madristar

Benzema eyes Ronaldo partnership Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has praised the quality of teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. In an interview with AS, Benzema explained how he always looks to play the ball to the Portuguese because of Ronaldo's ability to conjure something out of nothing. "Cristiano Ronaldo is a quality player. He breathes and knows football inside out," Benzema said. "The other players are also very good, but when either Cristiano or I have the ball, we look for each other instantly. I always look for him because I know he can come up with something in a mere instant." After a slow start to the season, Benzema has started to find his feet under new manager Jose Mourinho who he believes has helped him develop as a player on two counts. "The coach has made me work a lot on a psychological level, both personally and tactically. I can now say I'm strong in that aspect of the game. Mourinho is a very good coach and it's better if he has my back and supports me," he was quoted as saying. "I also have much appreciation for president [Florentino] Perez. He is always supporting me and he phones me whenever things don't work out. I have much respect for him. I have to pay him back for his confidence on the pitch, just as I've been doing lately." Benzema and Ronaldo both scored hat-tricks in Real's recent 8-0 Copa del Rey win over Levante.

Goalkeepers: Iker, Adán, Pacheco. Defenders: Albiol, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Arbeloa, Garay. Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Gago, Lass, Granero, Özil, Di María, Kaká, Canales, Pedro León. Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema.

by unamadridista ker’s only a year older, but he looks much bigger here! (Jordi would eventually outgrow him.) And it’s from when Jordi was still at Espanyol! The photo was taken in 1995 during the Cadetes Tournament in El Puig (Valencia) when Iker was 14 and goalkeeper of Madrid’s Cadete A team, and Jordi was 13 and playing for Espanyol. That day, they met for the first time and faced each other as well, with los periquitos winning 1-0. And they’ve been friends since then, sharing nine years at the Casa Blanca. They now live about 300 meters from each other in Boadilla del Monte, and get together once in a while to eat or play cards or pádel. Iker nicknamed Jordi El Cafeina because Jordi loves drinking Coke.

Q: In your country, there’s always some talk about how Germany has messed up in the politics of integration over the last few decades. Does that bother you? A: Of course. I want with all my heart a day when everyone in Germany feels like a one big family. We all live together, a lot of Turks also have German passports, and want to integrate. That’s why I regret that this discussion is held over and over again. Q: How can the situation be changed? A: The fundamental thing is to get to know each other better, Germans and Turks. It’s important that people exchange ideas, points of view and opinions. In that way, integration will function better. Q: Let’s return to your roots. You learned to play football on a field enclosed by a wire fence which everyone in Gelsenkirchen called “the monkey cage.” Were you the king there? A: My older brother Mutlu was very good; he was also very talented. Q: But your brother plays in a regional league today. Is there any envy between the brothers? A: No. Mutlu has always supported me, he’s very proud of me. Q: Do you keep in touch with your old friends from Gelsenkirchen? A: Of course. I was just on vacation with them and one of these days they’ll come to visit me in Madrid. Q: A while ago, you were seen taking economy class on your vacations… A: Yes, I go to Mallorca on Air Berlin. And in Germany, on domestic flights, I don’t mind sitting all the way in the back. Q: What is the biggest luxury you’ve allowed yourself lately? A: The most expensive was setting up my house in Madrid. Q: Where do you save money? A: I save a lot, but I also want to enjoy life. I pay attention to prices. For example, I like to shop in Zara, but I also buy clothing from Dolce&Gabbana, Dsquared and True Religion. Q: Does fashion interest you? A: I have my own style, I buy my own clothes. I love shoes. In my house, I have a special room for them. Q: You also love the cinema. A: Yes, I like movies, especially action movies and mafia movies. Q: What types of books do you read? A: Adventure novels. Q: In your free time, you like to play ping-ping… could you have done that professionally? A: I think so. I’ve always been good at it. Q: To end, have your teammates teased you about Spain beating Germany in the World Cup and the Eurocopa? A: Of course, Iker has already taunted me. He told me, smiling, “Better luck next time.” thanks unamadridista!!

Q: Where are you learning Spanish? A: A professor comes to my house two or three times a week. She gives me work and I do it. I’m very diligent. I want to speak the language as soon as possible. Q: What do your new teammates call you? In Bremen, they nicknamed you Messi… A: That’s what they called me in Bremen and on the national team. Here, in Madrid, they call me Ozi, without the umlaut on top of the “O.” Q: You’re known for leading a normal life, without luxuries or eccentricities. Now you’re part of the “galactic” club… how do you resist all the temptations? A: I’m not interested in them. What I want is to continue growing as a footballer, to triumph on the field. The world of VIPs doesn’t interest me. I prefer to stay at home, with my family and my friends. Q: Do you swear that’s the truth? A: When I want to have a good time, I have a good time, and I can do that perfectly with my friends and family. Q: You’ve said your biggest idol is Zidane… is it because he also had no interest in pursuing fame? A: Zidane has always fascinated me. His way of playing, his ambidexterity, his unpredictability, the danger he was in front of the goal… for me, he was the perfect player. Q: In your country, you’ve been described as the new “German hero,” an example of integration, the model German with Turkish roots. Does that bother you? A: In no way. I took on the German nationality because that’s what I wanted. I decided to play for the German national team because as a kid I already wanted to play for Germany, because I belong to a third generation in Germany, because I feel good there, because I have a lot of friends there. That’s the message I want to transmit to young people, and if I can, to be an example to follow. Q: It’s been said that you received a lot of pressure to choose the Turkish national team… A: It didn’t influence me; it was my own decision. My friends knew it and supported me. For me, there was no other country to consider. Q: Do you see yourself as the captain of the German national team? A: What I want above everything else is to play well, in Madrid and on my national team. I give it my all so that the coach will continue to count on me for the next game. Q: You met Angela Merkel during the World Cup, when she visited the locker room after the 4-0 against Argentina. How was that meeting? A: Very positive. The chancellor was very nice, very educated, very natural. Q: What do you think of her? A: I admire her a lot. I value what she’s achieved, what she’s done for Germany. I value it a lot. In South Africa, she was very friendly, very nice with all of us. Q: Did you vote in the most recent elections? A: Yes, but I won’t talk more about that.

‘Ozi’ at XLSemanal by unamadridista For Mesut Özil fans – and there must be many, as he’s had a great start to the season – I can’t imagine a better way to start this year off than with a great interview with your boy, as he’s on the cover of XLSemanal this week! In the interview inside, ‘Ozi’ talks about happiness, integration and his love for shoes (we have something in common)! The cover’s not bad either… we get a glimpse of abs, and I see more definition! Mesut really likes black shoes with white soles, no? Q: How are you doing in Spain? A: I’m very happy. I’ve adapted quickly, and I’ve had the support of my family that was here with me during the first few weeks. The team and Mourinho helped me with the acclimation. Q: What was it like going into the locker room for the first time? Were you received with arrogance by any of the superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo? [¡Vaya pregunta!] A: None of that. Everyone greeted me with affection, everyone was very nice. And they continue to be nice. Q: It’s always been said that joining a group of stars like this one is like jumping into a pool full of sharks… A: It’s the opposite. It’s very family-oriented. We take the training sessions seriously, but we have a great time together off the field. Q: For example? A: I laughed when someone from the team used a computer to give each player a crazy hairstyle and then put the photos up on each locker. Q: You’re 21 years old and you’ve signed for six years with a contract that guarantees that you won’t have to ever worry about money again. Does it frighten you that you’ve already accomplished all your dreams? A: I’m in the grandest club in the world, at the orders of the best coach in the world… but so far I haven’t won a title with Real Madrid. There’s still a long and difficult road ahead of me until I achieve all my dreams. Q: What is your long-term objective? A: To be one of the best players in the world. That’s why I took the step of coming to Madrid, because I wanted to continue growing here, with Mourinho. I’m very happy with my new coach, and not only because he’s won a lot of titles with various teams. Q: What made you decide to sign with Madrid? A: The most important factor was a conversation with Mourinho. He told me that he wanted me on his team at any cost. It lasted half an hour, or maybe 45 minutes, on the phone. He convinced me and that’s why I’m here. He told me he was counting on me. Q: What did he tell you exactly? A: I don’t want to enter into details. The important thing is that he convinced me. In addition, in the last few years he’s shown that many players grow with him. Q: You consider yourself timid and introverted, but it doesn’t appear that way when you step on the field. Do you become another person when you play football? A: I think so. I remember when I was a kid: whenever I saw a ball, I only thought about kicking it, in having fun, in triumphing. It’s the same now. Q: The sporting press has praised you very enthusiastically. How does this affect you? A: I feel proud, but I was educated to always keep my feet on the ground in whatever situation in my life. Q: Who is your biggest critic outside the club? A: My father Mustafa, who is my principal critic and adviser. He’s always been sincere with me. When I didn’t play well, he would tell me that I had to change this thing or that thing. He continues to do that and I value him a lot. Q: Your jersey number, 23, had not brought a lot of luck to the last few players who wore it, such as Wesley Sneijder or Rafa van der Vaart. Are you superstitious? A: I’m not worried about the number. The “23″ was free and so I got it, that’s all. Q: In your first days in Madrid, the press talked about some statements Mourinho made about you and Sami Khedira and how you didn’t speak Spanish or English well. How did you fix that? A: I’m taking Spanish classes, and it’s going well. A lot of the players speak English and translate for me. Of course, for me it’s an advantage that Sami Khedira also signed for Madrid, because he’s a teammate that I can talk to and he helps me a lot.

Miguel Torres at AS by unamadridista Q: Miguel Torres playing against Madrid… A: I played in the Bernabéu last year and when you leave from there, you know that you’re going to have to face them. I won’t deny that it’s a special game. In addition, last year I couldn’t play in the Coliseum and so I’m very excited. I have a debt towards Getafe and I want to win. It was difficult to take the decision to leave Madrid, but I wanted to play more and not everything in life is “white.” I made the right choice. Q: What was it about Getafe that made you believe it was the right decision? A: It’s a humble team with the footballing ideas of a big team. It helped that Míchel was there, along with some of the players from the best youth academies of Spain, not only that of Madrid. Here, you can progress, you play important games and I’m next to my hometown. Q: You left Madrid more than one year ago and now there’s hardly anyone left from your time there. A: Everything goes very quickly there. It’s always been like that, but I maintain the friendships with a lot of former teammates, even though some aren’t at Madrid anymore. In the end, what’s left is the person, and not the escudo. I have a ton of friends in Madrid. Q: What do you expect from the first visit of the post-Raúl Madrid? A: Raúl will always be a reference, and this year he would have played a lot. Madrid is playing spectacularly now and it’s almost impossible to do any damage to them. They hardly have any weak points, but that’s why the coaching staff is there, to tell us what they are and for us to try and take advantage of them. Q: Los blancos always suffer in the Coliseum. A: From my experience, I know that Madrid has a bad time here. I played two times here with Madrid and lost. Q: You’ll be matched up against Di María… A: I didn’t know of him at all and I’ve been pleasantly surprised. He changes the tempo of the game easily and he works very hard for the team.

Q: For you, for your religion, the Christmas break is a vacation… A: Yes, for me it’s different because I’m Muslim, but I respect this holiday a lot. Look, I have younger brothers and sisters, so I buy them Christmas presents and we eat together as a family. Q: Did you disconnect from football during these seven days? A: I love football, so I couldn’t forget about it. I did disconnect a bit, for two days, but the rest of the time I was active. I didn’t play football, but I did try to stay in shape. Q: Last Thursday, the training session was open to the public and 5,500 people showed up! That’s never been seen before! A: It surprised everyone that there were so many people. It was a nice gesture from the fans towards us, since it was raining and cold. I think it going to see Madrid was a nice Christmas present. Q: What is Benzema going to be like in 2011? A: (Laughs) Better. The first thing I hope to have is health and after that, to continue like I was in 2010, because I haven’t started consecutive games in a long time. Q: What objectives have you established for this year? A: A lot of good things. I’ve been here for a year and a half and I hope to do many things, such as offer entertainment to the people. In Madrid, people like watching spectacular football. Q: Why are you so irregular? A: That’s football. Sometimes you have luck and score and other times you don’t. The important thing is that I’ve recovered my speed and legs, but I can’t assure anyone that I’m going to score three goals in each game, but I can do everything possible to try and score at least one a game. Q: When Mourinho came, what did he tell you that he wanted from you? A: He’s made me work a lot mentally, on the mental part of my game, and I can say that now I’m stronger in this aspect. I’ve had many ups and downs since I arrived in Madrid, but I’m still here. Q: He’s been tough with you… A: Well yes, but things are like that. From my childhood, the coaches I’ve had have always been tough with me and that’s why I made it to here. Mourinho is a great coach, and it’s better that he’s behind me, supporting me. I’m here to work. After that, on the field I try to do things well. Q: Did you feel punished by the coach? A: I never felt punished by anyone. I know when I play well and when I don’t, and if in a certain moment I’ve played less it’s because I didn’t make enough of an effort to deserve it. Now I know that I’m making an effort and that’s why I’m playing. Q: When you came to Madrid, you didn’t speak with anyone. Has that changed? A: I speak a lot with the players. It’s true that in general I’m quite timid, but I think that when people get to know me, they find out that I like to have fun and that I’m always laughing, but when I don’t know the person I stay in my corner. I also speak with the coach. I like to have fun with him and with my teammates. Q: What is your reaction when people say you’re not strong enough for Madrid? A: That’s what the press and some people say. They say bad things about me. In any case, I’m 23 years old, I’m in one of the grandest clubs in the world and I know that I have the standard to play here. Q: Do you think you’ll end up earning the right to stay for the time you’ve signed for? A: Yes, that’s my objective. I signed for six years. I knew in the beginning that it would be difficult, but right now things are beginning to go well, perfectly. Q: You’re the apple of Florentino’s eye. He went to your house to sign you and he’s your biggest supporter… A: (Laughs) Yes, I know that he loves me a lot and it’s reciprocal. I also value him a lot. He’s always supported me, and when things aren’t going well, he calls me. He’s someone that I respect a lot. I would like to return this confidence in me on the field, like I’ve been doing lately. Q: And Zidane? Now that he’s working more closely with the team, does he say anything to you? Help you? A: Zizou is one of the best players in the world and he speaks a lot with me. That’s great for me because before we didn’t speak a lot. It’s always good to have someone like that to lean on and talk about football and your life. Q: So it’s good for you to have him closer? A: Of course! He speaks French. When there’s something that I don’t understand, I ask him. The most important thing is to be well on the field, but it’s true that he gives me a lot of advice. Q: You’ve notched hat tricks against Auxerre and Levante. When will you do something like that against a big team? A: I need to play consecutive games. Right now, I’ve played four in a row, and I’ve scored six goals. I know that when I have continuity, I’ll have more confidence and I’ll start to score more goals. The day I score a hat trick against a big team I’ll call you (laughs). Q: Are you taking advantage of Higuaín’s absence? A: Football is like that. Sometimes players get injured and the rest have to take advantage of that. It’s been said that we compete against each other. He’s a teammate to me. It’s true that he’s injured and that’s why I’m playing more minutes, but I also have to prove that I can play. Q: Which teammate do you have the best connection with on the field? A: Cristiano. He’s a great player who breathes football, who knows football. The rest are also good, but when I have the ball, or when he has it, we find each other quickly. I find him because I know that he can invent something in an instant. Q: How does Cristiano help you out? A: He speaks often with me about football. That helps us to understand each other better. He’s someone that I value a lot. Q: Is this season like a new start for you? Mourinho came, you’re playing with France again… A: Yes. I’ve started scoring goals, I’ve found my game again, I’m giving assists and scoring, and that’s what I like. And with France, I’m starting and the coach is supporting me. Things are going along these same lines with Madrid, and so I have a lot of hope invested in this year. Q: What does your family say? A: They support me, even when things don’t go well. They’re my biggest fans. When things go badly and I’m criticized, the only person who tells me that I’m playing well is my mother (laughs). Q: How is your Spanish? Has improving it helped you to integrate more? A: It’s a lot better. If you speak slowly with me, I can talk a little. I prefer to talk to my teammates rather than a professor. My integration is going well. Q: What are your wishes for 2011? A: Health. The most important thing is health. And a lot of good things, happy things, and for everyone to be happy. And to go to Cibeles. I’ve passed by there many times in my car, but I want to go there to celebrate titles. Q: After a year and a half in Spain, it seems that people still don’t know the real Karim. A: It’s true. I think people haven’t gotten to know me sufficiently because I’m timid, introverted. It’s also part of my character: I’m reserved, and I can’t change that even if I wanted to. Q: Against Levante in the Copa, you and Cristiano both scored hat tricks, but you had the nice gesture of giving the ball to Morata. A: Yes. Morata is young and also a bit timid and I wanted everyone to sign it so that we could give it to him. Q: Do you think he could play on the first team? A: Of course. He’s young and he hasn’t played in any big games yet, but he’s a good footballer. After that, it’s the directors and the club that have to decide if that’s enough. Q: Karim, happy new year and good luck. A: Thank you very much. And to the fans of Madrid, thank you for being so great with me. I’m going to do everything possible to return your support by scoring a lot of goals.

Karim Benzema at AS by unamadridista Q: How did you spend your vacation? A: I had a good time with my family in Lyon, in France, and with all my friends. It was great returning to my country, and I was very happy to be able to spend time with my entire family.

Iker Casillas at Marca by unamadridista The interview took place at El Acebo restaurant, in Iker’s corner. Q: In the last two years, you’ve had a better time playing with the national team than with Madrid. It’s now time to celebrate a title with your club, no? A: It’s true. Perhaps the triumphs of the national team made us forget a bit what happened in Madrid, two years in which we didn’t have a great time. This year I can focus solely and exclusively on Madrid to achieve our objectives. Q: You want to start winning again with Madrid and raise up your first trophy as the captain. A: Yes. I don’t want another year to pass without winning a title. I’ve been with the club since I was nine and each time something is not accomplished, the word “disaster” is floated. We deserve a title for the team we have and the way we’ve been working. We know that el madridismo is demanding and we can’t ask for more time even though we’re a young team. Q: Do you see any parallels between the World Cup loss to Switzerland, where there was time to fix things, and el clásico, which is the same? A: I hope it’s like that. The other day, my uncle Félix told me something fun and curious: in what’s left of the season, we can face Barça four more times: in the return game of the Liga, the final of the Copa and in an home-and-away in the Champions. And he told me, “I prefer that they keep their 5-0 and we spread out our goals and win each of the rest of the games 1-0.” What do you think? (Laughs). Q: That sounds good… A: That’s what I think (more laughter). [i like Iker's uncle!!!] Q: What did Mourinho tell you after el clásico? A: That now more than ever we have to show our faces. We didn’t rob or kill anyone. We have to continue, to endure and show that we’re men in the most difficult moments. Q: Mourinho and Real Madrid. The perfect formula to become champions once again. A: Yes. He’s a phenomenon. I’ve said it many times and I never get tired of saying so. He knows very well what he wants, he has very clear-cut ideas, he wants to work for Real Madrid, he’s happy with Madrid and he’s excited about the project. Q: But some people don’t understand his methods… A: But those who are on the outside don’t have to understand. We who are with him every day do. If someone doesn’t share his way of being it’s because they don’t know him. I know him and I’m with him every day and so I can assure you that he’s good-natured, natural, genial, humble… None of us on the inside have anything bad to say about him. Q: But did he seem so good-natured before he came here? A: I had my opinion before and it’s clear that the image he projects has nothing to do with the reality. If I had to defend him now, stick my hand in the fire for him, I would do it without any doubt. Me and everyone else. Q: You’ve said many times that Mourinho is very smart. A: He knows when to push one’s buttons whether it’s a player or you all… you will never catch him offside. Never. Q: Which games would you highlight from this season? A: The two Milan games were very complete. And the Barça game, because everyone was very interested in correcting what they did poorly. It’s not easy to come back from such a hard blow. But the team immediately wanted to win, and against a complicated rival such as Valencia. Q: With Mourinho, it appears that you’re going after the Copa del Rey. A: Yes. For the míster, each game is a final. He told us that on the first day. Q: How did you receive the news that this year you’d be playing in that competition? A: The míster decided and I said great. I told him, “when you want me to play, I’ll play.” Q: Your participation is a sign that the Copa is important. A: Yes on the one hand, but the míster has said many times that names aren’t important to him. Here, no one is untouchable. Q: Do you believe the punishment handed out by UEFA to Xabi Alonso and Ramos was exaggerated? A: I think they abused the repercussion from sanctioning a club like Madrid. I’ve played all over Europe and I’ve seen flares, lasers, a thousand other things and nothing ever happened. And then they fine Madrid because one day we come out to play one minute later. There are things that I don’t understand. We’re a gentlemanly club, but we can’t always be the ones paying the price. Q: Why do you think people say you don’t get along with Cristiano Ronaldo? A: I get along phenomenally with Cristiano and there is no problem. What happens is that Cristiano vs. Casillas sells a lot, and a confrontation even more. It could be that one day you’re not in agreement, but nothing happens. With Ramos I have my confrontations as well, but we don’t place any importance on that. Q: As captain, have you told Ronaldo to control his behavior on the field? A: No. Cristiano has his way of playing, his way of being and I don’t have anything to say to him. He’s realizing that in Madrid everything is magnified. Right now he’s the flagship of this project. He’s the player that everyone in the world looks at. Q: But some of his behavior provokes the public. A: It’s how he is. But I also tell you that when you go somewhere and you always hear the same insults and it’s the same old story… we’re people, not machines. There comes a point when you get tired of it. We also have to defend him because he’s ours. What happens is that he’s fantastic and they try to destabilize him. Q: You’re losing Higuaín but recovering Kaká. A: We’re very happy with the return of Richi. He looks fresh, happy and he’s enjoying himself. He’s going to be our Christmas signing. He’s going to help us out a lot. Q: Is the same thing that happened to Higuaín going to happen to Benzema [in terms of the fans demanding a high level at all times]? A: Yes, because in Madrid that happens, there’s no waiting. Karim has changed radically. He talks more now because he speaks Spanish very well now, he gets together with the teammates, he tells jokes… © unamadridista

Iniesta: Barca must not slack off Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is adamant that they must not ease off in terms of effort in their title assault. The Spanish league holders will usher into 2011 with their clash against strugglers Levante and Iniesta has demanded that his colleagues epitomize the collective spirit and work ethic which served them well in 2010. "We are really motivated to begin the year well, but there is a hard 2011 ahead of us," the Spain international is quoted as saying by Barca's official website. "We can't guarantee titles or even that we will repeat the successes of 2010, but I can assure you that we will be doing our very best to get to the end of this season with our chances still intact to win everything .I am certain that the team won't let anybody down." "(We hope for) the best possible 2011. I hope the good things continue, I enjoy new sensations and I stay fit enough to train and play well. The last 12 months have been a time to get back to normal after my injuries. "We have to continue where we left off before the break. We put in some great games, including the win over Madrid which everyone will remember us for." Iniesta also purred at the January arrival of Dutch playmaker Ibrahim Afellay from PSV Eindhoven. He commented: "He'll be an important player for us, he's got a lot of talent, quality and he's got a lot going for him. We'll try and help him settle in as quickly as possible." With the World-Cup winner on the shortlist to win the highly acclaimed FIFA Ballon d'Or along with team-mates Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez, Iniesta admitted his pride at seeing the Nou Camp side being recognized for their exploits. He added: "Being in the final three is a great thing and sharing that with Leo and Xavi makes it even better for us and for the Club as a whole. "If I win - well it's something I would never have imagined, getting to the final is fantastic, but I can't imagine what it would be like to win!" Barca will take on Levante on Sunday as they begin their domestic action after their winter-break.

Thanks so much for this thread GG,i love him!

Xavi makes Barca record appearance Xavi says he is honoured to have become Barcelona's joint all-time record appearance holder alongside former central defender Migueli. He played his 549th official match for the Catalan club this evening as Barca beat Levante 2-1 at the Nou Camp. That equals the total set by former Spain defender Migueli, who was present to greet Xavi before the match. "It's an honour and I would like to thank everyone for the support I have always received," the midfielder told Canal Plus after the game. Xavi, now 30, signed a new deal earlier this year to keep him at Barca until the age of 36. And despite some injury problems this season, he hopes to stay at the club for the remainder of that agreement. "I hope to go on for many years and, if possible, carry on winning titles with Barca," he said. Xavi has won virtually all there is to win at both club and international level, including five Primera Division titles, two Champions Leagues and a World Club Cup with Barcelona, and both the World Cup and the European Championship with Spain. The midfielder is also in line to win this year's Golden Ball, in which he is shortlisted for the prize alongside team-mates Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi. "Whoever wins it, Barca will be the winner," he said. "It's staying at home." Barca coach Pep Guardiola says he wanted to win this evening's match for Xavi. "We wanted to win for him. He's had operations on his cruciates (ligaments), he's 30 and he's played 549 games," he said after the match. "I played 300 here and I thought that was a lot, but what he has done is incredible." And Guardiola believes that, injuries permitting, Xavi could reach 700 games for Barca. "If his tendons hold out, I think he could get to 700," he said. With Messi, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique all missing, Barca ran out 2-1 winners thanks to a Pedro brace early in the second half and held on for the victory despite Christian Stuani's stunning late volley. "I was very worried about this game," Guardiola said. "Another 50 years will go by and it will still be difficult when teams 'park the bus' at the back." Puyol missed out through injury, while Pique was suspended, but holding midfielder Sergio Busquets filled in impressively at the back. "I knew he could do well there because he is very attentive, disciplined and good at bringing the ball out of defence," Guardiola said. Barca are now provisionally five points ahead of fierce rivals Real Madrid, who visit Getafe. Guardiola's side now switch their attentions to the Copa del Rey clash at Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. Having drawn the first leg of their last 16 tie 0-0 at the Nou Camp, Guardiola is expected to name a strong side for the trip to Bilbao. Messi, who was given permission to miss the match against Levante and extend his holiday, is set to return to the side at San Mames.

Guardiola lavishes praise on Xavi Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola lavished praise on Xavi Hernandez for making his 549th appearance for the Catalan club against Levante. The manager was proud of Xavi, who matched Catalan legend Migueli's record. Speaking to as.com, Guardiola said: "This game belongs to Xavi. I reached 300 matches and that seemed an outrage. "Migueli played 549 and retired at 38. But Xavi is 30 years of age and has played 549 games...Xavi will surpass Migueli, I would not be surprised if he managed to reach 700 games." Guardiola also gave an insight to his squad's preparations against Levante, who they defeated 2-1: "We always treat the opponent with the utmost respect. "We knew that Levante were going to be difficult to break down, because they would want to react to their 8-0 loss at the Bernabeu. They changed to a 4-5-1 formation, and played disciplined. "It was a difficult game to come back to after the holidays. At 2-1 they tried to turn our win into a draw. We did not play badly, but it was a warning. The manager also gave kudos to Pedro, who scored both goals in their victory. "Pedro is very important. He is in the form of his life and does almost everything brilliantly, he is a very fine player. When he is near the area he is like Messi, in that he only sees the goal. But he works very hard for the team as well," continued the Blaugrana boss. The 23-year-old has scored 20 goals in 59 appearances for Barcelona.

Beacause of Mou he is sleepless,of course!

Mourinho: "Kaka is ready to give us 15 or 20 minutes of his supreme quality" "We are in good form, so it would be Getafe's fault if we don't win, not ours" Laura Navas / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell Jose Mourinho addressed the media after training. The coach discussed Kaka's recovery and Higuain's injury. "We didn't have Kaka for six months and we built a team without him. We now miss Higuain and we will have to come up with a team without him. This side has to adabt to the circumstances. Players sometimes have to play in positions they are not used to and we may have to come up with a different system of play. It is a challenge for all of us. Everything is decided in the last six months of the season and we have to find balance. We may end up playing 14 games between January and February, so we must be pragmatic and objective. We are all in this together to make things work." "Kaka will not be a starter against Getafe. He isn't fit enough to even try, but he can give us 15 or 20 minutes of his supreme quality, no more. He is a fantastic professional and he's done an amazing job. The Medical Staff has followed him closely and he's had a recovery expert with him practically 24 hours a day working very hard. His return prompts us to congratulate him and those who worked with him. Kaka is a fantastic professional." "The Medical Staff and myself have been certain for one month that Higuain must have surgery. There were some enlightened people who said he could recover without surgery and people tend to accept as truth that which they want to hear. These enlightened people changed their opinion after a month and Higuain must now have an operation. It's a shame because Higuain is a fantastic player and a great kid. I feel very sorry for him and also for the team, which comes first, but I'm glad a serious Medical Department like ours has been proven right in the end. I managed to talk very little about Kaka for six months and to give all my confidence to those who worked with him. We will try to do the same with Higuain and remain close to him. It is a tough time psychologically for the player and we must support him, avoid talking about it and give confidence to the players available on the team." "Getafe are playing very well and they've earned several straight victories. They are very confident and positioned well on the table, which allows them to remain calm. We've been training well for four days, concentrating hard and working with intensity. We are in good form, so it would be Getafe's fault if we don't win, not ours." "What I know about Michel is what football lovers know, mainly his career as a Real Madrid player. He was one of the most important footballers of his generation and we also know the career he's had as coach. Michel's heart is for Real Madrid and people like that will always find the Club's doors open for them. That's how I feel about the chances he may have in the future to coach this team."

Mourinho: "Kaka is ready to give us 15 or 20 minutes of his supreme quality" "We are in good form, so it would be Getafe's fault if we don't win, not ours" Laura Navas / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell Jose Mourinho addressed the media after training. The coach discussed Kaka's recovery and Higuain's injury. "We didn't have Kaka for six months and we built a team without him. We now miss Higuain and we will have to come up with a team without him. This side has to adabt to the circumstances. Players sometimes have to play in positions they are not used to and we may have to come up with a different system of play. It is a challenge for all of us. Everything is decided in the last six months of the season and we have to find balance. We may end up playing 14 games between January and February, so we must be pragmatic and objective. We are all in this together to make things work." "Kaka will not be a starter against Getafe. He isn't fit enough to even try, but he can give us 15 or 20 minutes of his supreme quality, no more. He is a fantastic professional and he's done an amazing job. The Medical Staff has followed him closely and he's had a recovery expert with him practically 24 hours a day working very hard. His return prompts us to congratulate him and those who worked with him. Kaka is a fantastic professional." "The Medical Staff and myself have been certain for one month that Higuain must have surgery. There were some enlightened people who said he could recover without surgery and people tend to accept as truth that which they want to hear. These enlightened people changed their opinion after a month and Higuain must now have an operation. It's a shame because Higuain is a fantastic player and a great kid. I feel very sorry for him and also for the team, which comes first, but I'm glad a serious Medical Department like ours has been proven right in the end. I managed to talk very little about Kaka for six months and to give all my confidence to those who worked with him. We will try to do the same with Higuain and remain close to him. It is a tough time psychologically for the player and we must support him, avoid talking about it and give confidence to the players available on the team." "Getafe are playing very well and they've earned several straight victories. They are very confident and positioned well on the table, which allows them to remain calm. We've been training well for four days, concentrating hard and working with intensity. We are in good form, so it would be Getafe's fault if we don't win, not ours." "What I know about Michel is what football lovers know, mainly his career as a Real Madrid player. He was one of the most important footballers of his generation and we also know the career he's had as coach. Michel's heart is for Real Madrid and people like that will always find the Club's doors open for them. That's how I feel about the chances he may have in the future to coach this team."