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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.

Kaka in line to play against Getafe Real Madrid playmaker Kaka could make his first appearance of the season after being included the squad against Getafe. The Brazil international, a £56million signing from AC Milan in the summer of 2009, has not represented Madrid since last May and underwent a meniscus operation in August, but he has been called up by Jose Mourinho for the trip to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Also included is Argentina midfielder Fernando Gago, who has not played for Madrid this campaign either due to a knee problem. Gonzalo Higuain and Jerzy Dudek are absent through injury, though, while Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho are suspended and Mahamadou Diarra has been omitted. Mourinho confirmed Kaka is not yet ready to push for a starting spot but suggested the Brazilian could get a run-out at the end of tomorrow`s derby. "He will not be a starter against Getafe, he`s not even close to that yet. He can give us 15 or 20 minutes of his great quality, but no more," said the Portuguese. "We need to highlight what a fantastic professional he is for having done such an incredible job. The medical team have followed him very closely and he's had a recovery expert with him practically 24 hours a day working very hard. "Now that Kaka has returned it`s time to congratulate everyone who has worked with him, and above all the player himself, who has been a fantastic processional." The return to fitness of Kaka is a timely one as it is not known when Higuain will be back. The Argentina international, who was Madrid`s leading scorer in La Liga in the last two seasons, is facing surgery on the back problem that has sidelined him since November. That would leave Madrid with just Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema as senior players to lead the line for Madrid, but the availability of Kaka will give Mourinho more options up front. Mourinho said: "For the six months when we were missing Kaka we built a team without Kaka. Now Higuain isn`t available and we will have to build a team without him. A team has to adapt to the circumstances and at times the players have to play in positions which aren't theirs." Regarding any possible exits during the January transfer window, Mourinho added: "The information from the club is that no players are going. We have 25 places occupied, the players who have played less are quality ones, we have confidence in them and their time will come. "The information that I have is that we will continue until the end of the season with the same 25, which would then be 24 because of Higuain."

Kaka could return for Getafe game Real Madrid playmaker Kaka could be in line for his first appearance of the season against Getafe. The Brazil international, a £56million signing from AC Milan in the summer of 2009, has not represented Madrid since last May and underwent a meniscus operation in August, but he has been called up by Jose Mourinho for the trip to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Also included is Argentina midfielder Fernando Gago, who has not played for Madrid this campaign either due to a knee problem. Gonzalo Higuain and Jerzy Dudek are absent through injury, though, while Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho are suspended and Mahamadou Diarra has been omitted.

Mourinho wants Adebayor at Madrid Real Madrid are reportedly interested in rescuing Emmanuel Adebayor from his Manchester City nightmare. It is no secret the Togolese striker wants out of Eastlands after struggling for first-team action under manager Roberto Mancini. The 26-year-old has fallen down the pecking orders behind Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli and is searching for a new club to revive his career. Now according to Spanish newspaper Sport, his next destination could be Santiago Bernabeu. Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is seeking a new striker after long-term injury to Gonzalo Higuain. The Portuguese is familiar with Adebayor during his spell as Chelsea coach and believes he is the man to compliment Cristiano Ronaldo. Meanwhile, City would be willing to let their man go the moment they land Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko. The Eastlands club have reportedly agreed on a £27 million deal for the Bosnian hitman.

"Mourinho is best in the world" Former Real Madrid coach Leo Beenhakker has added his voice to the chorus of admiration for incumbent Jose Mourinho. Mourinho has won glowing plaudits in the football world for quite some time now - his treble win with Inter Milan being one highlight in a career replete with success. Beenhaaker, who coached Real from 1986 to 1989 and again in 1992, told the club's official website:"We are colleagues, we know each other and we get along very well. I've been a fan throughout his career because I like how he does things. "He is the current number one. "How well he knows his job (is what I like about him the most). He has a very strong personality and is temperamental. I like that. "He always makes a stand for his players, which in turn makes these have confidence in him on and off the pitch. I tried to do the same with my men because I know players suffer from a lot of pressure. "They (Madrid) are a tight side. Mourinho is a fan of good and beautiful football, but he is also very aware of the score in a game. "He knows how to mix both things and achieves balance between earning a good result and playing a beautiful game." Looking back at his years with Real, Beenhakker said:"It was the most important stage in my career. I won three league titles, one Copa del Rey and one European Super Cup with the team. "We reached the semifinals of the European Cup three times and never reached the final. That's the thorn in my side and that of players like Michel, Gordillo, Hugo Sanchez, Butragueño... It was an unbelievable era." Mourinho will certainly be pleased, if not surprised, to hear words of such praise from a colleague.

Ozil: I'm at the biggest club Real Madrid schemer Mesut Ozil has admitted he is relishing life at the “biggest club in the world.” The German playmaker was snapped up by Madrid from Werder Bremen in the summer after his scintillating displays for his country at the World Cup in South Africa saw a host of clubs queuing for his signature. Having settled nicely into Jose Mourinho's side, Ozil has quickly become a vital cog in Madrid's midfield and he has now targeted some silverware at the end of his first campaign in Spain. Speaking to channel ABC, he said: "I have adapted quickly since coming here. I have had the support of my family, and everything has gone without a hitch. It all seems familiar to me. The training is serious, but we have fun together off the field. "I am so pleased to have joined the world's biggest club, but I still have many dreams that I need to fulfil. I have not won a title yet, and Mourinho told me he wanted me in his team at all costs. "He convinced me, and I am here. Real Madrid want to achieve success, and this is only possible if everyone in the team supports each other." The capital side are currently second in the domestic table with 41 points and just two points behind league leaders Barcelona.

Back to work Real Madrid have a hard schedule ahead of them in January Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell Real Madrid returned to work on Wednesday after their Christmas break to begin preparing for Monday's match against Getafe. The game will be the first of a possible nine fixtures the team could end up playing in January. Three days after the match in Getafe, Real Madrid will face Levante in the return leg of the Copa del Rey Last 16 (they won the first leg 8-0). Villarreal will be the first opponent to visit the Bernabeu in 2011 on 9 January, and this will be followed by the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. The match against Almeria on either 15 or 16 January will seal the first half of the championship, and it will be followed by the second leg of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. Mallorca will come to the Bernabeu on either 22 or 23 January for the first game in the second half of La Liga. The month will be sealed by the match against Osasuna in Pamplona on 29/30 January, but there could also be a Copa del Rey semifinals match on 26 January if the team makes it that far into the competition.

Barcelona vs Levante Preview Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is hoping for more of the same as the Catalan giants take on a wounded Levante side. Barca finished 2010 on an unbeaten 23-match run in all competitions, 19 of which finished in victories, and in winning their last 10 successive league games Pep Guardiola's side have scored 41 goals and conceded only four. The reigning Spanish champions suffered a slight blip in their final game before the winter break when they were held to a goalless draw at home by Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie, but that was a rare slip for the Primera Division leaders, who last year won 44 of 58 competitive matches, losing only five. Looking ahead to the next 12 months, Iniesta is hoping his side can keep that impressive form going and, while he preferred not to make any title promises, he insisted they would be doing everything possible to bring more silverware back to the Nou Camp. "We are looking forward to starting the year, but there is a very hard 2011 ahead of us," he said. "We can't guarantee titles or even that we will repeat the successes of 2010, but we 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'm certain that the team won't let anybody down." The Spain international, who struck the winning goal in last summer's World Cup final, added: "We have to try and continue where we left off before the break. We had some great games." Barca, who boast a two-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table, will be without their first-choice centre-back pairing of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol due to suspension and injury, respectively. Lionel Messi could also be absent as Guardiola gave the Argentina superstar permission not to return from his holiday until this weekend. Xavi, meanwhile, will equal Migueli's club record of 549 official appearances if he features. While Barca will have been disappointed with their cup result last time out, Levante will be desperate to erase the memory of their result after they were thumped 8-0 at Real Madrid. With their cup adventure now all but over, Levante will switch their full attention to retaining their Primera Division status. Luis Garcia's men have won just four times in 16 games since winning promotion and are currently 16th in the table, two points above the relegation zone.

Match Getafe - Real Madrid Date Monday 03/01/2011 Time 22:00 Venue Alfonso Perez Coliseum

'La Gazzetta dello Sport' Man of the Year Jose Mourinho becomes the first coach to receive the award from the prestigious Italian sports journal in 32 years Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell Jose Mourinho has been chosen as 2010's Man of the Year by Italian sports journal La Gazzetta dello Sport. He is the first coach to receive the award in 32 years and has managed to defeat Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal (2nd) and Sebastian Vettel (3rd). The Real Madrid coach has managed to win 20, draw four and lose only one of his 25 official games with the team. He also won the Champions League, the Italian league title and the Cup of Italy with Inter Milan in 2010.

lovely gif,thanks lol

Q: You’re improving more every day and this season it appears that you’ve taken an even greater step forward after playing in the World Cup. Do you think this will end up being an important season for you in your career? A: I never thought things would work out like they did. I had the hopes of going to South Africa, and there we were able to put the finishing touch that has taken me to where I am now. The confidence that you have after winning a World Cup… I returned with a lot of confidence and I scored in the first three matchdays. No one could have expected things to turn out this well, and I’m very happy. Q: Can we say that you’re in the happiest moment of your career? A: Yes, I think so, if you analyze a bit what has happened. Not everyone gets to be a champion of the world. The things that I’ve lived through in the last weeks are also some of the best that have happened to me in my career. Q: You’re also breaking records with the national team, such as the goal average of Lángara, and you have a better average than Villa and Torres. You’ve scored seven goals in 12 games! A: I’m very happy for all this, for what I’ve been able to contribute to the team. I know that it’s not easy to even get called up. I feel very satisfied with the minutes that I’ve played and with the minutes the coach has given me, and what I always try to do is play the best each time I go out on the field to continue receiving minutes and earning the right to play more. Q: After your stellar performance in Salamanca with two goals, it was surprising that you didn’t start the game against Scotland in Glasgow. Are you really content? A: That didn’t surprise me, and I don’t think it surprised anyone. I was surprised to start the Lithuania game… because I feel that it’s not easy at all to be a starter on the team since there are so many other options, and all of them are great. So the fact that I got to start one game means that I’m already a fortunate person. Q: Raúl was important for the national team for many years, and now it’s Villa’s turn. Do you think you’ll have your moment as well? A: Well… it’s difficult to achieve what Raúl and Villa have, but I work every day to perhaps one day get to their level, and to be able to accomplish something nice with the national team. Q: Do you feel compatible with Torres, Villa because you bring some things that they don’t, and do you believe you can compete with them? A: Yes, I believe that all three of us are compatible because we’re different and each one contributes different things. I hope all three of us can continue contributing so that the Spanish national team remains the best in the world. Q: Were you very excited to go to Oviedo to receive the Príncipe de Asturias award, as well as the affection of the people? A: Yes, we were very touched to receive such an important, wonderful award. Getting together was nice as well, because whenever we get together, we always remember what we achieved and lived through during the World Cup, and more so if it’s to receive an award like that one. Q: You entered the field and revolutionized the team until it was victorious. Is there a before and after in your sporting career after that game against Portugal in the World Cup? A: Yes, I believe so, because people saw me differently after this game. The fans realized that I could contribute things, that I could be useful for the team. Right now I’m hoping that I can continue to do well each time that I’m counted on. Fernando also says that he’s not planning on leaving Athletic

Here are some excerpts from the article on Gerard Piqué that appeared in this Sunday’s El Mundo Magazine. It appears that they went through his autobiography Viaje de ida y vuelta, found some anecdotes, and got his opinion on them, as well as on the upcoming game between Barcelona and Madrid. So, here are the parts about his life and the national team. Blanes, Aug. 2, 1988. The ball escaped from his hands and headed towards the terrace. The 17-month-old baby ran after the ball. His grandmother was watching the pot on the stove. There was work being done on the house, and some of the railings weren’t in place. And the baby, in his chase after the ball, fell into space, hitting his head against the ramp of the garage. An ambulance was called, people cried and the child was in a coma for several hours. But after 24 hours, he woke up. - My grandmother was the one that was most frightened, because she was the one taking care of me at that moment. But she’s gotten past it, thanks to God. Imagine if something had happened to me! There weren’t any negative consequences from the incident. We’ve talked about it at home several times, but I don’t remember it at all. I always asked about it because I’m curious as to what happened that day… Gerard began playing in his cole, La Salle, in the neighborhood where his grandparents lived, Bonanova. He was always the tallest one in the classroom. And the blondest. At the age of seven, his father signed him up for the Torneo Social which was played on several fields adjoining those of Barça, and in which the teams have the names of Catalan rivers. Geri played for Team Anoia with a lilac shirt and shorts. - I remember things from the age of five on, such as the World Cup in the U.S. and the Olympic Games in Barcelona. We also watched the final in Wembley at home. From school, I remember my great friend Pedret. Cristiano Ronaldo was one of his biggest supports during his time in England. - I get along very well with him. We talked a lot. He already liked Spain a lot back then, and he was always interested in news about Madrid, Barcelona, how the Liga was going. Three years ago we were in Manchester and tomorrow we’re playing the derby. Piqué’s also become a fixture on the Spanish national team. - There’s no debate over who I will play with, Spain or Cataluña, because at the moment only Spain is officialized. And of course, the derby is being played one day after Cataluña’s elections. - I hope we’ll be able to minimize the effect of the crisis as much as possible, to put the brakes on it and begin to grow. Here, you live very well. You have to continue to make sure people are comfortable, that they don’t feel defenseless. Geri collaborates with several charitable organizations, including Talita, Ánima, Unicef and Barcelona’s foundation. His cousin Montse has Down’s Syndrome. His goal in the Bernabéu in 2009 was dedicated to her: as soon as the ball entered the net, he started running and then pulled at the corner of his eyes so that they became slanted (i.e. Chinese eyes – se achinó los ojos). - I did it for her. She likes it a lot and she laughs every time she sees me do that, because I always do this gesture when we see each other [not cool, Piqué, not cool at all.] - those who have Down’s Syndrome are full of this mixture of innocence, tenderness and naughtiness. I know Vicente [del Bosque]‘s son and he’s a real crack. They never see any problems and they’re always with you in the best and worse moments. My cousin Montse has always been a lesson of life for me, seeing how happy she is. One. Salary. He has a contract until June 2015 and his buyout clause is €200 million. His salary is around €3 million a year. Two. Trophies. At the age of 23, he’s won 11 club titles, in addition to a World Cup with the Spanish national team. He’s the youngest player in history to achieve this. Three. Marketability. He’s the image of watch brand Time Force and Príncipe Double Choc cookies. He also has a long-term contract with Nike. Four. Career. He played with Manchester United, but his goal was always to triumph in the club where he grew up, FC Barcelona. Five. Fashion. He’s done some photo shoots with complete ease. Pepe Reina called him “the dandy of the national team.” Six. Hobbies. He loves El Canto del Loco and Dani Martín, in addition to Rihanna. He vacations in Ibiza and Cambrills (Tarragona). Seven. Personal life. He maintains his friendships from his childhood and his girlfriend is Núria Tomas. He laughs when asked about his alleged affair with Shakira. Eight. Facebook. He created his profile on the social network a few months ago and now has half a million friends. He usually posts and uploads photos almost daily. unamadridista

41. The Christmas gift you were most excited about. - A Casio watch. 42. What other sports have you played or play? - I play tennis with my uncle. And in the concentraciones, I like ping pong a lot. 43. Your favorite historical person? - I would have liked to feel what Christopher Columbus felt when he arrived in America. 44. Your preferred Nobel Prize. - The Peace one. 45. Do you have any manias before stepping on the field? - I have a few, such as putting on my left boot first, the left shinguard first… 46. Where do you usually go for vacations? - If I can and have time, Asturias. If not, Mexico, where I was this year. 47. A desire. - Football speaking, to stay healthy. That’s the most important thing. 48. Your favorite clothing brand? - I like Nike and El Gancho. 49. What was the last time you used public transportation? - I think it was in Madrid, since I would take the metro everywhere when I didn’t have a driver’s license. 50. If you were the president, what would be the first thing you would do upon arriving at Moncloa? - Try to help those who are unemployed right now because it’s a large portion of the population.

He did Don Balón’s “el cuestionario” and the results are a bit revealing. 1. Marital status? - Single. 2. What are you studying? - I’m enrolled for the third and fourth years of INEF (sports science) and marketing. 3. Do footballers make too much money? - I think what they make is based on the money they generate. 4. Should provincial national teams play official games? - Official games should be played by the Spanish national team. 5. If you weren’t a footballer, what would you have been? - Something related to advertising or marketing. 6. What is your favorite singer or group? - I have a lot, such as Quique González or Pereza. And Coldplay. 7. What is your favorite song? - “The Silence” by Coldplay. 8. Who are you favorite actor and actress? - Morgan Freeman and Monica Bellucci. 9. What movie have you watched the most number of times? - I think it’s Días de fútbol [a hilarious movie!]. 10. What is the best book you’ve read in your life? - Murakami’s Tokyo Blues. 11. Your idea of a perfect night? - Playing a game, winning it and then going out to celebrate. 12. What footballer did you talk about constantly with your father? - Maradona. 13. Your best friend in the world of football? - I have a lot. Esteban Granero, Pedro Mosquera and David Lombán [yay Madrid canteranos!] 14. What is your favorite TV show? - I like Informe Robinson and Callejeros a lot. 15. What is your favorite type of food? - Fabada, when I go to Asturias. 16. A city. - Oviedo. 17. When was the last time you cried? - When we won the World Cup. 18. What place would you like to visit? - I would like to go to the U.S., since I haven’t been able to go there yet. 19. Your most recent car? - An Audi A5. 20. Finish this sentence: after making love… - Sleeping [jajaja!!]. 21. Is it easier for footballers to hook up with girls? - Yes, it could be. 22. Who is the sexiest woman, after yours? - Ariadne Artiles. 23. Is love necessary for you in sex? - No. 24. Do you all play better on the field after having sex? - It doesn’t make a difference. I don’t think the two acts are related. 25. Would you forgive a onetime act of infidelity? - No. 26. What do you think about homosexual marriages? - I respect everything. 27. How do you kill time in the concentraciones? - I read or watch TV series. I loved Entourage and now I’m loving FlashForward. 28. What do you think about the death penalty? - In some cases, it can be justified but everyone has the right to a second opportunity. 29. In what areas has your footballing improved in the last few years? - In experience and overcoming pressure. 30. What did you learn from your parents? - I learned respect and humility, which you always need to have. 31. What is your latest splurge? - I bought some real estate in Oviedo. 32. What does a footballer do during the afternoons? - It depends, I study when it’s exam time and I work. And if I don’t have to, then I spend the time with my friends enjoying Valencia, where you live very well. 33. When was the last time you got drunk? - In the World Cup, when we won, on the open-top bus. 34. Have you ever gone into a sex shop? - Yes, we went a couple of times when I lived in a residence in Madrid. 35. Finish this sentence: It drives me crazy when… - I’m stuck in traffic and in a hurry. 36. What do you always have in your refrigerator? - Water. 37. Should all immigrants be legalized? - Yes to those who come here with the purpose of contributing. 38. Who were your heroes? - My parents. 39. Tell me a historic moment of your club. - The year of the double, when they won the Liga and the UEFA Cup. 40. Which country do you support, apart from Spain, in a World Cup? - I’ve always liked Brazil and Argentina. unamadridista

Q: Iker, the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2010 will be awarded shortly. Who’s your favorite to win it? A: I think it’s only fair that it should go to a Spanish player. They’ve been in vogue for the last two years now. World Cup performances always go a long way to deciding it and if a Spanish player doesn’t get it this year, then I just don’t know. Q: Your name was on the short list but no goalkeeper has ever won the award. Why do you think that is? A: An outfield player is always more likely to win awards than a goalkeeper, and I understand that in football it’s moves, passes, goals and interplay that counts. I don’t know, maybe we’re the black sheep of football (laughs). We’re the odd ones out. Q: In winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, Spain conceded fewer goals than anyone. You’d be a deserving winner. A: Well, we all played our part, the men at the back too. It’s very important you stay solid and stop the opposition creating chances. Q: Spain’s midfielders and forwards have received a lot of praise but the defenders have just as much quality. A: They’ve got a lot of talent and they’re also a mix of younger and older players who combine really well. I think the important thing is that they all help each other. Q: In attack, David Villa came up just short in his bid to win the adidas Golden Shoe in South Africa… A: Yes, and mainly because he missed that penalty in the match against Honduras. He’s a great player, though. He scored five goals in all, some very important goals too, and made a big contribution for Spain. El Guaje did a great job for La Roja and we have a lot to thank him for. Q: You’ve hardly stopped since the 2007/08 season. As well as playing for Real Madrid in every competition, you’ve also had UEFA EURO 2008, the FIFA Confederations Cup and the FIFA World Cup. Don’t you feel tired? A: It’s definitely tough to keep going because I’ve only had very short holidays in the last three years. But as long as you get 15 to 20 days off, you can give your mind a break and then you’re ready to get back out there. This is a great job to do and sometimes you get privileges and sometimes you have to make sacrifices, for want of a better word. Next year should be a bit calmer hopefully. Q: In what way has being a European and world champion made your life different? A: It changes you because people know you wherever you go and come up and say nice things to you in the street. I’m so pleased to have made millions of people happy with these historic achievements. Q: It must be an amazing feeling to be captain of the Spain team. A: Yes, it is. It’s a pleasure to skipper this side because we’ve got some great players and because I’ve been lucky enough to play a part in this glorious chapter. It wasn’t so great before (laughs). We had one disappointment after another and really suffered. Sometimes things change – and they’ve changed for us now. Q: What are your most vivid memories of South Africa 2010? A: Being together as a team, the atmosphere and the bad times we went through after losing to Switzerland. Everyone said we were favorites to win and we took a lot of criticism. But we kept quiet, stayed focused and slowly started making our way. There are a lot of trophies to win in the world of football but none of them like this one. Q: Were you disappointed by the way the Netherlands played in the Final? A: No, not at all. The Netherlands had a fantastic tournament and they played great football. The thing is, they came up against a Spain team that really knew how to control possession and they had to try to stop that some way. That was their way of going about it, but it didn’t work out for them. Q: Aside from Spain’s success, what else stands out for you from the World Cup? A: Germany. I think they’re a very strong side and they’ve got some good young players. They came into the tournament strong and played so well against tough teams like England and Argentina. They’re going to have a lot of success in a couple of years. Q: And who disappointed you in South Africa? A: France, because of the way they went out, and Italy for getting knocked out in the group phase. The fact that the two finalists from 2006 went home so early just goes to show how quickly things can change in football. And it can happen to anyone too. Q: You’ve won everything now with the national team and your club. What challenges do you still have to meet? A: I want to keep on winning everything. Our first objective now is to go and retain our European title. Q: Finally, what’s the worst thing about being a professional footballer? A: I don’t think there’s anything unpleasant about it; maybe the fact that the people close to you suffer whenever you come in for criticism [just go ahead and say Sara, Iker, we all know who you're referring to]. It might not affect you, but it can be hurtful for the people you love.

Fergie: Rooney is getting there Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is not concerned at Wayne Rooney's continuing goal drought. The Manchester United striker has still not scored for his club in open play since March and the barren run continued in the 2-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford on Boxing Day. Instead it is forward partner Dimitar Berbatov grabbing the headlines and another double for the Bulgarian took his tally to 13, as well as extending United's unbeaten record to 17 games and consolidating their position on top of the table. However, Ferguson is delighted with Rooney's overall contribution and has no fears for the England hit-man. "Wayne had a couple of tries today," reflected the United boss. "He was very unlucky with the chip and there were a couple of shots saved by the goalkeeper. "He is getting there. The important thing is he is playing well. That is refreshing." Rooney is making a positive contribution. It was his excellent chip that set Berbatov up for his fourth-minute opener, although, after blowing a succession of first-half chances, United's record signing required the assistance of a massive deflection off Anton Ferdinand to seal the points after the break. "Dimitar could have scored four or five today," said Ferguson. "He had some terrific opportunities. "I was disappointed with the score at half-time. "We hit the bar and the post. Their keeper has made a couple of good saves and we played some really good football. "It was exciting stuff but then we just seemed to go into third gear." Part of the reason for that was the knowledge United's opponents on Tuesday, Birmingham, had their feet up following the postponement of their game at Everton. Blues boss Alex McLeish took the opportunity to watch Ferguson's side in action, although he is set to be greeted with the presence of Nani at St Andrew's, the Portugal winger set to recover from the hip injury that kept him out of Sunday's encounter. Darren Fletcher was also sidelined with a heavy cold. He too could come into contention though as Ferguson intends to make a couple of changes to his starting line-up. "We have come into good form," he said. "In the last few weeks we have played some very good stuff. We are getting that consistency, particularly in our defending. "We are looking solid at the back. These are good signs for us. It is an important time to get that. "Birmingham will be fresh. Going down there is always a difficult place to go to. They have always had a strong home record and are difficult to beat on their own ground. "We are aware of that. I will make a couple of changes to freshen that part up. Hopefully we will get the result we want." As someone who was part of the first United side that won the Premier League 18 years ago, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce can tell a decent team when he sees one. And he doesn't buy into the argument that this Red Devils group are an inferior outfit. "I have heard it said that United are not playing that well," he said. "Well, they are unbeaten for six months, so that is not a bad statistic is it? "They are top of the league, with games in hand, and history suggests they always get better in the second half of the season. "Maybe we were a bit naive today. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say you were well beaten.

Fergie: Rooney is getting there Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is not concerned at Wayne Rooney's continuing goal drought. The Manchester United striker has still not scored for his club in open play since March and the barren run continued in the 2-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford on Boxing Day. Instead it is forward partner Dimitar Berbatov grabbing the headlines and another double for the Bulgarian took his tally to 13, as well as extending United's unbeaten record to 17 games and consolidating their position on top of the table. However, Ferguson is delighted with Rooney's overall contribution and has no fears for the England hit-man. "Wayne had a couple of tries today," reflected the United boss. "He was very unlucky with the chip and there were a couple of shots saved by the goalkeeper. "He is getting there. The important thing is he is playing well. That is refreshing." Rooney is making a positive contribution. It was his excellent chip that set Berbatov up for his fourth-minute opener, although, after blowing a succession of first-half chances, United's record signing required the assistance of a massive deflection off Anton Ferdinand to seal the points after the break. "Dimitar could have scored four or five today," said Ferguson. "He had some terrific opportunities. "I was disappointed with the score at half-time. "We hit the bar and the post. Their keeper has made a couple of good saves and we played some really good football. "It was exciting stuff but then we just seemed to go into third gear." Part of the reason for that was the knowledge United's opponents on Tuesday, Birmingham, had their feet up following the postponement of their game at Everton. Blues boss Alex McLeish took the opportunity to watch Ferguson's side in action, although he is set to be greeted with the presence of Nani at St Andrew's, the Portugal winger set to recover from the hip injury that kept him out of Sunday's encounter. Darren Fletcher was also sidelined with a heavy cold. He too could come into contention though as Ferguson intends to make a couple of changes to his starting line-up. "We have come into good form," he said. "In the last few weeks we have played some very good stuff. We are getting that consistency, particularly in our defending. "We are looking solid at the back. These are good signs for us. It is an important time to get that. "Birmingham will be fresh. Going down there is always a difficult place to go to. They have always had a strong home record and are difficult to beat on their own ground. "We are aware of that. I will make a couple of changes to freshen that part up. Hopefully we will get the result we want." As someone who was part of the first United side that won the Premier League 18 years ago, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce can tell a decent team when he sees one. And he doesn't buy into the argument that this Red Devils group are an inferior outfit. "I have heard it said that United are not playing that well," he said. "Well, they are unbeaten for six months, so that is not a bad statistic is it? "They are top of the league, with games in hand, and history suggests they always get better in the second half of the season. "Maybe we were a bit naive today. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say you were well beaten.

© UNAMADRIDISTA

Some production notes: the photo shoot and interview took place yesterday, lasted for three hours, and was carried out at the Hotel “El antiguo convento de Boadilla.” Iker arrived accompanied by his manager Carlo Cutropía, and Óscar Ribot, Real Madrid’s head of press. Iker joked around with the production team between photos, and talked about his “performance” at the Africa charity game, saying that he was completely out of breath and couldn’t get back to the goal. Iker said he won’t be going back to Navalacruz for the new year, and in any case, his cousin told him it was snowing a lot so he might not even make it if he goes. The tuxedo was provided by Hugo Boss, and the RFEF ceded the trophy for the report. Iker asked if the grapes that he posed with had been washed, which made everyone laugh. The day ended at the restaurant El Acebo, which of course was just made famous as it was the scene of the Inocente joke on Arbeloa and Albiol. The restaurant has an “Iker corner” which is full of photos, newspaper articles, shirts and other memorabilia of Iker, including a miniature World Cup. © UNAMADRIDISTA

Q: What was the key moment for you of the World Cup? A: I had the most anxiety in the group stage. I couldn’t sleep and so I could only think about how we might have to go home. Getting to the round of 16 was a liberation for everyone. We said to ourselves, now the good times will begin, which we will really enjoy. Q: You said before that as a kid you even got upset when you lost at chapas (a bottle cap game). I don’t even want to imagine what would have happened if you had lost in the final of the World Cup. Have you ever put yourself in the Netherlands’ shoes? A: Yes, yes, I’ve done that. But I knew that if we made it to the final, it was to win it. I never imagined myself leaving South Africa without the Cup. Leaving there as the runner-up would have marked me for the rest of my life. I still remember the penalties against Korea… to the point that I don’t even want to see anything relating to that World Cup. So imagine what it would have been like to lose the final in South Africa. Q: You’ve won the World Cup and also the respect of rivals. A: Yes, now everyone wants to beat us and they all come out 200% against us. Q: Is there any danger of Spain becoming complacent by all the success? A: The only risk is that after the next Eurocopa, there will be three or four players leaving due to age. Q: You’re not talking about yourself, are you? A: We goalkeepers usually stick around for longer, but it’s clear that there’s always competition and pressure. Luckily, I think I still have three or four years at the highest level. Q: The style of play was another source of pride. The team won while playing like angels. Xavi said that Germany’s coach Löw told him after the semifinal that “you all are the best team I’ve seen in my life.” A: Our style of play since 2008 has been fantastic. The only stain was the Confederations Cup, but anyone can have a bad day. But in general terms, I think we’re bordering on perfection. I give a 10 to the play of Spain. Q: For you, the Three Kings came on July 11. Have you asked for anything else? A: It’s true, they came a bit early. But yes, I’ve asked for health for me on the personal level, and to concentrate a bit more on my club this year on the professional level. Q: Make a toast to the fans for the year that is ending. A: I hope that 2010 is a year that you remember and that you’ve enjoyed, that you won’t ever get tired of seeing images from the World Cup, and that what happened to France won’t happen to us. They won a doblete like we did and 10 years later they fell apart. You have to know that sometimes you win and other times you lose.