Page 401

By -
0

PSG midfielder Javier Pastore has opened up about a potential move to Real Madrid, saying he is aware of Carlo Ancelotti’s interest in him.

The 25-year-old has a year left to go on his deal with the Ligue 1 side but rumours have long linked him with a move to the Spanish capital. With Sami Khedira set to leave the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, Real could be on the lookout for a new midfielder to bolster their squad.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the Argentina international said a move could happen and he had spoken to his agent about Real’s interest in the past.

“There are always rumours in the press. I briefly talked about Real Madrid with my agent, but there is nothing to it. Ancelotti is one of the coaches who has been following me since I was young. He wanted me at Chelsea as well. Could he make a push for me? Maybe… He knows me and wanted me before, but he has not personally told me that he wants me at Madrid,” he commented.

In a bid to perhaps keep PSG fans on his side while keeping the chance of Madrid move open, he then added he is focused on his football in Paris.

“I am calm about my future. I still have a contract for one more season. We just want to finish 2014-15 as good as possible. I have not thought about leaving the club. Contract talks have been put on hold. I do not know whether negotiations will be resumed, but I will respect my contract with PSG.”

By -
0
Daniel Carvajal

Real Madrid right back Daniel Carvajal has said the players are aiming to win the final eight games of the La Liga season and still hope to overhaul Barcelona.

Los Blancos, who held a lead over their bitter rivals for so long this season, remain four points behind after they defeated Rayo Vallecano 2-0 on Wednesday night. Los Cules had defeated Almeria earlier on in the evening, adding extra pressure on Madrid to win in Vallecas.

Speaking after the game, Carvajal said he was pleased with the win, adding the players are focused on what they have to do to catch Barcelona.

“It was a tough game, we knew it would be a difficult pitch to play on. We didn’t have many chances but we were able to put the few we had away and we leave here very happy. During the break, Ancelotti told us to apply more pressure up top, that’s what we did in the second half and we scored two goals. There are eight games to go and we’ll be looking to clinch all 24 points to be in with a chance of winning the championship,” he told journalists.

He was also asked about the impending arrival of Danilo. the 30-million-signing from Porto.

Carvajal stated: “I’d like to congratulate him on signing for the best club in the world and also welcome him. He’ll be here next year training with us.”

By -
0
Iker Casillas

Iker Casillas has said the Real Madrid players were pleased to grab three points against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night as it’s always tough going to the Estadio de Vallecas.

Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez grabbed the goals in the second half as Los Blancos kept up the pressure on Barcelona with eight games remaining in the race for the La Liga title.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, club captain Casillas praised Paco Jimenez’ side, saying they are always one of the toughest opponents to face.

“Paco’s game plan is always spot on, he treats each opponent equally and that’s what makes him stand out from the rest. They know this pitch inside out and they deserve praise for how they played. We didn’t have as many iffy moments in the second half and were stronger and more solid. If you drop any points at this stage of the season, you might as well wave goodbye to La Liga,” he said.

The World Cup winner added: “I’m happy, winning is always important and it’s made all the better by keeping a clean sheet. It was a difficult game on a small pitch and we were solid at the back. We struggled in the first half but in the second half we were more tuned in and better organised and were able to react in time to win the game.”

By -
0

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has said he  used his half time team talk to urge his players to increase their intensity but not force the game too much against Rayo Vallecano.

Los Blancos looked to be heading for a frustrating evening in the south-eastern suburb of Madrid until Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez netted in the space of five minutes late on to secure the win for Real.

Having seen Barcelona thrash Almeria earlier in the evening, it was vital to pick up the three points in the local derby to keep the pressure up on Luis Enrique’s side.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Ancelotti stated: “We rushed things too much in the first half. I told the players they had to apply pressure with more intensity up front in the second half and in the end we played a very complete game and deserved our win. It was more a case of us increasing our intensity levels than Rayo’s dropping off. We were a lot more at ease in the second half.

“I leave here very happy and am hugely satisfied with the second half performance because our attitude was good, we played well and we were physically strong. That’s all I’m looking for.”

By -
0

Real Madrid managed to keep Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table down to four points despite struggling to beat Rayo Vallecano.

The hosts played a great first half and scared Carlo Ancelotti men, but the European champions reacted brilliantly after the break to seal the win with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez.

Los Blancos had the best chances of the game. Ronaldo’s volley flashed wide of the far post, and Cobeno denied James Rodriguez’s effort with a great save.

Gareth Bale managed to score after 20 minutes, but the goal was disallowed as the Welshman was offside when he received a through pass from Luka Modric.

Los Merengues threatened their rival more often than Rayo, but the hosts where in control of possession and started gaining confidence.

Manucho had a great opportunity to score as he flicked a near-post corner towards goal, but Casillas made a brilliant save.

The Los Merengues goalkeeper saved his team again when Roberto Trashorras met a super cross from Tito and headed straight at the keeper.

Ronaldo had the best chance of the first half as he met a free kick from James, but his header hit the bar.

Los Blancos attitude changed in the second half. The seemed more motivated and eager to bring all three points home.

Marcelo and Bale had two superb chances in the first minutes, but their shots just missed the post.

James was brilliant in the playmaking zone, and he almost put Madrid ahead after dribbling past two defenders and sending one to the top corner, just above the bar.

Ronaldo finally made it 0-1 for the visitors in the 68th minute. Carvajal made a great play in the right wing and sent a cross towards the Portuguese, who headed into the back of the net.

Five minutes later, James sealed his superb performance with a brilliant goal. The Colombian found space to snick into the box and fired one to the bottom corner.

By -
0

Real Madrid midfielder Isco has said his new role this season has helped him improve as a player.

The former Malaga man made a name for himself as an attacking midfielder or winger. The 22-year-old initially struggled to hold down a place in the team last season following his 30-million-euro move from the south coast of Spain, a victim of Carlo Ancelotti’s preference for a 4-3-3 formation.

But the Spain international has come into his own this season, playing an effective role in the midfield three, and having to learn the job of a deep lying midfielder.

In quotes published by Goal.com, the youngster stated: “This season I’ve been doing a job that maybe before I didn’t have. In that respect I’ve grown a lot.”

Turning his attention to the job at hand for the rest of the campaign, Isco said he and his Real colleagues are determined to land both the league title and Champions League.

“I hope the fans support us as they have up until now because we’re going to give it everything to win both titles. Real Madrid have to be fighting for trophies every season we can and that’s the case this year as well. We’re more than still in it in both competitions and we’ll give it our best to bring them both home,” he commented.

By -
0
Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid match preview

Real Madrid visit local neighbours Rayo Vallecano this evening fresh from their astonishing 9-1 win over Granada at the weekend.

With Barcelona playing at home to Almeria, a game they should win, Real will go into the game at the Estadio de Vallecas knowing they will need a win to keep the pressure on the Catalan outfit with games now starting to run out.

The good news for Carlo Ancelotti’s men is that they are currently enjoying some domination over the Madrid minnows, having won all of the last 10 encounters between the two sides. Real should have enough quality to beat Rayo tonight, although the Champions League holders have been beaten on their travels in the last two La Liga outings, at Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona. Rayo meanwhile have won their last three at home.

In terms of team news, Gareth Bale is a serious doubt after picking up a foot injury in the win over Granada. Alvaro Arbeloa is suspended for tonight’s clash after picking up a yellow card at the weekend, meaning Daniel Carvajal should take his place in the starting 11. Pepe is the only other notable absentee through injury.

Probable Line-Ups:
Rayo Vallecano: Alvarez; Insua, Amaya, Castro, Tito; Jozabed, Trashorras; Kakuta, Bueno, Embarda; Manucho
Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Isco; Rodriguez, Benzema, Ronaldo

By -
0

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has revealed could have moved to Real Madrid in 2009 but for his current employers telling him to stay as he was their very own Leo Messi.

The former France international, 32, was subject of interest from Real Madrid, who wanted to take advantage of his falling out with then Bayern boss Louis Van Gaal to take him to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The winger says he is unsure whether any formal bid was made or what the figures discussed were for any transfer but he was aware of interest from the La Liga giants.

Speaking to online football website, Goal.com, RIbery said:”I had intensive talks with Uli Hoeness, who was still president back then, and chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

‘They told me I should not go, how the club needed me, how I was as important for Bayern as Lionel Messi was for Barcelona. Real tried, they wanted me. I don’t know what price Bayern wanted them to pay. In the end I am happy how it ended.”

Real did carry out an important bit of business in the summer of 2009, signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for 91 million euros. Ribery, meanwhile, has helped his side to success in the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League.

By -
0

Gareth Bale may miss Real Madrid’s midweek trip across the Spanish capital to Rayo Vallecano with a foot problem, Carlo Ancelotti has said.

Giving his latest injury update, the Italian boss said Bale had picked up a minor knock in the sensation 9-1 win over Granada at the weekend. After a nine-match spell without scoring, Bale has shrugged off criticism from the media and fans in Spain and scored five goals in his last four matches for club and country.

The news will come as a blow to Ancelotti, although he admitted even if Bale doesn’t make it, he will face a selection dilemma as when it comes to picking his replacement – Isco or James Rodriguez.

“We have a small problem with Bale,” Ancelotti said. “He has a bang to his left foot, we must weigh it up tomorrow, then pick the team.”

Speaking about the Rodriguez or Isco selection, Ancelotti added: “They both could play, they have done so together many times. It is not a debate between Isco and James, it is about a squad which is in very good condition at the moment.

“James is doing very well in his first year. Isco has played some fantastic games this season. So it is really difficult for the coach to say who is best. I can just say I have the good fortune to have two players of this quality, who can play different positions on the pitch.”

By -
0

Atletico de Madrid defender Miranda has described Real Madrid as the best team in the world, but says he hopes his team continue to be their bogey side.

The rivals will meet for the seventh and eighth times in the next few weeks having been drawn together in the quarter finals of the Champions League. And while Los Blancos fans will have fond memories of the last time these two met in the tournament, Real haven’t beaten Atletico in six attempts this season. Between La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercopa, Real have drawn two and lost four.

Speaking to Estadao, Brazilian Miranda said Real are still the team to beat though, and he’s wary about them, and inparticular Cristiano Ronaldo.

“They will be two tough matches. Real Madrid have an incredibly strong team and currently they are the best in the world, but they’re not unbeatable. We’re very competitive and we’ve met face to face on six occasions this season and not lost,” he stated.

He added: “It’s necessary to be very focused and very organised [around Ronaldo]. When we attack it’s important to keep our defensive order. It’s fundamental to always keep a player like this by your side. Also, if he loses the ball, we should get it back as soon as possible.”

1...400401402...733Page 401 of 733

www.gambleaware.co.uk or www.gamcare.org.uk
Please gamble responsibly