Page 704

By -
0

The Madrid press’ focus today is again on the mouth-watering final of the Confederations Cup between Brazil and Spain.

In terms of Real Madrid interest in the competition, the club has a number of players who could take part in the final and help their national team to yet more trophy success.

And one of them, Sergio Ramos, has been nominated for the ‘best player of the tournament’ award.  The list includes another Spanish player, Andres Iniesta, two Brazilians, Paulinho and Neymar, Italy’s veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo, and Real Madrid target Luis Suarez.

In terms of Real Madrid news, AS carries an interview with former AC Milan and Chelsea forward Andriy Shevchenko, who claims the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu is a masterstroke.

The former Ukraine international, who played under the Italian at both clubs, said he has a calming influence on his players. He also said he is an open individual and allows players to talk to him whenever they want – something of a turnaround compared to the previous Jose Mourinho regime.

On the subject of Jose Mourinho, both AS and Marca have coverage of the court case surrounding the new Chelsea manager’s infamous eye-gouging incident from 2011 when the Portuguese poked Tito Vilanova in the eye after a particularly bad tempered Clasico match.

Although he was handed a two-match ban by the Spanish football federation, a Barcelona-based law firm launched a criminal lawsuit claiming Mourinho’s actions constituted a public order offence. Now, the Constitutional Court will decide the 50-year-old’s fate – and he could end up having to pay a fine of up to one million euros.

In good news for Real Madrid, the juvenil squad went one step further than their senior squad counterparts and beat Athletic 4-0 in the Copa Del Rey final.

By -
0

Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos is among six players nominated for the Golden Ball award that is handed to the best player at the Confederations Cup.

The 27-year old has had a brilliant performance for Spanish national team, helping Vicente del Bosque squad to concede only one goal during the tournament.

Uruguay’s forward Luis Suarez, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, has also made the shortlist.

Another Spanish player has been nominated: Andres Iniesta. Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo and Brazilian attackers Neymar and Paulinho are the other three players selected by FIFA’s technical study group.

The winner will be voted for by media convering the tournament. It will be announced after the final.

By -
0
The Collins Column

Carlo Ancelotti has only been Real Madrid manager for a few days but already there is a more positive feel amongst the press and fans compared the the final season of the Jose Mourinho era.

The contrast has been stark so far.  Mourinho was spiky and irritable, often refusing to talk to the media for months on end. In his first press conference as Los Blancos manager, two-time European Cup winning manager Ancelotti appeared relaxed, respectful and in control. Indeed, he even found time to joke with members of the press. A good start.

There was also a marked difference in plans for Madrid’s style of play. Mourinho’s teams are always built on a sound defence and devastating counter-attacking play. When it works, it’s spectacular. You just have to think back to the record-breaking title season in 2011-12 to see that. But most neutrals would agree it’s not the most pleasing on the eye.

Ancelotti on the other hand harked back to Madrid’s tradition and history of playing “spectacular football”. And he says he will restore that style of play while he is in charge.

While his words and ideas have been impressive, the Italian is under no illusion about the size of the task that lies ahead, and the work starts immediately.

First of all, Ancelotti needs to work out his playing squad. Los Blancos have signed a number of players already and there is the prospect of more additions – Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez have been strongly linked with moves to the Santiago Bernabeu.

He will also have to rubberstamp his approval on the list of departures. Gonzalo Higuain looks to be on his way to Arsenal, but question marks remain over the likes of Kaka, di Maria, Pepe and most importantly, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese playmaker has made public his unhappiness in Madrid, and his old club Manchester United are keen to take their favourite son back to Old Trafford.

The issue of assistant manager is an intriguing point too. Ancelotti brought Englishman Paul Clement with him from PSG to be his right hand man. But the club also announced Zinedine Zidane is to take his first steps into coaching and will also sit alongside Ancelotti in the dugout. Many had though the Frenchman would take up the role of Director of Football, so quite how the relationship works out between the three-man team remains to be seen.

Ancelotti has plenty of work to do then, and with the pressure of being expected to wrestle back the title from Barcelona and secure the coveted Decima (10th) European Cup, his has a busy schedule in Madrid.

We wish him luck!

By -
0

Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa has said in an interview that Spain’s primer minister, Mariano Rajoy, should be grateful to former Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho for taking the headlines off him.

The centre back said criticism of the Portuguese manager was over the top and that the 50-year-old served as a distraction while the government carried out a number of tough austerity measures.

Speaking to the Efe news agency, Arbeloa said: “I think that during these past three years, there has been too much talk about him. Everyone has an opinion about him. Spain’s Prime Minister should be grateful to Mou because he diverted the attention away from some of the other issues that are going on in Spain.”

The Spain international said there has been a number of misconceptions about Mourinho and that at the end of his three-year stay most of the players in the squad were on good terms with him – contrary to reports in the press.

He stated: “I will always be grateful to him for the way he treated me as a person and for the faith he showed in me.

“Many of us showed our gratitude and thanked him although some people seem to think that it was only me. Within the squad, more players thanked Mourinho than those who didn’t.”

By -
0

Much of the focus is on the Confederations Cup final tomorrow night between Brazil and Spain at the iconic Maracana Stadium, but the two Madrid dailies both have plenty of coverage about Los Blancos.

AS claims new boss Carlo Ancelotti has been told to reduce the number of players in the squad. Although Michael Essien and Ricardo Carvalho have already departed, Real have signed Daniel Carvajal, Isco, Casemiro, and promoted Jese to the first team squad.

The leaves the total at 27 – without deals for other players such as Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez being completed. There paper says the Italian boss will sanction the departure of at least four players. The list of those with a cloud over their future at the Santiago Bernabeu includes Kaká, Coentrao, Higuaín, Callejón, Di María, Adán y Jesús Fernández.

Marca and AS both carry more quotes from Iker Casillas about his experience on the sidelines last season. The Real Madrid legend claimed at one point he thought of leaving the club such was his frustration at being left out in the cold.

As ever, there is some transfer talk in both papers with Geoffrey Kondogbia being linked with a move to the Spanish capital. The French midfielder currently players for La Liga outfit Sevilla.

By -
23

The latest Real Madrid transfer rumours point to Los Blancos definitely pursuing Gareth Bale and Thiago Alcantara after Carlo Ancelotti gave his blessing to sign them.

Spanish radio station SER claims the Italian manager has suggested Alcantara and Asier Illarramendi as his two main candidates to reinforce the centre-back position. Apparently, he wants someone young, cheap and with great potential. Both players fulfil those requirements.

According to Spanish digital newspaper El Confidencial, Ancelotti has also given his approval to sign Gareth Bale, in order to increase the team’s work rate. However, the high price of the Welshman could be an obstacle for him to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu.

El Confidencial also states that Ancelotti has told Florentino Perez he is happy to dispense of the services of Gonzalo Higuain and Fabio Coentrao, while he will count on youngsters Alvaro Morata and Jese Rodriguez as reinforcements for the forward line.

Meanwhile, La Gazzetta dello Sport states Ancelotti has asked about Milan’s rising star Stephan El Shaaraway. Italian newspaper reports the Rossoneri want 25 million euros and Kaka in exchange for the 20-year old.

The Daily Star has linked Stevan Jovetic to a move to Real. The British tabloid claims Los Blancos will offer 23 million euros for Fiorentina’s forward, who is also being pursued by Chelsea, Arsenal and Juventus. He could be a cheaper option if Gareth Bale’s deal finally does not happen.

By -
0
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Real Madrid have announced a four-match tour of the US as part of their pre-season preparations.

The tour, which allows Los Blancos to engage with their large following of fans in the US, will begin on August 1 with a match again David Beckham’s former club, Los Angeles Galaxy, in Phoenix, in the International Champions Cup – an eight-team tournament taking place in various cities across the country.

The team will then move on Los Angeles where they will meet either Everton or Juventus on August 3.  The final match of the tournament for Los Merengues will take place in Miami on August 6 or 7, depending on the results of other fixtures.

The US tour will end on August 10 with a friendly match against Seria A side Inter Milan in Saint Louis.

The tour will allow new boss Carlo Ancelotti a chance to see his squad first hand in match situations, and bed in new players such as Daniel Carvajal, Isco, and Casemiro, as well as any other signings that arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos kick of their 2013/14 preparations in Lyon on July 24 and take on Ancelotti’s old club PSG on July 27 in Gothenburg before heading across the Atlantic.

On their return, they will play a friendly at home against Al Sadd in the Trofeo Santiago Bernabeu – a match in which Los Blancos legend Raul will be sure to get a rousing reception.

By -
0

Julian Draxler will be allowed to discuss the possibility of signing for Real Madrid should the opportunity arise, Schalke CEO Clemens Tonnies has said.

The 19-year-old midfielder has risen to prominence at the Bundesliga club and has attracted the interest of some of the giants of European football, including Los Blancos and Premier League side Chelsea, now led by Jose Mourinho.

Speaking to the Express, Tonnies said if a big offer came in for Draxler, already a German international, Schalke would not stand in his way.

He stated:  “What are we supposed to tell Julian when a club like Real Madrid make an enquiry for him? Tell him not to speak to them? That would simply be ridiculous. Those days are behind us now.

“If you want the best for someone, you will have to consider allowing him to move abroad at some point.”

By -
0

Both Madrid sports newspapers report in their front pages Real Madrid’s official confirmantion that Isco will sign for the next five seasons. The club published an statement in their website announcing the transfer.

“The Golden Kid”, titles Marca. “Madrid will pay almost 30 million and the player will be unveiled next wednesday at Santiago Bernabeu”, says As.

The two sport dailies put their focus in Spain’s victory over Italy in the penalties, at the Confederation Cup’s semifinal. Real Madrid players Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Alvaro Arbeloa played the whole 120 minutes and Jesus Navas scored the winning penalty shoot for the Spaniards.

“Jesus, what a final!”, titles Marca in a reference to the goal scored by Navas and the final match that will confront Spain against Brazil. As headline is simply “Glorious”.

Both Marca and As also highlight in their front pages Real Madrid youngster Jese Rodriguez great performance with Spain Under-20 national team to seal the third victory in three matches for Spain at the World Cup.

“Jese qualifies Spain as first of group”, As reports. “Jese is on a different level”, states Marca after the 2-1 victory over France with one goal and one assist of Real’s player.

By -
1

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has said he believes star forward Cristiano Ronaldo will see out the rest of his playing days at the club.

Reports in Spain have suggested in recent days that the Portuguese attacker was due to meet Manchester United officials with his agent, Jorge Mendes, about a potential return to Old Trafford.

According to El Pais, the Red Devils were prepared to offer him a 50 million euros signing on fee f he runs his contract down at the Santiago Bernabeu and moves back to the north west of England club in 2015.

Ronaldo and Perez are believed to have had a rocky relationship since last summer, when the player suggested he was unhappy in Madrid and wanted a move elsewhere.

But speaking on his players’ future, Perez said: “He has two years of contract left. He is happier every day here. He has no wish to leave Real Madrid and wants to end his career here. He wants to go into history as someone very important at Real Madrid.”

1...703704705...733Page 704 of 733

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