Marcelo to Grada Blanca
Real Madrid’s publication Grada Blanca caught up with Marcelo on the eve of the team’s match against Almeria.
Saturday’s match is important in order to stay hot on Barcelona’s trail.
We are improving a lot. We play at home which makes it all that more important. That said, even though this team is still growing, we are first in our Champions League group and second in La Liga.
Almeria are no pushover, as they proved in the Camp Nou.
Barcelona had trouble beating them at home. I have played against Almeria several times and I can tell you they are a team that has improved a lot.
What concerns you most about Almeria?
They defend well and have fast players in attack who are good at running the counter. We must always keep an eye on Crusat, Piatti, Uche and Goitom. Diego Alves is also an important member of the team.
Have you spoken to Diego Alves, your fellow countryman? Have you told him where you will score?
No, I have not. I would rather do it on the pitch (laughs).
Almeria’s coach is none other than Real Madrid legend Hugo Sanchez. What do you have to do to become a club icon?
I love being a part of this club, but I am hungry for more and am working hard to get there. I need to do great things on the pitch if I am to go down in the Real Madrid history books. Time will tell whether it happens or not.
You are doing everything right at home, where you have won all your league matches so far.
We are good at the Santiago Bernabeu. We aren’t too bad on the road either. We have visited some difficult stadiums to play in and we are only two points off Barcelona.
Casillas to Men’s Health
Iker Casillas talked to Men’s Health magazine about the work a goalkeeper does on a daily basis at Real Madrid.
When do you train?
We train every morning between 10:30 and 12:30. We then spend 45 minutes in the weights room.
How much do you train on the pitch?
I’d say I spend 60% of the first two hours with my team-mates doing physical workouts and so forth. I do specific goalkeeper exercises the other 40%.
In what are your goalkeeper workouts different from the rest?
You have to take into account that I run an average of 4 km per game while the rest run around 10. We don’t focus on endurance so much, but we work on jumping and on our legs’ reactions.
Saving a shot especially depends on how strong your legs are.
How do you strengthen your legs?
We tackle plyometrics such as jumping with weights, doing a succession of jumps, etc. These are typical exercises one does to strengthen his or her legs. The machine we use exclusively is the leg press.
How many weights do you use?
I think the most we use is 140 kg. You don’t need any more. It’s important to be fast.
What do you to exercise the upper half of your body?
Most goalkeepers exercise the upper half of their bodies and they are stronger than most of the other players on the team. I actually hate doing weights. I don’t like to be ‘big’.
Kaka to GOLT
In an interview with GOLT, Kaka discussed the early stages of his career and some of his most memorable moments.
What are you like when not thinking or playing football?
I am relaxed who like spending time with his child and family. I am also an Evangelist, which means I like to read the Bible.
What do you remember about your childhood?
I had a great upbringing. I was a happy kid. I spent most of it playing football and I always knew that football was my passion.
You weren’t born in a favela (slum), you were never hungry and you didn’t need to be a football player. You have nothing to do with the stereotypical Brazilian footballer.
I was lucky to be born into a middle class family. I was raised in a calm neighborhood far from crime.
You had an accident as a kid that nearly ended your days as a football player.
I fell into a pool and fractured a vertebrae. I thought I would never play again, but God gave me the strength to recover and I am a stronger person because of it.
Your career then took off with Sao Paulo.
Those were some great years and I gained a lot of experience. I was relatively unknown when I left for Milan.
You had some sweet moments with Milan, but some bitter ones as well, like losing the final against Liverpool.
That defeat against Liverpool was tough to swallow, but we won the European Cup two years later, also against Liverpool.
Valdano to TVE
Jorge Valdano gave an interview to Spanish National Television (TVE). The Club’s Director General and Presidential Aide believes the team performed well against Barcelona despite the defeat.
The team lost against Barça despite giving a great performance.
Both teams were ambitious and played a good game. Both sides had the initiative at times and dominated the match. Real Madrid clearly wanted to win. They pressurised Barcelona in attack and had clear chances to score. We missed our chance to take the lead in the first half, while the last 45 minutes are harder to analyse. Barcelona changed their system, focusing more on defenidng, and they scored a goal. Both teams saw a red card too. Many different elements affected the match.
What do you think would have happened if Cristiano Ronaldo had scored from the chance he had?
I believe the match would have become more difficult for Barcelona, but the game was what it was and we must now work to strengthen the confidence of our squad. We played at one of the most complicated venues in football. We lived up to our opponent and I believe we didn’t deserve to lose. We feel ready for important games.
What was the problem then?
Our greatest problem is anxiety. Some people say the team looked somewhat tired in the second half, but I don’t agree. Our problem is that we try to score a goal prematurelly and we forget football has certain principles we have to respect.
Is the Club satisfied with the performance despite the defeat?
We are sad because we wanted to win and we didn’t even earn a draw, but we are very happpy with the team’s performance. We liked the coach’s and the players’ attitude. They are all great professionals.
Has Pellegrini’s situation improved thanks to the match?
We played very well in Barcelona. The coach used a daring and brave system. Very few teams will try to play like we did at Camp Nou and I don’t believe anyone has been this daring at the stadium in the past couple of years. From that standpoint, Pellegrini did what is asked of a Real Madrid coach. He showcased ambition, valor and a sense of risk.
Was Cristiano replaced because he couldn’t play more than 60 minutes?
Our Mediical Staff recommended that he play between 45 and 60 minutes. He was examined in the morning and results were good. We had to take into acccount that Cristiano has missed two months. He did well on the pitch and he successfully passed another examination after the match.
Xabi Alonso to Realmadrid.com
Xabi Alonso shared his views on the forthcoming Clasico with Realmadrid.com.
Which Barcelona-Real Madrid match do you remember the most?
I remember many. I remember when Raul scored at Camp Nou and gestured towards the crowd to be silent. I also remember how Zidane scored from a lob in the Champions League semifinals. Baptista scored an amazing volley two or three years ago. You always felt it was a very important match. Just imagine how I feel now that I’m going to be part of it.
Your father could give you advice…
He will pay close attention to the match. He took part in Clasico’s when he was a player at Barcelona.
Will he support you or his former team?
He’ll support me, I’m sure.
You’ve played at Camp Nou before. Which is your favourite personal performance at the stadium?
I don’t have very fond memories from when I played there with Real Sociedad because we lost both times. The last time I played there with Liverpool we won 2-1 in the first leg of the Champions League’s Last 16. It was fantastic.
What will be the key to defeating them at their home stadium?
We’ll have to cover well every aspect of the game. We have to make them feel uncomfortable and prevent them from keeping possession. We can’t afford to lose the ball easily and we’ll have to capitalise on our chances.
Do you think Messi will play? Do you want him to?
I think he will play and I would be delighted if he did.
Arbeloa to Goal.com
Goal.com spoke to the Real Madrid defender ahead of the trip to Camp Nou. He believes that his side are the Blaugrana’s equals and are nearly ready to explode into action.
What can Real Madrid take from the game against FC Zurich?
The best thing is the three points, to be one step nearer to the next stage and that we depend upon ourselves to go through as group winners.
Madrid are still being criticised for the way the team plays, but you have beaten some records in the league and are top of your Champions League group. Does the continuing criticism bother you?
No, we agree with the criticism because we know that we are not playing our best football and that we have a team who can play much better. But we are confident that we will do that. Given more time I am sure that things will improve. We are also confident because, as you say, we are winning games and we have great statistics. We have done that without playing well and so when we do start playing well it will be great. But we are our own biggest critics and we know there are things that can be improved, but it is always easier to do that if you are winning at the same time.
You are going to play in your first Clasico. How do you feel ahead of the game, and how will you approach it?
With great desire. As we have seen this week it is going to be a very difficult game because in Camp Nou they play great football and I am sure it will be a tremendous battle.
Do you think there is a favorite? Do you feel you are behind the champions?
No, we do not feel less than Barca. It is clear that when you play in one one of these games home advantage is important but we will go there feeling confident that we can earn a great result.
Sergio Ramos to Sky TV
Sergio Ramos shared his views on the upcoming Barcelona-Real Madrid game with Sky TV.
How do you feel on a personal level? How do you think the team is doing so far?
I had to gradually adapt again after my injury and I now feel fit. I can do better and help the team more and I will gradually do so. I think the team is working hard despite our elimination from the Copa del Rey. We know what we need to do to achieve our goals in La Liga and in the Champions League. We will try to work hard and to be humble to win a title.
How should the team play?
Everyone will have their own opinion, but we try to do what the coach asks of us. Things may work or not, but people should be happy with the team because we are having a great attitude. Fans aren’t thrilled by our style, but they soon will be. We will gradually improve.
What does the coach want the team to do?
There’s a new system now that we have new players on the squad and we have to continue to try out different options. The coach will change positioning and tactics around to create a style that suits Real Madrid. I can’t really define a style yet because we are still trying out stuff to be at our best. We’ll try to thrive in our style once we find it.
Barcelona play a horizontal game while yours is more vertical. That may be the greatest difference between both teams…
Barcelona’s advantage is the fact that they’ve been playing together for much longer and they know each other perfectly well. They were lucky to be rewarded for their efforts with three titles last year and that may make people believe everything is easy for them. But each team has its own style. We may be better than them in attack and at counterattacking. They may be better in midfield because they have players that truly make a difference in that part of the pitch.
What should players do in the days preceding a Clasico?
We must remain calm. I think it would be a mistake to try out new things. A Clasico is different to any other game, but preparations are the same; we rest, get motivated and try to be ready for when the time comes.
Several players on both teams are team-mates on the Spanish national side. Have you talked about the game?
We’ve joked about it and teased each other, but it’s nothing serious. We are all friends. We’ve been together on the national team for several years.
Xabi Alonso to Realmadrid.com
Xabi Alonso will turn 28 on Wednesday. Real Madrid are set to face FC Zurich at the Bernabeu and the player believes a victory against them would be a great birthday present.
Your birthday is on Wednesday. There couldn’t be a more perfect present than a victory against FC Zurich, right?
A victory against FC Zurich is vital. We want to win the match and I hope it gets us a ticket to the Last 16. It would be a nice birthday present.
They don’t have much standing in Europe, but they proved they can defeat any team when they played at San Siro.
Nowadays any team can defeat you if you don’t do your best. The Swiss surprised Milan by defeating them 1-0 in Italy. We will suffer if we fail to be in top form.
You defeated them 5-2 in Switzerland. I guess the match at the Bernabeu will be similar; Real Madrid will dominate from the start and Zurich will try to capitalise on counterattacks and set pieces.
We hope to control the game. Scoring an early goal will be key to prevent them from growing confident. We must take things slowly and be cautious.
What is the team’s goal in the group stage?
We want to reach the Last 16. It would be even better to do so as group leaders. We depend on Milan because they’ve won the goal average against us. We’ll have to wait and see.
What do you think will happen in the group’s other game?
Marseille are a very good team and I believe the match will be even. Marseille have improved considerably lately and I wouldn’t rule out a surprise on their part at San Siro.
What’s better for Real Madrid, Milan’s victory, a draw or Marseille’s victory?
I’d prefer to seal our pass to the next round, even if it means both Milan and ourselves win our home games. I want to have the peace of mind of being in the Last 16. We’ll play for the leadership in the last match.
Kaka to Cadena COPE
Kaka was Sunday’s special guest on El Tirachinas of Spanish radio’s Cadena Cope, where he discussed almost every aspect of his career.
Early days:
I began playing when I was eight. I was born in the capital and moved to Sao Paulo. The teacher there called my mom to tell her that I had special talents and that I was a lot different from the other kids. My mom took me to a football academy and one year later I signed for Sao Paulo.
The academy there has built an amazing training center. There are many fields and many kids. The Sao Paulo academy is the most productive in Brazil.
Football is a huge sacrifice. I love this sport, but it is hard to keep up with friends because you need to be disciplined.
I was close to becoming a professional at 16 or 17. I trained in the morning and afternoon and went to school at night. I never lost the desire to play even though there were some rough moments. When I was 15 I had the body of a 13-year old because of bone problems, but I never gave up.
Rai was my idol and role model. I always like Zidane and Ronaldo. I never played with Rai or Zidane, but I would have loved to. Ronaldo and Rivaldo treated me very well with the national team. I will always be grateful to Ronaldo and Cafu.
Italy:
A player in Brazil is always thinking about Europe. This is where the best players and teams are. I had a lot of offers, but the best came from Milan.
I stayed in a hotel my first night. I then met the players I used to play with on the PlayStation and I realized just how important a step I had taken.
I didn’t have a hard time adjusting thanks to the seven Brazilians already playing there. I have a great relationship with Shevchenko. I spent the best time of his career playing by his side.
Maldini is the perfect example of a footballer. He is the first to show up to training and the last to leave. He is like Raul: an example of loyalty and motivation. They are two great leaders.
The Calcio isn’t as strong as it used to be before the corruption cases. The tax matter also plays a role. Football there is very tactical and it taught me a lot, but I have a lot more fun now.
Garay to Realmadrid.com
Ezequiel Garay is a Racing Santander expert. The Argentine defender played for Real Madrid’s next opponent for four seasons, and in 2006/07 alone scored ten goals.
This must be a special match for you.
I had a great time in Santander. It will be a special match for me, but if I have the chance to play, I will do my very best for my current team.
How do you think they will play at the Bernabeu?
They have played well on the road. Their coach, Juan Carlos Mandia was sacked a week ago so the players will want to impress the new coach. Whatever the case may be, they are confident having won their last Copa match.
What tactics will they use to be the first team to leave the Bernabeu with points in hand?
I am sure they will want to tighten their lines to try to surprise us by counterattacking. We need to be mindful of their speed and long shots.
Have you spoken to any of your former teammates about the match?
Yes. There will always be those run-ins on and off the pitch, but we all hope to see a nice game and to earn the three points.
What did you learn while playing for Santander?
I matured as a footballer and a person. I will always be grateful to the club and my teammates.
Beating Racing is important because it will put pressure on Barça, who visit Bilbao.
We need to win to continue at the top of the table. We can put a lot of pressure on Barcelona by taking care of business here.
Guti on Telemadrid
Guti talked about the team and the new signings on Telemadrid.
How do you feel?
I only think about training and getting a chance to play. I’ve been here for ten years and i’d love to end my career at the Club.
What do you think of the team?
We are trying to find the right balance and we have great players who have a lot of potential. Once they reach it, Real Madrid will win their games through ball possession. We will be at our best against Racing Santander.
What do you think the team needs to reach its full potential?
We need to adapt to each other. There’s nothing others have that we haven’t got. We are working hard to return the Club to the place it deserves in Europe.
How does Cristiano Ronaldo feel?
It hurts us that he’s been out for so long because he is a very important player. We want him to play again, but it’s going to be a little hard for him to start again. We don’t depend on him, although he is an unbalancing player. We have a great squad and anyone can replace anybody.
Describe him for us.
Real Madrid players always make a difference. Cristiano is unbalancing and can win a match in just one play. Players like him are important at a great club. His individual skills are missed, but this is a great team nonetheless.
Tell us about Kaka.
He supplies the team with quality and helps out in attack. He serves great assists and is also a great teamworker. He is essential to us. He also helps out in defence.
Casillas on Liga Digest
Iker Casillas gave an interview to Japanese TV programme Wowow from channel Liga Digest.
What do you think of the squad? What does the team need?
We need time, which is hard to get. People want us to play well, but it’s all part of a process. We’ve got new players, a new President and a new coach. We must be calm.
What are your best attributes as a goalkeeper? What do you think you can improve on?
People have always said I’m at my weakest in aerial plays. I suppose I’m at my strongest in one-on-ones. I can keep an opponent in check.
Do you have some sort of habit regarding your gloves?
One or two years ago I had a special glove because I broke a finger. But that’s over now and I use normal gloves again.
How do you think the team is performing in La Liga?
I’m happy. We’re having a good run and Barcelona are the only ones doing better with a small lead over us. We have a good team.
What do you think of the signings made by President Florentino Perez?
They’re fantastic. Watching footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka is even more exciting for those of us players who grew up here. I played with Zidane, Beckham and Figo and they did great things. I hope Ronaldo and Kaka do too.
Casillas to El Pais
Iker Casillas shared his experiences on the Spanish national team with newspaper El Pais.
Which is your first memory of the Spanish national team?
As a fan? When we qualified for the 1994 World Cup by defeating Denmark 1-0. We defeated the team that had the Laudrup brothers thanks to Hierro’s goal. No! Actually, my first memory of the national team is from their performances in the 1992 Olympic Games. I was 11 years old. I remember Kiko scored the goal that gave us the Gold Medal against Poland.
Where were you when you made your first international squad list?
I was in Paris with Real Madrid waiting to play the Champions League final. It wasn’t official yet, but people around me told me about it. They said Camacho was thinking about it and he eventually decided to take me to the 2000 Euro as the team’s third goalkeeper. Molina was the first and Cañizares the second goalie.
Who helped you adapt to the team?
My then Real Madrid team-mates: Hierro, Raul, Michel Salgado… Those guys.
Do you remember who the centre backs were on the team when you faced Sweden in your debut?
Engonga, Abelardo and Paco Jemez.
Which was your happiest moment?
I’ve had two. My debut against Sweden was one of them. I always say the first match is the most important you ever play because the rest wouldn’t happen without it. My other great moment was the 2008 Euro. There isn’t a specific event that I can point out as being the greatest during the championship. The quarterfinals, the semis, the final… They were all amazing. I am especially fond of our quarterfinal against Italy, which was decided in the penalty shootout. I was more excited then than during the final against Germany. I was also more excited during the semifinal against Russia.
Which do you regard as being your best save for Spain?
The penalties I saved against Italy. One was taken by Di Natale and the other by De Rossi. They were the hardest saves I’ve ever had to make, especially the one against De Rossi. He hit the ball very well with his right foot. It was a mid-height shot to the post to my right. Di Natale’s shot was low and went towards my left.
Raul to Realmadrid.com
At 32, Raul isn’t thinking about hanging up his boots just yet, but the Madridista captain does know that he wants to be playing for Real Madrid when that time comes.
How much football do you have left in you?
A little less every day, but I intend to continue fighting and enjoying the game, so we’ll see how long I hold up.
Do you see yourself ending your career at Real Madrid or is their a chance that it could happen elsewhere?
My dream was to begin and end here, but circumstances change and decisions sometimes need to be made. I think the Real Madrid-Raul relationship is hard to break, so I hope to end my career here.
How do you see the Pellegrini situation? He is capable of leading this team to titles?
Pellegrini knows this league well. He know what he wants , he likes good football, he likes his teams to maintain possession and he tells us that all the time. His ideas go hand-in-hand with Real Madrid’s and the history of the club. Time will show that Pellegrini is right and he we build a championship team.
Can Madrid win the double now that the Copa is out of the question?
We need to take smaller steps. We may slip up if we get too ahead of ourselves. We hope to make this a championship-winning team with this new project and the new players that came, who happen to be the best there are.
How are the new stars getting along with everyone?
Cristiano and Kaka are good people and very professional. I was surprised to see how dedicated they are. The team is very down to earth. Casillas has played here for eleven years, Guti one less than me… We won two straight leagues recently thanks to team unity, so I think we will be successful with the new arrivals, too.
Would you like to win another Champions League?
What makes the Champions League so special is the difference in atmosphere from La Liga. The competition holds a special place in my heart because it is so special and unique to hear the anthem in every stadium.
Xabi Alonso to Hala Madrid
Xabi Alonso is the most recent Madridista to sit down with the club’s magazine, Hala Madrid.
How are you adjusting to your new city and team?
Very well. I love Madrid and knew I wouldn’t have any trouble. My family and I are comfortable here. The club has made it very easy. Whenever we travel I realize how significant this team is.
What kind of football do you like most?
I like offensive teams that control matches and never wait for the opponent before responding. I think what we have here is what I tend to like.
Which of Pellegrini game plans do you like the most?
He has used different systems, but we have a lot of liberty in all of them. There also has to be balance on defense. It doesn’t matter which game plan is used because we have enough players for every position.
You have started in all of them. Do you like feeling like an important member of the team?
I have played a lot. The coach asks that I give balance to the midfield and that I search for solutions for my teammates. I am pleased with the role I have been given and I hope things continue to go well.
Are you more comfortable playing alongside a player like Lass or a play-maker like Guti?
No matter who plays we have to make sure that one isn’t just playing offense and the other defense. If we play with two central midfielders we have to be as complete as possible and dominate in both facets.
It was said that you were signed to restore order. Has that been the case so far?
One player cannot restore order alone. We have to do it together with one idea. I have that job when playing as a central midfielder because I am closest to all my teammates and need to be the one to communicate with them.
Casillas to AS
Iker Casillas talked to AS about the derby against Atletico Madrid.
What do you think the match against Atletico will be like?
It’s the first time in a very long time in which the situation is uneven for both teams because of the positions we both have on the table and of what’s been happening at Atletico recently. They may be going through a difficult time, but we have also been criticised this season. The fans always get excited about the derby. Everything will be the same as always once it starts.
Is it better to face an Atletico in crisis?
It may be worse because they have a new, intelligent coach who knows how to motivate players and wants to make the fans happy after everything that’s happened. I haven’t lost at the Calderon in ten years.
It’s a stadium in which you earn good results against them…
We also do that at the Bernabeu. We lost 3-1 against them at the Calderon the year in which they were relegated, but I only played 20 minutes in that game.
You have always performed very well at the Calderon.
I’ve done well there. I like to play at that stadium. I think their fans cheered my name last year because of my good relationship with Luis Aragones. I am grateful to them for that. I noticed the rivalry with Real Madrid in my first year; Kiko was still on the team. I guess one of my fondest memories is the 4-0 victory we earned in 2003. In 2005, Torres despaired because he had many shots on goal but failed to defeat me.
Is it strange to see Atletico in the latter positions of the table?
Yes. I would like them to be contenders for the title every year. They are a great team. Back in the day, the three greats were Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico.
Metzelder to Realmadrid.com
Christoph Metzelder, who today celebrates his 29th birthday, sat down with Realmadrid.com to comment on his special day and the team’s upcoming schedule of matches.
How do you feel on you birthday?
Good. I am healthy and training. My family is coming in today so I am very happy.
How are you going to celebrate?
I’m just going to relax with my mom, my brothers and my friends. I cannot wait to have my mom’s traditional German apple tart. I love Spanish food, but I also miss my mom’s cooking.
Was the point earned at San Siro a good early birthday present?
Yes. It was an important point that allowed us to hold on to the top spot and take a big step towards the Last 16.
Another good present would be a derby victory.
We have won the last four matches against Atleti and hope to extend the streak. It will be tough because teams with new coaches are usually very motivated, but let’s hope that isn’t the case on Saturday. I would love to play in the Vicente Calderon because it’s a stadium I have yet to add to my list.
And the best would be a turnaround against Alcorcon on Tuesday.
We played poorly in the first leg and want to turn it around in the Bernabeu. A lot depends on the first few minutes and whether or not we score an early goal.
Fans will be out in full force. In four hours on Wednesday 15,000 tickets were sold.
Madridistas always support us. We all want to turn this tie around, and anything is possible in the Santiago Bernabeu.
Marcelo to AS
Marcelo sat down with AS newspaper discuss the team’s last league win against Getafe and their midweek Champions League encounter at Milan.
How did the team handle the first mini-crisis of the season?
We had a tough week on all fronts and we knew that it was important to beat Getafe to keep pace with Barça heading into our match against Milan. The fans cannot see their team lose 4-0 like it did in Alcorcon.
Did the win against Getafe mean more than just three points?
SIt also allowed us to put pressure on Barça. Our overall spirit improved. We all helped out and ran a lot. We are one point away from Barcelona. They are a good team, but so are we.
Why was their such a big difference between Saturday’s performance and that against Alcorcon?
The daily work hasn’t changed. Something things just happen in a way that we don’t like. People must be a little more patient. We were anxious to forget about the previous week.
Do you feel more comfortable in the midfield?
A winger in Europe tends to attack, but he also defends more than he does in Brazil. As a midfielder I have more freedom, which is why I stick out more when I play there. I do enjoy playing in attack, but I feel more comfortable as a left-back.
The team looked very orderly with you in the midfield and Kaka along the flank.
We were very organized against Getafe, but it depends on us, not the coach. We can beat whoever when we play well.
Do you have revenge in mind for tomorrow’s match against Milan?
Not revenge, but we are excited for the chance to finish top of the group. We will show a lot of winning spirit against Milan.
Pepe to AS
After participating in his first full training session since recovering from injury on Thursday, Pepe sat down with Spanish daily AS.
Why do you think people are questioning Pellegrini?
It is very easy to point the finger at the coach. This is a good project and we have faith in him. We aren’t going through the best patch right now. Everything was great at the beginning.
What kind of coach is he? Does he talk a lot?
He speaks to us often. He likes for his team to play football and to maintain possession. Things just are going our way right now.
And why don’t Pellegrini’s ideas translate onto the pitch? Is he not a good motivator?
That’s not it at all. He has plenty of experience and knows this league very well. He demands a lot of us. He wants the best from each player, and right now we aren’t giving it to him. It’s a matter of the players communicating and paying attention. It isn’t just the coach’s fault, nor is it just the players’ fault.
Do you rule the roost in the dressing room?
Well, I came from a smalled club, but I have a strong mentality.
Why isn’t the defense able to advance like Pellegrini wants to bring the lines closer together?
We have to pay attention. The coach says we don’t need to defend with many players. He says we can defend with three men if we do things the right way. That way we have more chances of playing the ball in a more advanced position. But we need time. A few weeks ago we had conceded the fewest goals in the league.
What is the focal point for positioning the defense?
It depends on the play and the moment of the match. If we pressure the opposing center backs, we need to advance our position.
Albiol to Grada Blanca
Raul Albiol has become a mainstay in Manuel Pellegrini’s starting eleven since joining Real Madrid over the summer. On Saturday, the defender will face the same team with whom he made his Primera Division debut. Albiol discusses the match in an interview with Grada Blanca.
You have become a mainstay for Manuel Pellegrini. Until recently you had played in every single match.
I am very happy personally speaking. I am playing in every competition and the overall situation is pretty good.
Do you realize that you are part of the most ambitious project in Real Madrid history?
It makes me proud to know that they had faith in us to improve the hard times, which is why we cannot let them down. We have to return that same confidence but from the pitch.
What did you think of the Bernabeu and its fans when you played here but with Valencia?
The Santiago Bernabeu is one of the best stadiums you can play in, but winning here is hard for visiting teams. It is nice to play here, especially now that the fans are on my side. Visiting here was a huge motivation because it meant playing in one of the best stadiums in the world.
Guti to Realmadrid.com
Jose Maria Gutierrez, Guti, denies reports that appeared in several of today’s media accusing him of having an altercation with and disrespecting his coach, Manuel Pellegrini.
What do you have to say concerning these reports?
I want to say that what was published isn’t true. I have a good relationship with the coach and what took place at halftime was a private chat in the dressing room that is commong during matches that aren’t going how we would like. At no time did I disrespect him. That is not who I am.
Even Granero confirmed that no incident took place.
We are all witnesses. My teammates, the medical staff, the physiotherapists, the doctor… It was a typical halftime discussion. I am proud that a teammate spoke of me in that way, especially when it is the truth.
What is your relationship with Manuel Pellegrini like?
It has been good since the beginning. He is one of the reasons I am still here. He had faith in me and I am proud to be here. My only job is to work hard and to try to make Real Madrid the very best.
There was a lot of tension in Tuesday’s Copa match. As captain can you explain some of what took place.
I regret the gesture I made. My nerves got the best of me. A captain should never do that, so I apologize to the person to whom it was directed. You have to be fair, and when you make a mistake you have to know how to ask for forgiveness.
You are convinced that the team can turn the tie around and turn a negative into a positive.
Of course. I think it was a bad day. It was a bad result for us but we are very confident that we can turn this around. Things didn’t turn out how they should have in Alcorcon, but all the players are very excited about this coach. We just ask for a little patience. We will try to make everything turn out for the best.
Pellegrini is starting to be questioned, but the players are standing by his side.
Absolutely. I think it is unfair to talk about whether he should stay or go. I think he is capable of coaching Real Madrid and that he is doing well. Anyone can have a bad week and now it’s our turn. We are anxious for Saturday’s match, which we want to win so that we have plenty of confidence for our game in Milan.
Van der Vaart to AS
Rafael van der Vaart told AS he is going through a good moment and said the team is very motivated to play its first match in the Copa del Rey.
Are you beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel at Real Madrid?
Yes, I’m very happy. I want to prove I can be important for on team and the coach has allowed me to play several minutes in the last few games.
Real Madrid pressurized Sporting at El Molinon in the final minutes, when you were on the pitch.
It was a complicated match against a tough opponent. We failed to score, but we didn’t play that badly. It’s been easy for us to score in other games, but Sporting’s goalkeeper played very well.
You nearly scored…
Yes. What a shame that I didn’t! I really want to score a goal. Ramos served me a great cross.
Will you score in the Copa del Rey tomorrow?
I hope so! I don’t know if I’ll play, but the match is very important to me.
Will it be a great chance for you to shine?
Yes. I have to take advantage of every chance I get to prove I can play here.
Will you maybe score from a free-kick, like Cristiano Ronaldo?
He is the best at doing that in the entire world. Ronaldo is simply unique.
Is the Copa del Rey important?
Yes. I remember the bad impression we made last year against Real Union. We can’t fail our fans again in this manner. We have to try hard to win every championship and the Cup motivates us.
Xabi Alonso to AS
Xabi Alonso sat down with sports newspaper AS to discuss how the team is playing, his teammates, his former team and La Liga.
Analyze the Milan match for us.
I was pleased with the first half. I think we played well and controlled the match. I know we could have scored another goal. Milan really hurt us in the second. We fell apart and played with our hearts rather than our heads. The match slipped out of our hands.
What is taking the team so long to play well?
Many factors. On one hand, there are a lot of new players. On the other, we need to start controlling matches for the full 90 minutes. We are still in that process.
What are your thoughts on the Liverpool crisis? Do you think they miss you?
When things don’t go well in football you always recall the players who are no longer around. I still have a great relationship with my former teammates and there is no question that they are on their heals.
What surprised you most upon your arrival?
Madrid is a fantastic city. There is great quality of life. It has everything except the ocean. What caught my attention regarding the club was its magnitude. It is bigger than anyone can imagine and has such an incredible local and foreign following. People here are much more fanatic than in Liverpool, but both are great clubs that represent football in its truest form.
How long might it take for Real Madrid to click on all cylinders?
We are much closer than we are farther, but it will take time. I can’t say how long exactly; perhaps a month. That said, we aspire to every title we have in play. We must make it through in the Champions League and in La Liga we need to remain at the top of the table. We cannot lose in any competition.
Albiol to Realmadrid.com
Raul Albiol is one of the new faces on the team this season. The Spanish defender has played in every game so far in the present campaign, a distinction shared only with Iker Casillas.
The team has only lost one game so far this season and has also earned large victories, but it is nevertheless receiving heavy criticism. Do you understand this?
We know we have to improve, especially on defending against set pieces and making our game flow better. We sometimes play very well and sometimes don’t. Our goal is to play constantly well, but that’s not easy. There are many new players on the team. We have a lot of responsibility and demands are high. We are finding it hard to play like people want us to, but we are happy with the job we’ve done so far. The team is pulling through and earning good results. I’m sure we’ll gradually do better. We want the fans to support us.
Doesn’t it surprise you that there is so much criticism towards a team that is currently just one point behind Barcelona and leads over Sevilla?
We’ve always been aware of what people demand of Real Madrid, especially after making signings such as the ones the Club made this summer. People want us to play good football. That’s what we want too. We have to improve little by little. The team is earning good results without being 100% in shape; it will be spectacular once it reaches optimum form.
The team has a great chance to do its best against Milan on Wednesday…
That is an important match. Milan are currently weak in their league, but they are a great side that always does its best in the Champions League. They are very experienced in this competition and they have great players. Milan will be a complicated opponent. Our stadium will be packed for the game and we want to show just how good we are right now.
Despite the match being a first round encounter it will surely be a good chance to make a strong stand in Europe.
Once you step onto the pitch the round you are playing in becomes irrelevant, especially when you face an important team like Milan. We have to play a good game and win. People should be happy with what we do. Winning on Wednesday would mean taking an important step towards qualifying as group leaders for the next round. We have to take advantage of the small head start we’ll get by playing against them at home.
Milan aren’t currently in great form and they are going through a rough institutional time. What do you think the game will be like?
They are quite troubled, but they’ll want to perform well against us. We should think just of ourselves. Milan are a quality team and we can’t be confident against them. We will have to concentrate on the game 100%. We want to dominate from the start and put pressure on them. We must take advantage of the fact that they lost against Zurich in Italy.
You must have noticed that every side that faces Real Madrid tries to play the game of its life…
I already knew about that, but I’m aware of it even more now that I’m part of the team. Every side wants to defeat Real Madrid. That should motivate us too. We don’t have time to relax. I think we demand a lot of ourselves both collectively and individually. We must continue to do so and try to improve in order to achieve our goals this season.
Just another Madridista
Hala Madrid 
Junta speak