madristar

Kaka close to Real Madrid return Real Madrid have revealed that Brazilian star Kaka is close to a return to full training with their squad. The player has been out injured since suffering a knee injury in August, but is expected to return to full match fitness by early 2011. Real Madrid's official website has now confirmed that the 28-year-old's recovery is on schedule. A statement on Madrid's official website said: "During a meeting between Real Madrid's medical services and Dr. Toribio Leite to discuss the progress of Ricardo Izecson Dos Santos, Kaka, it was determined that the player's functional and biomechanics levels are satisfactory. "A specific field work regiment that should see the player rejoin the team by the initial deadline has been prescribed." Real boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that he does not plan to bring in any other players into the side during the January transfer window, regarding the Brazilian as a "new signing".

he reminds me of vin diesel in some of the pics...

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Guardiola: Expect a fantastic Clasico Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has no intention of curbing his side`s attacking instincts against Real Madrid in El Clasico. Clashes between Barca and Madrid are always eagerly anticipated, but Sunday's showdown at the Nou Camp has caught the imagination even more than usual in Spain with both clubs in top form. Madrid, who boast a one-point lead over second-placed Barca at the top of the standings, are still unbeaten in any competition under new coach Jose Mourinho and have won their last seven successive Primera Division matches. Barca, meanwhile, have not lost since mid-September and have won their last six leagues games - including an 8-0 thrashing of Almeria last time out. There is also the mouthwatering prospect of seeing arguably the world`s best two players - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo - going head-to-head for their respective sides. Guardiola said of the clash: "I hope it will be a fantastic game. It`s very difficult to avoid over-excitement with Madrid coming here. That`s normal." Madrid go into the game having won 15 and drawn the other four of their 19 competitive matches under Mourinho, while they have the joint-best attack in La Liga with 33 goals (the same as Barca) and the tightest defence with only six goals conceded. They also boast the top scorer in the division, with Ronaldo having struck 14 times already, while Mourinho has enjoyed recent success over Barca having knocked the Catalan giants out of the Champions League semi-finals last season while in charge of Inter Milan. Guardiola, who has led Barca to four successive wins over their bitter rivals, spoke highly of the capital club - but insists he will not be changing the two-time reigning Spanish champions` penchant for attacking football. "Madrid are not just spectacular, they are also physical, effective, quick and direct while remaining well-organised and very strong," he said. "Mourinho knows that we will go out to attack and they will do it when they can. If we lose, I want to be able to say `we`ve been Barca`. "Madrid have always been a good team and always will be. I anticipate how Real Madrid are going to play and they know how we are going to play. There will be no surprises. "Madrid are the team with the best counter-attack in the world. They`ve done this for a long time and for a team to play on the counter the other has to attack. And this is going to be us. "It`s going to be a beautiful game. We aren`t going to change anything, we will protect ourselves but we aren`t going to play deeper. I don`t want that and it will also send a message to the players that I`m scared. We are going to do the same as always. We will try to win and do it in the best way possible." He added: "Madrid seem strong to me. I`ve beaten Madrid four times, but I know that sooner or later I`m going to lose against them. "If we both play to our best level, it`ll be a draw. If there are no mistakes, only great goals...it`ll be a draw. You cannot say that Barcelona are a better team than Real Madrid. It wouldn't be fair. Real Madrid are very strong." Guardiola also concurred with Mourinho`s earlier comments that whatever happens on Monday night, the race for the league title will remain alive. He said: "Its important, very important, but I don`t think it`s decisive. There`s more than half the season left. There could be injuries, changes in form, there are months like January and February where there are a huge amount of matches and many things can happen. "They arrive here as leaders and we want to win. But I don`t think the result is going to be decisive. Whoever wins will not be champions next week."

Mourinho: Clasico is not title decider Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho preferred not to get swept away by the hype surrounding their showdown with Barcelona. Madrid have enjoyed a fantastic start to life under Mourinho, with 15 victories and four draws from 19 competitive matches leaving the club top of the Primera Division standings and through to the last 16 of the Champions League and Copa del Rey. However, they face their biggest test so far under the Portuguese tomorrow as they take on Barcelona - who are just a point behind the pacesetters in La Liga - in the first El Clasico of the season. The encounter is one of the most eagerly-anticipated meeting between the two in recent times with both clubs in stunning form and rival superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of their games, but Mourinho was keen to add a little perspective to proceedings on the eve of the fixture. "Every game is important. Every point that you lose could be key at the end. But after Monday's game there will be 25 matches left and there are a lot of points in play and so many factors," he said. Last season the two encounters between the bitter rivals played a crucial role in deciding where the Primera Division title ended up, with Barca doing the double over Madrid as they finished three points clear of the capital club at the top of the table, "It`s an important game but not decisive. If we win, the following morning will be Tuesday, and if we lose, it will also be Tuesday," added Mourinho, who nevertheless believes Monday's mouthwatering contest could live up to expectations. "The world is waiting for this game and we have the responsibility to give the world the game that expect," he said. "These are two teams who could be the best, with top players and everything is in place for it to be a great game. "I hope that the players help the referee and that it`s a game where they only talk of the football and nice things." Whatever happens at the Nou Camp though, Mourinho hopes his side can continue afterwards as they have been doing so successfully up to this point. He said: "I hope that if my team loses, it won`t change either their confidence of self-esteem, and if they win they will continue with their feet on the ground. I will continue to be calm after the game whatever the result. "We need to be aware that the season is played over 10 months at a very high level. I`m sure we will continue with calm, regardless of the result." With regards to who should be considered favourites for the match, Mourinho said: "Many times in Clasicos and derbies it isn`t the best team or the one ahead in the table who wins; these matches provide a different motivation, we can have 10 points more or 10 less, but in these games it`s very difficult to say who is better and who is favourite." Mourinho has named a strong 20-man squad for the trip to the Nou Camp with Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira included after recovering from their knocks.

Ancelotti laughs off Guardiola talk Carlo Ancelotti has brushed off reports Chelsea are lining up Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola to replace him. Speculation over the weekend claimed that Blues owner Roman Abramovich wanted Guardiola to succeed Ancelotti at Stamford Bridge following a period of upheaval. Ray Wilkins was axed as Ancelotti's assistant earlier this month and, on Saturday, the club confirmed Frank Arnesen would be leaving his position as sporting director at the end of the season. Former Barcelona technical director Txiki Beguiristain has been mooted as a replacement for Arnesen and that has prompted the rumours concerning Guardiola. However, speaking after Sunday's 1-1 draw at Newcastle United, Ancelotti refused to give any credence to the latest doubts being placed over his future. "I have heard of Pep Guardiola, to be frank," said Ancelotti, whose Premier League champions lost top spot to Manchester United at the weekend. "But you don't have to ask me - the coach is always the last to know. Don't ask me. "We are not interested. We focus on our training and our matches." Ancelotti also laughed off the claims that Chelsea are aiming to appoint Beguiristain as Arnesen's successor in West London. The Italian joked: "I don't know this name. I think there was a player at Barcelona, but I don't know what job he is doing now."

Guardiola keen on Man United job Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is ready to snub the advances of Chelsea to take up the hotseat at Manchester United. The Spanish coach has been continually linked to replace under-fire Carlo Ancelotti at Stamford Bridge following a poor run of results that saw the Blues drop to second-place in the Barclays Premier League. Owner Roman Abramovich is said to be the mastermind of former assistant manager Ray Wilkin's shock departure and the soon-leaving sporting director Frank Arnesen - in order to pave way for Guardiola to take charge of his club. But according to the Daily Mirror, Guardiola, who just led his side to a 5-0 victory over Real Madrid on Monday, is not interested in a move to the English capital - instead he has entertained the idea of taking over Sir Alex Ferguson should he calls it a day at Old Trafford. The report also claim that the 39-year-old's agent Josep Maria Orobitg has been approached by a number of top clubs, one of which is Chelsea. However, Guardiola could well sign a one-year-old extension at the Camp Nou or even take a year of sabbatical at the end of the season. But a source quoted in the Daily Mirror claims: "It seems that Pep really would be keen on working with Sir Alex, if that was possible. "It would allow him to come to terms with England under the guidance of the best."

pretty?u've gotta be kidding me...

Mesut Özil at Bild by unamadridista The interview starts with a description of his house: it’s in a suburb, protected by barriers and guards. It’s completely white and hidden behind a white wall. There’s no name on the bell, but a little camera controls who wants to go in. The mansion has 650m² of living space, an outdoor pool and even a small football field (“I practice my tricks here”). A tabletop football game is in the hall, with players wearing white jerseys (Madrid) and blue and red ones (Barça), and there are colorful post-its with Spanish vocabulary words on them stuck to stairs, mirrors and doors. Q: Mister Özil, the Spanish press is amazed with you and José Mourinho describes you as “magic.” Your president Florentino Pérez says you could be the best player who has ever played for Real Madrid. A: Oh, I didn’t know that. I don’t read the newspapers very often, but I feel very honored. Everything’s going very well right now… Q: Do you sometimes feel like you’re dreaming? A: At the beginning I thought I was dreaming. But in the meantime, I’ve realized that it’s real. Q: Describe a day of Mesut Özil at Real Madrid! A: I usually leave for the training at 9:15h – without a navigation system! The training starts at 10h or 10:30h and often lasts 90 minutes. Then I do an extra shift, mostly weight training. I’m at home at 14h and I eat something. Right after that I learn Spanish. And in the evening I go out to have dinner with friends. Q: What makes Real Madrid the best club of the world? A: It’s the perfect organization. The player only have to focus on football, the club handles everything else. For example, after the training session there are drinks and fresh fruit waiting in the locker room for us. Q: Do you have a bodyguard? A: No, I don’t need a bodyguard. I can go everywhere alone, even though people recognize me and talk to me when I’m at a restaurant. I want to get to know the city and have an independent life. Q: Do you have a cook or a help at home? A: I go out to eat very often but I’ve got someone to cook and help. Q: The team consists of a lot of superstars. Isn’t it hard to have a good team spirit? A: We are all very close. And everyone wants to be successful so we are very supportive. If one isn’t able to play, there’s always someone else to help. It’s like a family. Q: Your coach looks very serious and strict. Does he ever joke around? A: A lot! We all laugh a lot during our training sessions and in the locker room. Mourinho talks a lot with us. He praises us, but at the same time he tells us what we have to do better. Q: Mourinho just talks Spanish with his players. How well do you understand him? A: I understand a lot during the team conferences. Talking is harder, but it’s getting better. I learn a lot. Q: Do you lie on your couch in the evenings and learn vocabulary? A: Yes, that happens. I have to do homework too. How much I learn per week depends on the amount of games we have. Usually five hours and three times a week. Q: Five hours of learning?! A: No, I learn in a playful way. We go out shopping or do role plays. Or I order something in a Spanish restaurant. It’s so rotational that time passes very fast. Q: Do you already speak Spanish in the locker room? A: Well, sometimes. When I arrived there I had to make a speech. I told them how proud I am to play for Madrid and I wished them all luck and health. I spoke German and no one understood me, but nevertheless they applauded afterwards. Q: So you’ve settled in very fast? A: Yes. On my first day everyone came up to me and told me how glad they were that I’m here. Q: Cristiano Ronaldo too? A: Yes he came up to me too. Q: Ronaldo always has a stunning body in all the photos. Tell us, does he really have that many muscles? [Jajaja... the journalists are men!] A: Yes, he has a lot… Q: Jealous? A: Not at all, because he works very hard. He’s always the last one to come back from the training grounds and the last one to leave the locker room. Q: How many Ronaldo jerseys did you have to buy for your friends? A: Just one, most of my buddies want my jersey. Q: Did you make friends on the team? A: I go out to eat with Marcelo and Higuaín very often [how do they communicate?]. And of course Sami Khedira. We’ve got some favorite restaurants we always eat at. Spanish food is very delicious. Q: How many titles are you capable of winning this season? A: A lot! La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League – the biggest club of the world wants all of them! There’s a lot of potential and we are on the right path. We want to prove this against Barcelona on Monday. Q: Do you understand the meaning of “El Clásico” in Spain? A: Of course, It’s the biggest derby of the world. It will be a fantastic game! Q: Can there even be another club after Real? A: I don’t think about that right now. I’ve got a six-year contract and I’m very proud to play here. I can’t imagine playing for a different club. Q: Do you still follow the Bundesliga? A: I do, on the Internet or on TV. I’ve got all the German programs. Q: Your former club Werder Bremen is going through a big crisis. How do you feel about that? Özil: I’m deeply sorry for them. But I’m convinced they’ll rise out of it.

Guardiola: We're superior to Madrid Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola expressed his satisfaction after his side's 5-0 demolition of Real Madrid at the Camp Nou. The much anticipated El Clasico ended up as one of the most one-sided encounters between both sides in recent times. A double from David Villa and goals from Xavi, Pedro and substitute Jeffrén Suárez sealed the convincing victory over their bitter rivals. And speaking after the match, a rightfully proud and delighted Guardiola was still reveling in his side's triumph. "How we did it - that makes us proud. Now just let us sit back and enjoy that win - we'll reflect and look at the whole game, but now it would be wrong not to revel in the win," the 39-year-old was quoted as saying in the club's official website. "Games like that happen very rarely indeed". Guardiola also admitted his side have been a level above Madrid in his time as coach, in which he has won all five meetings with Barca's biggest rivals. "In these two years we have been superior to Madrid - that's true. With time, we can enjoy these things more," he said. "And we will enjoy this for a few days now as well." The Barca coach claimed he felt similar sensations when Barca beat Madrid 6-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu in his first season in charge. "The sensations are similar, but that win virtually gave us the league, whereas there is a long way to go this time," he said. "We already have an internal satisfaction," he added. "If we were going on holiday then we would be happier. But we haven't won anything yet and we have to keep going - I would like to be 10 or 12 points ahead of Madrid, but it's not possible." Barca's last big win was an incredible 8-0 victory at Almeria, which led to the sacking of coach Juanma Lillo by the Andalusian club. Asked if there could be a repeat of that outcome with Madrid and Mourinho, the Barca coach smiled and said: "I don't think so." The Spanish coach then went on to dedicate the victory to former coach Carles Rexach and club legend Johan Cruyff as they were the pioneers of the Barcelona's style of football. "Cruyff and Rexach were the first to get that way of playing started. That's the track to take and those of us who have come after them must be loyal to that. It's an idea that we shouldn't betray - it has been implanted in this club for a long time now". Despite being in celebratory mood, Guardiola refuses to get overly carried away by the win and insists that the title race is still very much on. "There are still a lot of games left to play in this league. We were the better team tonight, but both teams are at a very high level. "We are only two points ahead and Real Madrid remain an impressive team". In conclusion, the Barcelona coach paid tribute to his players - in particular Lionel Messi and Dani Alves. "Messi is the best of them all. In all aspects of his game he is just the best". "Alves is an enormous help for the balance of the team. I hope we reach an agreement soon (on his new contract) - he's better off here than anywhere else he could go to". The victory puts Barcelona two points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings.

Kaka is ready to play again!! “The time to play is coming” Kakà is back in Madrid on Sunday and he’s ready to play again, that’s official! From his twitter account: Back to madrid. After a very good week in Sao Paulo. The time to play again is coming. Good news, I hope we will have an official date of his return very soon!

João Armentano,his archtect

well,Catalans are a new story altogether!! They're not patriotic so i doubt they are ''national'' team mates!!

I hope so!!

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Player Ratings Daniel Teo picks out the best and the worst of the El Clasico as Barcelona demolished Real Madrid 5-0 at the Camp Nou. Barcelona Victor Valdes - 7 The Barcelona goalkeeper was expecting a busy night but he had nothing of that. A good save from Angel di Maria early in the game was nearly all the action the Spaniard was involved in. Dani Alves - 7.5 Was at his usual best down the right-wing. The Brazilian full-back caused continual headaches to the Real Madrid's defence with his marauding runs and link-up play with the attackers. Carles Puyol - 8 Yet another inspirational and stellar performance from the Barcelona captain himself. The defender wore his heart on the Barca sleeve and was a solid rock at the heart of the defence. Gerald Pique - 7.5 The former Manchester United showed once again what a world class defender he has become since leaving Old Trafford as he put in yet another top-class performance at the back. But in all honesty, he was hardly tested by Cristiano Ronaldo and gang. Eric Abidal - 7 A solid performance for the right-back. Performed an excellent job in neutralizing left-wing threat of Madrid. Xavi (Off 87') - 8.5 The Barcelona midfield maestro did what he does best again - dominating play from midfield and most importantly - opened the floodgates at the Camp Nou with a cute finish following an exquisite control. Sergio Busquets - 7.5 Did the dirty job in the centre of the park. The 22-year-old won most of the battles against he star-studded Madrid midfield. Who needs Javier Mascherano? Andres Iniesta - 8.5 The Barcelona playmaker put on another footballing clinic at the Camp Nou. He was simply unplayable in midfield and hardly lost the ball. It was his pass that found Xavi for his opening goal. Pedro (Off 87') - 8 A lively performance by the pint-sized Barcelona midfielder. He has once again showed his ability to be in the right place at the right time with his goal that doubled Barca's lead. Lionel Messi - 8.5 Despite surprisingly not getting on the scoresheet this time, the Argentinean ace was his mesmerizing self. He nearly scored a wonder goal after six minutes but his deft lob bounced off the post. Else, Messi was at the centre of Barcelona's play and was integral in their triumph over their bitter rivals. David Villa (Off 76') - 9 (Man-of-the-match) What an El Clasico debut for the Barcelona striker! An excellent double and an assist for Pedro have surely cemented his place in the history books and hearts of the Camp Nou faithful. Substitutes: Bojan Krkic (On 76') - 7 The young striker came on in the 76th minute for Villa and put in a lively performance despite the limited time he was given. Jeffrén Suárez (On 87') - 7.5 The young Venezuelan capped off an unbelievable evening at the Camp Nou with a El Clasico goal to keep in his memory for a long time to come. Seydou Keita (On 87') - N/A Real Madrid Iker Casillas - 5 Probably one of the lowest - if not the lowest point of his Madrid career. Could have done better to prevent Pedro's goal and allowed the ball to go under his leg for Villa's second goal. Sergio Ramos - 4 What a horror performance from the Spanish centre-back. Ramos was at fault for Pedro's goal as he allowed Villa space and time to cross. His miserable night was capped off in disgraced after being sent off for pushing fellow Spain team-mate Puyol on the face. Pepe - 6 The Portuguese defender played his heart out for Madrid and was one of their better players. Ricardo Carvalho - 4 The former Chelsea defender's good run of form came to an end at the Nou Camp. His lack of pace was brutally exposed by the Barcelona attack and was lucky not to be sent off for a deliberate handball. Marcelo (Off 60') - 4.5 A poor performance for the Brazilian. It was his slip-up that let Xavi in for the all important opening goal. Was toothless going forward as well and was deservedly taken off at the hour-mark Sami Khedira - 5 The German international worked his socks off in his first ever El Clasico but was simply outclassed and outfoxed by the Barcelona midfield. Mesut Özil (Off 45') - 4.5 Much was expected from the German midfielder but he failed miserably. He was a pale shadow of himself against Barcelona and had no impact whatsoever on the game. Was taken off at half-time. Xabi Alonso - 5.5 The former Liverpool midfielder was easily outclassed by his Spanish compatriots such as Xavi and Iniesta. His passing was also not at his usual best. Ángel Di María - 4 Jose Mourinho must be wondering if this was the same Di Maria he signed during the summer. The Argentinean had a dreadful game and lost the ball on several occasions. Karim Benzema - 4 The Frenchman was given the golden opportunity to prove his worth to Mourinho was failed miserably. But to be fair, he was left isolated for most of the match as the supply from midfield was cut by the Barcelona players. Cristiano Ronaldo - 5 Instead of inspiring his side against their bitter rivals, the Portuguese was a cry-baby throughout the match. Despite starting the match strongly, Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure as he was outshined by Messi. Capped off his night in disgrace as he had the audacity to shove Pep Guardiola in the chest at the sidelines. Subsitutes: Lassana Diarra (On 45') - 5 Was brought in to replace Ozil at half-time but was equally as ineffective as he was simply outclassed and outplayed by the Barcelona midfield. Álvaro Arbeloa (On 60') - 5.5 A decent job by the former Liverpool defender after coming on for the poor Marcelo at the hour-mark.

Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid A brace from David Villa led Barcelona to an incredible rout of Real Madrid - who lost for the first time under Jose Mourinho. Mourinho had gone unbeaten in his first 19 games in all competitions since joining Madrid in the summer, but the Portuguese was unable to avoid defeat in the biggest one of all as Pep Guardiola maintained his perfect record as Barca coach in the Clasico with a fifth straight victory over Real. Xavi and Pedro put Barca two up within 17 minutes, while Villa made it a night to remember at a packed Nou Camp with two goals early in the second half and substitute Jeffren Suarez added a fifth right at the end. To add insult to injury for Madrid, they finished the match with 10 men after Sergio Ramos pushed Carles Puyol in the face late on. It was some revenge for Barca - and Guardiola - after Mourinho, then coach of Inter Milan, knocked the Catalan side out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage last season here. Mourinho handed a rare start to France striker Karim Benzema, out of favour for most of this season, after Gonzalo Higuain failed a late fitness test. Guardiola, though, was able to field his strongest XI, which of course included Lionel Messi. And the Argentina winger, yet to score against a side coached by Mourinho, almost did so after five minutes, when he beat Madrid keeper Iker Casillas with an exquisite chip from a tight angle, only to see his effort rebound off the post. But four minutes later, Barca did go ahead. Andres Iniesta's perfectly-weighted through-ball found Xavi and the midfielder took one touch to control, albeit with some fortune, before clipping the ball past Casillas on the volley from close range. Angel di Maria tested Victor Valdes with a stinging effort at the other end two minutes later, but Barca made it 2-0 in their very next attack. It came after 17 minutes and was scored by Barca's number 17 - Pedro. The Spain forward was left with a simple tap-in from close range after Casillas failed to deal with Villa's low cross from the left. That followed a long passing move from the home side and the Catalans looked good for their lead. An unseemly brawl followed after half an hour, when Cristiano Ronaldo pushed Guardiola in the chest, with the Barca coach having refused to hand the ball to the Portugal winger on the touchline. Ronaldo was shown the yellow card and received huge jeers every time he touched the ball after that. The former Manchester United forward came close with a free-kick later in the half and also saw a decent penalty appeal turned down after he went to ground following a challenge with Valdes. Messi was booked for simulation a minute before the interval for exaggerating a foul by Ricardo Carvalho. Barca began the second half brightly and after Xavi and Villa missed good chances early on, the latter made it 3-0 with only 54 minutes on the clock. The Spain striker latched onto Messi's pass and beat Casillas with a clinical finish in the area, although he looked to be marginally offside when the ball was played. The same combination made it 4-0 three minutes later as Messi set up Villa once more and the former Valencia forward slid the ball through Casillas' legs as the keeper came out to narrow the angle. The Nou Camp was rocking after that and Barca dominated right until the end. Substitute Bojan Krkic saw his fierce effort saved by Casillas and was unable to stay on his feet as he raced clear moments earlier. But Jeffren, who replaced Pedro with three minutes left, did make it five in added time when he clipped the ball past Casillas from close range after a low cross from the right. Madrid's misery was compounded right at the end as the visitors finished the game with 10 men after Ramos hit out at Puyol and was shown the red card.

Dior event in Brazil,wuth mother Rosangela Lyra,representative of Dior in Brazil

how easily he can say that''one team was good,the other really bad''!!

Mourinho: We are not humiliated Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho claims his side is not humiliated by their 5-0 defeat to Barcelona at the Camp Nou. The Portuguese came into the match being unbeaten in 19 competitive games and with a one-point lead over his opponents. But that record was soon wiped away as Mourinho was handed his first defeat in charge of Madrid which was also his heaviest loss he has suffered in his managerial career. A brace by David Villa and goals from Xavi, Pedro and substitute Jeffrén Suárez completed the rout by Barcelona over their bitter arch-rivals. Speaking after the match, the Special One looked unfazed by the heavy defeat but conceded that his side were second-best. "One team played very good, one team very bad," Mourinho commented in a post-match press conference. "One deserved to win and one deserved to lose. "Humiliated? No. It's easy to deal with this loss, we just weren't good enough." And the Madrid coach went on to admit he was not pleased with his side's defending in the first half. "We gifted them two goals that were almost ridiculous," he said. Mourinho remained in the dugout as his side capitulated in the second period, but said there was nothing he could do to prevent the heavy defeat. "I was watching the game. I tried to change things at the interval and we came out quite well, but then they scored again and there was nothing I could do - the game was lost," he said. The defeat sees Madrid drop to second in the Primera Division after 13 rounds of matches, but with 25 games left, Mourinho is not panicking just yet. "Last week we had a point more than Barcelona and today we have a point less," he said. "And as I have always said, Barca is the finished article while Madrid is still a long way off that." Madrid are now at home to Valencia next weekend and Mourinho is sure his players will react positively. "We have to show character. After a defeat like this you want to play again soon. We are playing on Saturday, but I wish we could play tomorrow," he said.

Thanks Mou!! We bow down to you,oh The Special One!! How ''special ''was this ''One''??

by unamadridista Cristiano was given the task of speaking to the press two days before the derby, and I liked some of what he said, especially about how this is one more game, and that it’s not just Cristiano vs. Messi. On whether the derby is Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Leo Messi: Son tonterías. It’s a battle between probably the two best teams in Spain. We’re 11 against 11. Messi will do his best to help his team win, like I will. On the game: It’s an important game, but others are as well. This game is worth three points, not six; it’s the same as a game against Getafe or Valencia. On his “jogo bonito”: I like spectacular football and I like to play it. Whoever likes it will like it. And whoever doesn’t can close their eyes or turn off the television. On how much he wants to score his first goal against Barcelona: What’s important is not whether I score, but whether the team wins. I am not obsessed with scoring. I want to score against everyone, not just Barça. Is it special? Yes, but the desire is always the same. On whether he has more responsibilities as a reference point for Madrid: No. I’m one more player on this team. Things are going well for me and for the team, but I don’t believe there is more pressure on me than on anyone else. We all have responsibilities. I always want more, but my teammates also want to do their best, like me. On Piqué: We get along well. We know each other from Manchester. There are no problems between us. On what Madrid’s strategy for the game – to attack or defend – is: the míster will be talking to you all tomorrow, no? Ask him.

Q: Madrid has 15 wins, four ties and no losses. Did you think that the team would be so well-rounded at this point? A: To be sincere, no. This is a new team, with a lot of new faces, including on the bench. It wasn’t easy, but we’ve created a strong group. Q: What has Mourinho said to you about Barcelona? A: We haven’t talked about it yet. It’s true that people are talking about the game on the street and on television, but our normal routine is to only talk about the rival team in the training session before the game or on the night before. Q: Is there any fear that your streak will end in Camp Nou? A: There’s no fear. It could happen any day and against any rival, we know that. If a team has the luck of being able to beat you when playing well or not, you congratulate them and that’s it. But in Madrid, there’s no fear. There never is. Q: Complete this sentence: losing in Camp Nou will be… A: If I limit myself to last year, it would be to lose a decisive game in the Liga, because the two games we lost to Barça last year cost us the championship in the end. We’re so evenly matched now that this clásico, based on what happened last year, could decide the Liga. Q: And how about: winning in Camp Nou will mean… A: One more step forward in securing first place, but we’ll focus on Valencia right away, since that’s our next rival. Q: Is this the secret, to take things day by day? A: Yes, and that’s what the míster has in his head. He’s very stubborn with this idea. It’s just as important to play well against Barça as it was against Murcia in the Copa. The main thing is to go game by game. Q: Do you think Mourinho’s reception in the Camp Nou will be like the one given to Figo? A: I think it will be less extreme, since it’s not the same. Figo was an emblematic player of Barça and a few months later he went there with the shirt of Madrid. It was another thing. Q: Is el clásico the best club game in the world, or are people exaggerating? A: I haven’t experienced any another clásicos in the world, but I believe it is. This game is above all others. Q: Does a game against Barcelona create more stress in the goal? A: You have to be very attentive, because they’re fast and have a lot of talented players. You have to concentrate; I won’t have a second of relaxation. Q: What is the key of Barcelona? A: Xavi, I’ve always said so. I think it’s funny that people are jumping on the bandwagon and saying “Ballon d’Or for Xavi” and “Xavi is the best in the world” and… Xavi is the best and I’ve always said so. He’s been the best for 10 years. A big part of the success of Barcelona and of the national team is due to him. Q: What is the thing that has surprised you the most about Mourinho? A: I didn’t know him before and from the outside he may appear serious, but what has always caught my eye is how close he is to his players. I watched his games and I saw him hug Terry, Materazzi… I liked that. And now that I know him personally, I can only take my hat off to him. The others always joke around with me in the locker room and call me a teacher’s pet, but it’s true. As a coach, he’s a 10, and as a person, a lot more. Q: What was your first encounter with him like? Is it true that he called you on the phone as soon as he signed with Madrid? A: Yes, he called me to talk about the World Cup. He spoke with me and at first I thought it was a prank pulled by a radio station or something. But no, the club put me in contact with him and he wished me luck in the World Cup. Q: Is it good for a player to work with a coach as authoritative as he is? A: If you say that Mou is authoritative, I would say no. There are a lot of people that don’t know Mourinho. Q: Describe him in one word. A: That’s very difficult. He’s a person that has won the respect of everyone, but he’s not authoritative. Q: What’s he like? A: You can’t define him with just one word. He’s a person that pay attention to everything. He cares about me, the doctor, the equipment manager… I now understand why Wesley Sneijder told me he’s the best, number one. Q: Is he very different than he is during the press conferences? A: Yes, very different. What he’s like in front of the press has nothing to do with the person I see every day. Q: So are you saying that he’s a bit of an actor in front of the press? A: Actor? No way! He’s extremely smart. We all admire him. Q: Have you improved with Mou? A: Yes, a lot. I have more confidence in myself. The most important thing for a goalkeeper is his head. Q: A Barcelona player told us this summer that out of all the footballers on Real Madrid, you have the winningest mentality. A: Well, I’ve been here for 20 years and when I was in the alevines I was already told that you had to always win here. Tying against Recuerdo or Canillas was a disaster for the youth teams, and I would get angry if we won 10-1. Each goal that I allow bothers me. Q: What has Mourinho taught you? A: He knows how to read games, he puts you in the mind of the rival… he’s a coach that never gives up. There are a lot of things. Mourinho dominates everything, he always knows when to make a fuss, when to unite the group… Q: Is he the most demanding coach you’ve had? A: Yes. If he wants something, he comes over and tells it to you in your face. He doesn’t care if you’re Iker or Cristiano Ronaldo. If you train well, you play. And if not, you’re out. Q: Of course, he told you to your face that he would not get rid of the concentraciones… A: Yes, several times (laughs). But I always take any advantage to bring it up again and I’ll do it here with you. I’ll continue trying until he gives in. Q: Has your role on this team changed a lot with the departures of Raúl and Guti? A: Yes. It’s inevitable, because the first and second captains left. The good thing is that I became captain here after becoming captain with the national team, and that gave me a lot of experience. Q: Give us an example of what Captain Iker does. A: Well, I talk more, I’m more concerned about the young people… I’m more serious than before, even though I like to joke around. I’ve matured (laughs). Q: What is your ritual before a game like the one on Monday? A: I don’t have any superstitions. I’ll change, I’ll stretch, I’ll think about how the game will go, I’ll sofronizarme, as Luis Aragonés would say… Q: Do you feel more supported by the defense now than you have during your entire career? A: If you look at the numbers, yes. I don’t think I’ve ever had a goal coefficient of 0.5 at this point in any season. And this is because the míster is very demanding, he doesn’t like it when we allow goals. He gets very angry. But the merits of this defense are due to the entire team. Q: On Monday, we’ll see your two pairs of central defenders: Pepe-Carvalho and Piqué-Puyol. What are they like? A: Different and similar. Puyi and Carvalho have experience. Pepe and Piqué are faster. Pepe is more aggressive and Piqué better with the ball. I see more similarities between Puyi and Carvalho. Q: Is it hard to keep your mind on the game, since you don’t get shot at so much any more? A: Yes. But I demand a lot from myself, and a lot is demanded from me. If I allow a goal, I already know what is going to be said the next day. But my job is not only to stop the ball, but to stay alert to anything in the area. Q: In January, you’ll receive the Golden Glove award given to the best goalkeeper in the world. Do you feel like you’re the best? A: I don’t know. I work so that whoever gives out this award will give it to me. Q: What is left for you to accomplish in football? A: With Madrid, I want La Décima, the Copa, more Ligas… Q: You mentioned the Copa earlier. Does it embarrass you to have had to play against Murcia and not give any chances to Dudek and Adán? A: No, embarrassment no. But if there’s anyone I have affection for, it’s these two teammates. I’ve always been very unjust with Adán, because whenever I’m asked about young goalkeepers I’ve always talked about those that you see on TV. And in Adán we have a wonderful kid, who is a 10 as a person, and a player whose calling it is to be a Real Madrid goalkeeper. He has a lot of virtues. And Jerzy, he’s won everything and we have a spectacular relationship. Both are wonderful. Q: Dudek gave you a helping hand in Amsterdam… A: Yes… Dudek had to give me some instructions and that’s it. Q: Does Barça have any weak points? A: I don’t know, I’d like to ask this question to Esteban Vigo. What he was thinking that day… I think that we should go out on the field with all we’ve got. Q: And what is the strong point of Real Madrid? A: That we want to continue winning and that we fear nothing. In other years, we were content with just seeing what would happen, but this year we’re going to the Camp Nou to win. Q: Cristiano said this team is different from last year’s. A: This team is going all out in the Camp Nou. We want to win, to distance ourselves from the team in second place… Q: Ronaldinho or Messi? Who has given you more problems? A: Both of them. I remember that the Bernabéu applauded Ronaldinho, and that was incredible. And Messi is a crack who still has many great years left. Q: Will Madrid leave the Camp Nou to applause or will they turn on the sprinklers? A: We have to win first. thaks Unamadridista!

* Home * A Stalker’s Guide to Real Madrid * Iker & his jerseys repeat after me: it’s just three points November 28, 2010 tags: cristiano by unamadridista Cristiano was given the task of speaking to the press two days before the derby, and I liked some of what he said, especially about how this is one more game, and that it’s not just Cristiano vs. Messi. On whether the derby is Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Leo Messi: Son tonterías. It’s a battle between probably the two best teams in Spain. We’re 11 against 11. Messi will do his best to help his team win, like I will. On the game: It’s an important game, but others are as well. This game is worth three points, not six; it’s the same as a game against Getafe or Valencia. On his “jogo bonito”: I like spectacular football and I like to play it. Whoever likes it will like it. And whoever doesn’t can close their eyes or turn off the television. On how much he wants to score his first goal against Barcelona: What’s important is not whether I score, but whether the team wins. I am not obsessed with scoring. I want to score against everyone, not just Barça. Is it special? Yes, but the desire is always the same. On whether he has more responsibilities as a reference point for Madrid: No. I’m one more player on this team. Things are going well for me and for the team, but I don’t believe there is more pressure on me than on anyone else. We all have responsibilities. I always want more, but my teammates also want to do their best, like me. On Piqué: We get along well. We know each other from Manchester. There are no problems between us. On what Madrid’s strategy for the game – to attack or defend – is: the míster will be talking to you all tomorrow, no? Ask him.