November 20, 201014 yr Author "Mourinho isn't affected by bad press"Maradona: "He will bring a Champions League to Real Madrid in no time"Realmadrid.comAfter attending Real Madrid’s final training session prior to Saturday’s match against Athletic, Diego Armando Maradona sat down with Realmadrid.com to discuss matters concerning the club.What are your thoughts on Mourinho’s coaching methods?Sensational. He lets his players have fun, but he is also the best at instilling discipline and fielding a team. There is great camaraderie, which is due to Mourinho. From the outside looking in we see that Real Madrid is comprised of many great people, but we don’t get to sense the great atmosphere that exists. Mourinho deserves the credit.What did the players you talked with tell you? How did you find the team?It looked good to me. I spent time with Ronaldo, Pipa, Di Maria, Garay and Ramos. I even got to talk to Casillas. There is a great atmosphere. The session was full of good vibes and everyone wanted to participate. That is the healthy competition created by Mourinho. Real Madrid fans are relaxed, and I remember when they weren’t. Before they were focused on the names of the players and if the team was good enough. Now fans go to the stadium with peace of mind.What are your thoughts on Mourinho?He is among the top two or three coaches in the world along with Pep. They have both had incredible careers. Mourinho and I are friends since I went to visit him in Italy. We spent close to three hours talking. He explained a lot to me about players and his methods. He respects football players. Sometimes we get it wrong. Coaches shouldn’t always be liked by the press or fans. We must primarily be liked by our players. If a coach has a good relationship with his players, he will then have a good relationship with the crowd, the media and the whole world.Is all bad press he has been getting justified?I don’t think he is affected by it. He is above it all. It’s not about name-calling. Mourinho wins everything and he does what he thinks is best for Real Madrid. And he does so with an incredible personality. He deserves a lot of credit. Whoever understands this sport knows that coaching a team isn’t easy, especially with players such as these. More cannot be asked of him.Do you think Real Madrid will win the Champions League this year?Mourinho needs time so that the players understand one another. It’s what happened when he was at Inter and the team went on to win its first European Cup in more than 50 years. If people are patient, I am convinced Mourinho will bring a Champions League to Real Madrid in no time.How does the team look heading into the Clasico?I don’t think so much has ever been at stake. Barcelona are playing well and Mourinho’s team is solid. This match will break the deadlock. It will show just how reliable Mourinho and Barcelona’s football are. Whoever plays with more attitude will win.
November 20, 201014 yr Author Caparros chides chatty MourinhoAthletic Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros has taken a swipe at Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho over his spat wtih Sporting Gijon’s Manuel Preciado.Mourinho had earlier hinted that Preciado fielded a weakened team ahead of Sporting's recent fixture to Barcelona, an accusation which was flatly rebutted by Preciado.In an interview with AS, Caparros offered his own take on the spat.He said: "Mourinho has spoken about a line-up and Preciado has been forced to defend himself."All coaches should respect their peers. We must strengthen our profession. Mourinho did not have to show that attitude to a colleague."Manuel is a guy who I know well and he is very noble. Maybe he is at a team that does not win titles, but does that give him less merit than a coach who has won the Champions League? It was a delicate situation."Sometimes we get into situations where we need to respond to other parties, and I know what Preciado's motives have been by responding."Mourinho, who was forced to sit in the stands when Real faced Sporting on Sunday due to a two match ban for seeing red against Real Murcia in midweek, came away unscathed with a hard fought 0-1 triumph thanks to a Gonzalo Higuain strike.
November 20, 201014 yr Author Caparros chides chatty MourinhoAthletic Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros has taken a swipe at Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho over his spat wtih Sporting Gijon’s Manuel Preciado.Mourinho had earlier hinted that Preciado fielded a weakened team ahead of Sporting's recent fixture to Barcelona, an accusation which was flatly rebutted by Preciado.In an interview with AS, Caparros offered his own take on the spat.He said: "Mourinho has spoken about a line-up and Preciado has been forced to defend himself."All coaches should respect their peers. We must strengthen our profession. Mourinho did not have to show that attitude to a colleague."Manuel is a guy who I know well and he is very noble. Maybe he is at a team that does not win titles, but does that give him less merit than a coach who has won the Champions League? It was a delicate situation."Sometimes we get into situations where we need to respond to other parties, and I know what Preciado's motives have been by responding."Mourinho, who was forced to sit in the stands when Real faced Sporting on Sunday due to a two match ban for seeing red against Real Murcia in midweek, came away unscathed with a hard fought 0-1 triumph thanks to a Gonzalo Higuain strike.
November 20, 201014 yr Author Valdano hits out at "gross mistake"Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano has leapt to the defence of Jose Mourinho for his verbal outburst.This came after the State Commission against Violence called for the Portuguese coach and Sporting Gijon counterpart Manolo Preciado to face disciplinary action over their recent spat.The commission requested that the Spanish Football Federation take "appropriate disciplinary action" after the two coaches crossed swords in a war of words ahead of their meeting last weekend, with Mourinho claiming Preciado had "gifted" victory to Barcelona several weeks ago by fielding a weakened team.Preciado told Mourinho he would have been "thrown in jail" in England for making such an accusation, branding him a "swine".The commission said the comments "contributed to the creation of a hostile climate between the participants and supporters, especially in a match already deemed to be high risk".But Valdano claimed the commission had made a "gross mistake" in their assessment of the situation."It is a gross mistake to put Mourinho and Preciado at the same level because of their statements," he said."One coach used solid arguments while the other used defamation. Both statements can't be regarded to be at the same level."Mourinho shouldn't stop being Mourinho. He was hired for his personality and he can express his feelings whenever he wants as long as he doesn't overstep his mark."We don't want to point fingers at who should be punished. This debate has been started again today and Preciado still has time to apologise for overstepping his mark."Just the other day, he said he had been unfortunate in the way he expressed himself. I now hope he does he same regarding his use of the word 'swine'."
November 20, 201014 yr Author Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao PreviewAthletic Bilbao have the odds stacked against them as they look to end Jose Mourinho's record-breaking start.Mourinho has led Real Madrid to nine victories and two draws in his first 11 league games in the hotseat, which is the best return from a coach making his debut in La Liga.That success has left Madrid a point clear at the top of the Primera Division standings, while the Spanish giants have been equally as successful in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, where they have progressed through to the last 16 of both competitions.As well as that, Madrid also boast the attacking and defensive records in the league, netting 28 goals and conceding just five, while in Cristiano Ronaldo they boast the leading scorer in the division with 11 goals.That all makes bleak reading for eighth-placed Athletic, who have their own problems to worry about as well.The Basque outfit have won just 13 times in 79 visits to the Bernabeu down the years, losing 51, while in their last 12 league and cup visits to Madrid`s home ground Athletic have suffered 11 defeats and conceded an average of more than three goals per game in those matches.Athletic have also picked up only one point from their last four away games this season.Coach Joaquin Caparros said: "We want to have a good game to break, not only the bad run at the Bernabeu in recent years, but also the negative run of results away from home this season."We`ve prepared so as to have a good game and that everything turns out how we want."Athletic captain Pablo Orbaiz added: "To win at a ground like this is special. It`s clear that they have a very fast and very strong team who create a lot of chances and it`s difficult to beat them, but Real Madrid have always been like that."I`ve played against (Zinedine) Zidane, Ronaldo, (Luis) Figo, and those players are at the same level of those who they have now."Real Madrid always have a great team, and this season is the same. We are, as always, going there with plenty of respect but with all the hope in the world to have a good game."We know it`s a difficult place to go, but we`re not going to gift them anything. We hope to have a good day and things go well."Athletic make the trip to the capital 13 points behind in-form Madrid, who stayed top of the pack after beating Sporting Gijon with a late Gonzalo Higuain goal last week.Mourinho watched that game from the stands due to a two-game touchline ban and the Portuguese will complete that suspension tomorrow.In his place on the bench will be assistant coach Aitor Karanka, who as a player came up through the youth ranks at Athletic and played for the Basque outfit both before and after his spell at Madrid at the turn of the millennium.
November 20, 201014 yr Author Mourinho to back Portugal Ryder bidReal Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has agreed to become the ambassador for Portugal's bid to host the Ryder Cup in 2018."I always play to win and I know everyone connected to the 2018 Portuguese Ryder Cup bid is exactly the same," said the former Chelsea boss.Mourinho does not play golf, but has spoken about what staging the match at the Tom Fazio-designed Herdade da Comporta would do for his country."Comporta is a region I have cherished and known since an early age, due to its proximity to my home town of Setubal."It is one of Europe's best-kept secrets, with its tranquil beaches and clear blue sea, with rice paddies as far as the eye can see and overwhelming natural beauty."Organising the Ryder Cup will allow Portugal to show its best to the world, something we should all work towards, to establish our country as a high-quality tourism destination."To always win and to take Portugal's name to the four corners of the world, that's the challenge I set myself each day and that's the goal Comporta is committed to."A decision will be taken next spring on whether to take the match back to Spain - Valderrama played host in 1997 under Seve Ballesteros' captaincy - or whether to go to Portugal, France, Germany or Holland.The 2012 contest is in Chicago and the 2014 match at Gleneagles in Scotland.
November 20, 201014 yr Author Mourinho includes 20 men on his listDudek is the new only face on the squad list since the match in GijonRealmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'DonnellJose Mourinho has called up 20 men for the match against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. Recovered from his lower back pain, goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek has returned to the list. The injured Kaka and Gago will miss the match. Canales and Mateos have been left out for coaching decisions.REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST:Goalkeepers: Casillas, Adan, DudekDefenders: Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Carvalho, MarceloMidfielders: Lass, Diarra, Khedira, Granero, Xabi Alonso, Ozil, Di Maria, Pedro LeonForwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, HiguainATHLETIC CLUB SQUAD LIST:Goalkeepers: Iraizoz, RaulDefenders: Ustaritz, Amorebieta, San Jose, Iraola, Balenziaga, AurtenetxeMidfielders: David Lopez, Iturraspe, Gabilondo, Susaeta, Orbaiz, Iñigo Perez, Javi MartinezForwards: Llorente, De Marcos, Ion Velez, Muniain
November 20, 201014 yr Author OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTRealmadrid.comReal Madrid C. F. wishes to express the deep rejection and unrest caused by the decision made by the State Commission against Violence to urge the Spanish Football Federation to "take appropriate measures" in relation to statements made by our coach, Jose Morinho.Real Madrid finds it surprising that said statements, which mention an objecive and punishable fact, have been compared to those made by Sporting Gijon coach Manuel Preciado, who publically and very seriously insulted and discredited our coach. Preciado also made threatening remarks relying on violent crowds, clearly aiming at creating a hostile and inappropriate environment for any kind of sport competition.Jose Mourinho made his statements as a defence of the sportsmanship that should prevail in every football match, from the beginning to the very end of the competition, as is regarded in the vast majority of European championships and manifested in the 25th Article of the Spanish FA Disciplinary Code.
November 20, 201014 yr Author The Whites host Los Leones in an attempt to reach the Clasico as leadersRealmadrid.comReal Madrid host Athletic Bilbao on Saturday hoping to extend their six-game win streak in La Liga. Aitor Karanka takes over at the helm for the Whites as head coach Jose Mourinho serves the second of his two-match ban.The Santiago Bernabeu has witnessed nothing but victories this season, and another Real Madrid win will make is seven straight for the Whites, who hope to reach next week’s Clasico as the top team in the land.CURRENT STANDINGS HOME AWAY Place Points P W D L P W D LReal Madrid 1st 29 5 5 0 0 6 4 2 0Athletic 8th 16 6 4 0 1 5 1 1 3The services of 20 players have been requested by Jose Mourinho for the showdown. Dudek returns to the squad list having recovered from lower back pain. Kaka, Garay and Gago are still nursing injuries, while Canales and Mateos were left off due to a coaching decision.Athletic Bilbao are three points off a berth in European play, but having left the Bernabeu empty-handed in each of their last three visits, both players and coach are well aware of the difficulty that lies ahead. "We know it’s a tough place to play, but we aren’t going to give them anything on a silver platter. We hope to have a good night and that things go our way," said captain Orbaiz. According to head coach Joaquin Caparros, "There is no solution for Madrid. The defend well and create scoring chances. They work well as a team and are very strong. If they beat you there, our chances are pretty slim."After missing a month and a half due to injury, Amorebieta is available and ready to play. Aitor Ocio, Ibai Gomez and Toquero, however, remain in sick bay and cannot play, while Koikili, Castillo and Gurpegui are out due to suspension.HEAD-TO-HEAD IN LA LIGA P W D L GF GAReal Madrid 158 77 31 50 305 227Athletic Bilbao 158 50 31 77 227 305A victory against Athletic Bilbao would give the team 32 points so far this season, a first by Week 12 in La Liga. Equally impressive, though, is that a win would also be Iker Casillas’ 250th in league play.SQUAD LISTGoalkeepers Casillas, Adan, DudekDefenders Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Carvalho, MarceloMidfielders Lass, Diarra, Khedira, Granero, Xabi Alonso, Ozil, Di Maria, Pedro LeonForwards Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, HiguainReferee
November 21, 201014 yr Author The Whites reach Clasico as leadersReal Madrid 5-1 Athletic BilbaoRealmadrid.comReal Madrid head into next week’s Clasico as league leaders following their 5-1 victory against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. The Whites are still unbeaten after twelve weeks of action and are the only team in La Liga that have yet to lose. Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick and several key saves by Casillas were more than enough to sink Los Leones.Mourinho’s starting eleven runs like clockwork. The way each player helps his teammates and the commitment each shows on the pitch are worthy of commendation. But perhaps the best sign of this team’s maturity is its ability to manage the tempo of matches.Eighteen minutes in, Di Maria found Higuain in the box, where the Argentine turned, split two defenders and beat Iraizoz with a shot to the right of the keeper. Llorente nearly had the equalizer ten minutes later, but Casillas dove to his right to get a hand to the striker’s shot. Real Madrid capitalized on the missed opportunity by Athletic to counter. Higuain marched up the right wing to find Ozil in midfield. The German one-touched to a surging Cristiano Ronaldo, who fired past the keeper with his left foot.With 11 minutes left in regulation, Llorente managed to pull Los Leones within one, but from an offside position. The referee granted the goal despite the protests and the sides headed into the dressing rooms with the scoreboard reading 2-1.Real Madrid dictated the tempo in the second half to prevent the match from getting any closer than it had to. The defense maintained its composure and the offense sought any chance to counter. Athletic, meanwhile, turned to Fernando Llorente for inspiration.Di Maria was tripped inside the box on 55’ after beating Susaeta and Sergio Ramos successfully fired home the ensuing spot kick. Real Madrid continued pouring on the heat and on 62’ Cristiano Ronaldo put the fourth on the board with a rocket of a free-kick that Iraizoz barely got a hand to. The match was all but in the bag with 30 minutes to play.With Ajax and Barcelona on the horizon, Mourinho ordered fresh legs onto the pitch. Lass replaced Khedira, Benzema stepped in for Higuain and Ozil was benched for Granero. Real Madrid never let up despite the comfortable lead. Sergio Ramos came close to a brace but saw his header sail wide. Once in injury time and on the last play of the match, Cristiano Ronaldo completed his hat-trick with a spot kick after Granero was fouled in the box. All sights are now set on Ajax and Barcelona.
November 21, 201014 yr Author "¿Por qué tira el penalti Ramos?"Mourinho no daba crédito. El penalti a Di María lo tiró Sergio Ramos en vez de Cristiano Ronaldo. La imagen del técnico portugués preguntando al banquillo por qué estaba tirando el penalti el sevillano no dejaba lugar a la duda: "¿Por qué tira el penalti Ramos?", se preguntó Mou.Ramos pidió que le dejara tirar a Cristiano Ronaldo, que es el encargado de lanzar las penas máximas. En el campo también estaba Xabi Alonso, al que el año pasado le dejó tirar un penalti el propio Cristiano.
November 21, 201014 yr Author "¿Por qué tira el penalti Ramos?"Mourinho no daba crédito. El penalti a Di María lo tiró Sergio Ramos en vez de Cristiano Ronaldo. La imagen del técnico portugués preguntando al banquillo por qué estaba tirando el penalti el sevillano no dejaba lugar a la duda: "¿Por qué tira el penalti Ramos?", se preguntó Mou.Ramos pidió que le dejara tirar a Cristiano Ronaldo, que es el encargado de lanzar las penas máximas. En el campo también estaba Xabi Alonso, al que el año pasado le dejó tirar un penalti el propio Cristiano.
November 22, 201014 yr Author Karanka: Bilbao were no easy meatReal Madrid assistant honcho Aitor Karanka paid tribute to Athletic Bilbao despite his charges romping to a 5-1 victory.Cristiano Ronaldo netted a hat-trick coupled with goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Ramos, while Bilbao's lanky forward Fernando Llorente scored for the visitors.However, despite the thumping dished out to the away outfit, the scoreline flattered Real as Bilbao looked menacing every time they ventured forward and were unlucky not to plunder more goals.It was a fact that Karanka, filling in for suspended boss Jose Mourinho, was quick to acknowledge.Speaking to realmadrid.com after the encounter, Karanka commented: "We didn't play great in the first half. Athletic are the best team to have passed through here this year."They deserve a lot of credit. Llorente, Muniain and Susaeta gave us a lot of trouble. But that is why we have Casillas."He continues to prove that he is a great goalkeeper. We had some trouble when we were up 2-1. Athletic could have taken the lead, which would have really complicated things for us."(Bilbao coach) Caparros had said that one of our keys is that we have been able to win matches 4-0 without playing well. Our speed in attack is a great attribute. Today we won 5-1 and whatever comes down the road will come. Our fans are behind us 100%. They proved it against Murcia and again here."Karanka also gave an insight into the surprising decision to allow full-back Sergio Ramos to convert his penalty strike, instead of usual designated spot kick taker Ronaldo.He added: "The fact that Sergio Ramos took the penalty is simply an anecdote. Cristiano normally takes them, but Sergio Ramos was feeling confident and approached to take it."They discussed it and the Portuguese let him take it. I don't know what they said to one another, but it wasn't a problem."Mourinho must have been surprised by it. He has everything under control, so to see something like that when he's not on the bench must have surprised him."Real now head into next week's "El-Clasico" clash with Barcelona as the top dog, sitting pretty at the summit with 32 points, one ahead of Barca.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.