea while Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and James Rodriguez have also had an interrupted pre-season. Zidane is expecting them all to get some playing time against Bayern. The coach has already confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo is ruled out of the Super Cup and wants to field his strongest team against Sevilla.

Full-back Marcelo captained the side against Chelsea, leading by example to score the first two goals. The was second a superb individual goal following an interception near the halfway line. The skipper was the provider for Mariano Diaz’ long-range effort into the top corner which put Real Madrid 3-0 in front before half time. Zidane made a number of changes in the second half before Eden Hazard pulled two goals back for Chelsea in the final 10 minutes.

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Real Madrid have unveiled the club’s new third strip for the 2016-17 season on their official Twitter account. The shirt will be available for purchase from August 1. The club has unveiled the side’s new third strip, a black and purple number with a design based on the route from the Bernabéu to Cibeles.

The third kit is black with purple detail and on the shoulders carries a design inspired by the route through Madrid from the Bernabéu to Cibeles, where Real traditionally celebrate their titles.

Ahead of the new campaign, Karim Benzema posed as Real Madrid unveiled their third kit, which is to be released on Monday.

While images were leaked a few weeks ago, the official announcement came on Friday, with the all black strip complimented by a purple trim, particularly prominent on the shirt sleeves.

Due to Euro 2016 commitments, both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale have not yet joined up with the squad and as Benzema was not selected for France’s campaign, he was one of the few big names available to advertise the new attire.

It promises to be another tough campaign for Los Blancos, who are currently on a preseason tour of North America before returning to Europe to face Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup on August 9.

Domestic action then takes centre stage on the weekend of August 20, with a tough trip to face Real Sociedad at the Estadio Anoeta first up for Zinedine Zidane’s side.

“The new Real Madrid third kit is a black colourway with purple accents,” an official press release read.

“The design on the shoulders represents the road from the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to the fountain of Cibeles, which the club’s passionate fan base will recognise well as the traditional victory route taken by the team to celebrate a trophy win.

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Morocco now has its third Real Madrid player in the country’s history, after teenage starlet Achraf Hakim made his first appearance for Los Blancos in their first pre-season friendly in America against PSG.

The 17-year-old came into the fray at the start of the second half, in a match that Real Madrid trailed in from the outset, due to a second-minute strike.

It only goes to show that Los Blancos’ youth set-up is continuing to bear fruit, with Zinedine Zidane also proving that he is prepared to put faith in young stars when they have the talent.

Marco Asensio has previously had a chance, with Martin Odegaard and Diego Llorente getting opportunities to impress in the first-team too.

Hakimi was selected for Morocco’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last March, where he became the first player to play for both Real Madrid and his native country at the same time.

On Wednesday, he took photos with a section of Moroccan supporters at the Ohio Stadium, as he joined a select few who have turned out for Real Madrid with Moroccan heritage.

Heliodoro Castano Pedrosa featured for Los Blancos in 1955/56, with Jose Luis Lopez Peinado turning out for the club in 1967. Both men chose to take dual nationality and never featured for the Moroccan national team.

Hakami has shown that he is a very direct player. He is astute and quick, two qualities that make him a goalscorer. He knows how to get away from his marker and with his good shooting ability he is a constant danger for rival defenders. He can cause damage getting in behind markers and he shoots well from dead ball situations. The player was involved in the FIFA underage player investigation, which led to the club’s transfer ban, despite spending his entire life in his Getafe (Madrid) neighbourhood and playing for his local club, Colonia Ofigevi, from the age of six. From there he joined Real Madrid’s youth set-up, where he has now spent the last ten seasons.

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here was a Zidane in the technical area and another one on the pitch for Real Madrid in Ohio on Wednesday evening as father Zinedine gave son Enzo his first minutes of senior football in the famous white shirt.

Enzo Zidane came on at half time in the 3-1 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain as his dad made big half-time changes having seen his first team go 3-0 down in the first period.

Enzo came on in midfield to replace Lucas Vazquez as Zidane changed his entire team in the International Champions Cup friendly.

‘We were off the pace but we have only had 10 days training. We showed more aggression in the second half,’ said the Real Madrid manager of the defeat dealt him by Unai Emery, who after years of coaching Europa League teams, is used to getting his side fighting fit from the first kick.

In addition to the admission that things picked up with his son on the pitch he singled out the youngsters after the game saying: ‘We have to use the youth system because when they get the chance they show how good they are. We have to take it very slowly with them but this was a good experience.’

Enzo, who was tidy in possession but unable to help Real claw back the deficit, was one of four half-time debutants and joined Martin Odegaard in the second string side. The Norwegian is hoping to go out on loan this season although reports in Germany suggest his estimated £1million salary has put off several Bundesliga clubs.

Neither Odegaard nor Enzo was the second-half star as Marcos Asensio showed why he will be first in the queue this season when Zizou turns to youth this season. The Spain Under 21 international is back from last season’s loan spell at Espanyol and hit the post with Madrid’s best second-half chance.

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Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas hailed the ‘footballing philosophy’ of manager Zinedine Zidane, claiming that the France legend’s clarity of thought was vital in the club’s Champions League triumph last season.

Zidane took over when Rafa Benitez was let go at the turn of the year, and has set about the imposing task of toppling Barcelona in his first full season at the helm of Los Blancos with aplomb.

Speaking in the buildup to the new season, ​Navas said: “He has a clear footballing philosophy that we understand well and this helped us win the Champions League as we learned very quickly just what the coach wanted from us.”

Navas’ brilliant work between the sticks was hugely important for the club’s European triumph, conceding just two goals in 10 games as Real beat Atletico on penalties to claim the Undecima.

He said: “I try to remember everything, before reaching the final I set myself a goal to enjoy the ride and live in the moments. There were many unique moments of happiness but being champions was the icing on the cake.”

The 29-year-old was also asked about his own impact on football in his home country of Costa Rica – far from a traditional footballing powerhouse, despite their impressive performance as scrappy underdogs at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

He said: “It is a privilege to be thought of in such a way, I always try to do my best and I try to be a good example for all the kids. I admire them and have a big commitment to them. I hope that in the future they can become great professionals.”

Navas went 338 minutes unbeaten in goal during Real’s Champions League campaign and the accolade remains firmly placed in the goalkeeper’s mind. “Without the help of your team-mates, you cannot do anything,” Navas concluded.

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Real Madrid’s Super Cup preparations have been dealt a blow after fifth-tier Norwegian club Malvik IL turned down the European champions’ request to use their training facilities – because of a clash with a children’s football training camp. The European champions had asked Norwegian fourth division side Malvik for use of their pitch but the club refused as their academy are using it.

Zinedine Zidane’s team, currently taking part in the pre-season International Champions’ Cup in the United States, are due to play fellow La Liga side Sevilla in the Super Cup final on 9 August.

The game takes place at Rosenborg’s Lerkendal stadium in Trondheim, and Real reportedly contacted Malvik to use their Viksletta stadium in nearby Vikhammer for pre-match training.

As reported by Madrid-based sports paper AS and Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Malvik president Frode Forbord declined the offer, prioritising the event for 270 schoolchildren over the chance to welcome Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo to their club.

“The training session coincides with our football school for kids in Malvik,” Forbord told NRK. “It would be great to have Real Madrid here, but we don’t want to send 270 kids home.”

Club officials confirmed that the training facilities could accommodate both parties – which would presumably significantly boost local interest in the football school –but it was Real Madrid who vetoed that idea, leading Malvik to stick to their guns.

“[Real Madrid] wanted a closed doors session so both things are not compatible,” Forbord added, concluding that “I hope the kids learn something at the school and one day play for Real Madrid.”

According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Real contacted Forbord to ask if they could use the ground for a training session ahead of the European Supercup against Sevilla on August 9, which will be held at Trondheim’s Lerkendal Stadion, 15 kilometres away from Malvik’s facilities.

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Gonzalo Higuain’s transfer to Juventus may have delighted fans in Turin, but the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy also had a smile on their faces when the deal was announced as Real Madrid will receive 2.25 million euros of the 90m euro fee.

Thanks to FIFA’s training compensation mechanism, Real Madrid are entitled to 2.5% of the transfer given that 5% of the fee must be distributed proportionally among the clubs to have trained the player between the ages of 12 and 23. World football’s governing body outlines the breakdown of that reserved 5% in Article 21 of its ‘Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players’ document.

Each club that owned a player between the ages of 12 and 15 receives 0.25% of the fee for each of those years, while 0.5% of the fee is given to a club for each season they trained the player between the ages of 16 and 23.

Since Los Blancos had the Argentine on their books between the ages of 19 and 23, they are due 2.5% of the Serie A record fee, which is 2.25m euros, the payment of which is the responsibility of Juventus.

“The club with which the player is registered is responsible for paying training compensation within 30 days of registration to every club with which the player has previously been registered and that has contributed to his training starting from the season of his 12th birthday,” states FIFA’s regulations. As such, the Turin outfit must contact Real Madrid in the coming days to organise the payment, although the two clubs may already be talking anyway regarding the future of Paul Pogba.

Madrid will receive the money next month. FIFA rules state that these amounts must be paid to trainer clubs in the 30 days following registration of the player or, in the case of partial payments, 30 days after the date of such payments.

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