wow...Mou laughing...thats rare!

Inter, Juve, Real want Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale's agent says three Serie A clubs are interested in signing the Spurs ace - but only Real Madrid could land him.

The Welsh wizard's stock has risen considerably this season after a number of scintillating displays, including a hat-trick against Inter Milan at the San Siro.

Agent Peppino Tirri says Juventus, AC Milan and Inter - as well as Real Madrid - are interested in the 21-year-old midfielder.

But, while he believes "there is a good chance" Bale will move to Italy one day, Tirri does not think a deal will be done in January.

The agent told ilsussidiario.net : "I confirm the interest of Juventus for Bale. The Bianconeri are trying to bring him to Italy but not in January, in June.

"AC Milan and Inter Milan too have shown interest in the Welsh player, partly because he would like to play in Italy in the near future. There is a good chance that it can happen.

"Also Real Madrid are seriously trying. (Jose) Mourinho has his eye on him and the Spanish club would be the only one who can take Bale in January."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has previously stated Bale is not for sale as the Londoners push for glory in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

Última hora

Mourinho: "Hay que respetar al Levante, a la competición y a la gente que va al campo"

Europa Press

miércoles, 05 de enero de 2011, 14:17

Dará la titularidad a Gago e intentará "20 ó 30 minutos" para Kaká

MADRID, 5 (EUROPA PRESS)

El entrenador del Real Madrid, José Mourinho, ha señalado que su equipo tiene que ir "a por todas las competiciones" y que a final de temporada al hacer balance verán "cuántas quedan", empezando por la Copa del Rey, a la que pide respeto, al igual que el Levante, pese a la goleada de la ida en el Santiago Bernabéu (8-0).

Por ello, el portugués apostará por jugar la vuelta "con jugadores del primer equipo, buenos y que no quieren perder 7-0 ni 9-1 porque aunque esto significaría que pasan, es una humillación deportiva".

"Hay que respetar al Levante, a la competición y a la gente que va al campo. Ya empatamos allí en Liga y hay que respetar compitiendo. No vamos a gestionar el 8-0, vamos a intentar jugar, son muchos partidos y una sola derrota, y eso implica un trabajo", señaló el portugués.

El técnico madridista quiso también aclarar las dudas sobre la posible presencia del canterano Álvaro Morata en la delantera. "Morata no está preparado para jugar como titular en el primer equipo, tiene que seguir preparándose con el Castilla", advirtió.

Y es que, de momento y ante la lesión de Gonzalo Higuaín y la no llegada de ningún delantero, 'Mou' contará con Karim Benzema. "El día que esté cansado o lesionado, jugaremos con un sistema sin atacante y volveremos a lo del perro y el gato, que no era una crítica", aclaró, descartando que vaya a dejar de lado alguna competición para estar más fresco. "Tenemos que ir a por todas las competiciones veremos si al final nos quedamos con tres, dos, una o ninguna", añadió.

"CRISTIANO, CON CUADRO GRIPAL, JUEGA SIEMPRE".

Además, anunció que el atacante francés, Fernando Gago y Sami Khedira estarán en el once inicial en el partido de vuelta de los octavos de final de la Copa del Rey ante el Levante, por lo que el centrocampista argentino disputará sus primeros minutos esta temporada y además portará el brazalete de capitán debido a las ausencias de Casillas, Ramos y Marcelo.

"Fernando (Gago) empieza como capitán. Son sus primeros minutos, es un jugador que necesitamos porque es una posición de desgaste y me gusta desde el momento que llegué aquí, pero ha tenido tantos problemas que no he podido contar con él nunca", señaló el entrenador luso.

Además, Khedira, "porque no jugó de inicio contra el Getafe", también saldrá de inicio, mientras que sobre el brasileño Kaká, el portugués intentará "darle 20 ó 30 minutos para utilizarle progresivamente hasta que pueda empezar".

El que no estará será Cristiano Ronaldo, que no aparece en la convocatoria por primera vez en la temporada. "Tiene un cuadro gripal, pero Cristiano, con cuadro gripal, juega siempre. Si fuera un partido diferente con un resultado diferente me arriesgaría con Cristiano. Vamos sin Cristiano y sin Di María, pero con un equipo muy bueno", sentenció.

you should post text in english.

Spanish Copa del Rey Thursday Review

Real Madrid will face local rivals Atletico in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey despite losing at Levante.

Second-half goals from Xisco and Sergio earned Levante a 2-0 home win over a much-changed Madrid side, but with Mourinho`s men having won the first leg 8-0 the tie was all but over before kick-off.

With such a huge advantage, Mourinho opted to leave a host of senior players out for the trip to Valencia, including the ill Cristiano Ronaldo who missed his first match of the season.

There was little goalmouth action at either end before Levante took the lead on the hour-mark through Xisco, who slotted in from the penalty spot after his cross had struck the hand of Fernando Gago inside the area.

Madrid almost drew level in the 82nd minute when Kaka, making his second appearance since recovering from his long-term injury absence, headed against the crossbar. But three minutes later Levante settled the match with a second goal.

Veteran midfielder Sergio was the goalscorer, fired a fine free-kick into the near top corner of the net to consign Mourinho to his second loss following the 5-0 mauling against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

Madrid, who have not won the Copa del Rey since 1993, will now face Atletico, who defeated Espanyol 2-1 on aggregate following a 1-1 draw in Barcelona this evening.

Sergio Aguero gave last season`s runners-up Atletico the lead in the 24th minute and even though Espanyol equalised deep into injury-time through Luis Garcia, it was not enough to deny Quique Sanchez Flores` men a shot at Real.

Mourinho: "I cannot criticise my players because they had a positive attitude"

The fans will enjoy watching Kaka play at the Bernabeu"

Alberto Navarro (Valencia) / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Jose Mourinho was not happy with the final score earned against Levante, but he was satisfied with his players' attitude.

"It's difficult for players to pay the necessary attention to a game like this. We knew we had reached the next round before kick-off. I cannot criticise them because they had a positive attitude. Many men who haven't enjoyed minutes of playing time in the past, or have been injured, took the pitch today. Gago, Garay and Mateos were starters for the first time this season. Mateos and Canales had physical problems at the end of the match and we had no strikers after Benzema came off."

"We played an uneven game given our limitations, but we always controlled it. This victory is a reward for Levante and we've reached the next round."

"What's important is that Kaka doesn't feel any pain on his knee or groin when he plays. He is constantly improving. The crowd will enjoy watching him play at the Bernabeu."

[Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals and will play against either Villarreal or Sevilla if they reach the semifinals] "The four teams want to reach far. These are four of the most important sides in La Liga. The quarterfinals will be great and so will the semis. Three of the teams know what it is to play a final and win the title, and Villarreal are a solid side."

"We have a tough schedule in January and we will try to do a good job despite our limitations. We cannot hide these; we all know what they are. Cristiano and Di Maria stayed in Madrid and we only had Benzema on the pitch tonight. We knew we could afford to lose today, but we didn't want to. We cannot afford to lose our next games because there is too much at stake."

Levante 2-0 Real Madrid

The Whites reach the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey despite the defeat

Fernando Porrero / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

It is always complicated to play a return leg after winning the first 8-0. It is very hard to get properly motivated. The starting lineup used by Mourinho was extremely solid, but given the situation, it failed to bring intensity to the match.

There were hardly any chances on goal in the first half. Levante seemed overexcited and focused on complicating things with fouls more than on scoring goals. Real Madrid dominated, but they didn't set a fast pace to the match. Canales had a clear chance with a shot inside the box following a good effort from Pedro Leon, but the ball hit a defender.

Pepe came on for Carvalho at the start of the second half. Real Madrid played a faster game and Mourinho soon decided the bring Kaka on for Benzema (55'), positioning the Brazilian as a striker.

A penalty was awarded very rigourously when the ball hit Gago's arm when it was pressed against his body. Xisco took the shot and scored the opener. Mateos was injured three minutes later and Mourinho brought on youth teamer Juanfran as a right back. Canales also had problems and had to play the last 20 minutes with leg cramps.

The Whites had their best chance on the 83-minute mark when a header by Kaka hit the crossbar. Levante eventually sealed the match from a free-kick in the 85th minute. Despite the 2-0 victory, Real Madrid will play in the quarterfinals against Atletico Madrid thanks to defeating Levante 8-0 in the first leg.

Mourinho pleased by Real attitude

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was left satisfied by the attitude of his players despite losing 2-0 at Levante.

Mourinho fielded a weakened side for Thursday's Copa del Rey clash with Levante - the match was virtually won before kick-off courtesy of Madrid's 8-0 first leg result.

"It's difficult for players to pay the necessary attention to a game like this. We knew we had reached the next round before kick-off. I cannot criticise them because they had a positive attitude," Mourinho was quoted on the club's official website as saying.

"Many men who haven't enjoyed minutes of playing time in the past, or have been injured, took the pitch today. Gago, Garay and Mateos were starters for the first time this season. Mateos and Canales had physical problems at the end of the match and we had no strikers after Benzema came off."

Mourinho was especially pleased to see Brazilian playmaker Kaka up and running once again.

"What's important is that Kaka doesn't feel any pain on his knee or groin when he plays. He is constantly improving. The crowd will enjoy watching him play at the Bernabeu," he said.

Levante scored through Xisco and Sergio for the 2-0 win, but it will be Real who progress to the quarterfinals where they face rivals Atletico Madrid.

As Diarra doesnt deserve his thread i am posting this here

United consider £14million Diarra bid

Manchester United are considering making a £14million offer for Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.

According to the Guardian, Real boss Jose Mourinho is still keen on retaining the former Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth player but Diarra is believed to be keen on a move to Old Trafford.

A reason behind the player's desire to move has been the lack of first team football handed to him since the arrival of Sami Khedira from Stuttgart last summer.

Compounding the frustration, it is understood from reports in Spain that Diarra's request for a new contract has also been met with mixed reactions from club officials.

As a result, the Guardian claims Real would almost certainly accept £14million, which is £3million more than was originally reported as United's valuation of the France international, for the 25-year-old.

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Mourinho: Kaka will feature

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Kaka will play a part in Sunday’s clash against Villarreal.

However, the Portuguese manager also revealed that he will not field the Brazilian from the start as he continues to work his way back to full fitness.

"Kaka will play," Mourinho is quoted as saying by Madrid's official website in his pre-match press conference on Saturday.

"He is the only forward we have if we are losing or level. He is the only option. And if things go well and we have the match under control, he will also play in order to rest a team-mate. It is good news for Madridismo and football lovers."

The former Inter Milan and Chelsea chief has also come to terms with the fact that no new strikers will arrive during the January transfer window after club president Florentino Perez confirmed that the club will not buy any forwards.

"I have been working on tactics without a centre-forward," Mourinho explained

"I arrive early, stay late and work on what I must work on. It's the typical life of a coach.

"Everything depends on winning more or less and playing better or worse. I always try to improve, which is what I ask of my players as well. I want them to give it their all and to be good professionals like me."

The capital side are now lagging some five points behind Barcelona after the Catalan giants mauled Deportivo La Coruna 4-0 on Saturday.

Mourinho: United can forget Diarra

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has urged Manchester United to give up on their pursuit of Lassana Diarra.

The defensive midfielder has been linked with a move out of the Santiago Bernabeu, with the Barclays Premiuer League giants reportedly willing to fork out £14 million to acquire his services.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants to inject more steel into his midfield and sees the former Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth midfielder as the ideal signing.

But the Scot's hopes of landing the 25-year-old have been dashed by his former nemesis.

Mourinho was quoted as saying in The Daily Mail newspaper: "Diarra has played well recently. He was even in the starting 11 while usual midfielders were available.

"That proves I want him to go on here."

This latest development comes after news that Diarra wanted a move away from Madrid due to the lack of first team football since the arrival of Sami Khedira last summer.

Diarra joined Madrid from Portsmouth in 2009 for a fee of £20 million.

Goalkeepers: Casillas, Adán, Pacheco.

Defenders: Albiol, Marcelo, Carvalho, Sergio Ramos, Garay.

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Gago, Lass, Granero, Özil, Di María, Kaká, Canales, Pedro León.

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema.

Real Madrid Plotting A £20 Million Swoop For Liverpool Skipper Steven Gerrard - Report

Jan 9, 2011 8:45:00 AM

Find the best odds and bet on La Liga.

Real Madrid are believed to be interested in acquiring the services of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard by making a £20 million move for the Reds' skipper.

According to The Mirror, the Spanish heavyweights believe that the midfielder is losing patience with the club's inability to remain as competitive as they used to be.

The 30-year-old had previously come close to leaving the Merseyside club after the exit of Gerard Houllier back in 2004, but went back on his decision to remain with the Reds at the time.

It has been reported that striker Fernando Torres and goalkeeper Pepe Reina could also make a move away from the club, despite Roy Hodgson having already been fired.

Gerrard's current contract with Liverpool runs through until 2013.

Villarreal Coach Juan Carlos Garrido: Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho Has Team Believing In Him

Villarreal coach Juan Carlos Garrido praises the work done by Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

Villarreal coach Juan Carlos Garrido has looked forward to tonight’s trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid, praising the performance of Jose Mourinho since taking over as coach in the summer.

The Portuguese’s only league defeat in charge of Los Blancos came at the hands of champions Barcelona, and Garrido told the media that the manner in which Mourinho instils belief in his squad is his best quality.

He remarked: “He is a great coach who has won many titles. He gets his team to believe in him. His career deserves great respect from me. We will do our best to score points here.

“What we know is that the game is going to require much effort. First we must know our own game, but know it will be complicated by our rival. In addition we must be focused defensively to stop their good players.”

Garrido reiterated that the target for the season remains to finish in La Liga’s top four, adding: “The results have been good, and we have played well against good teams, so we are very motivated.

“The ultimate goal is to finish in the Champions League positions, but the league is long.”

Gonzalo Higuain Thanks Real Madrid For Support But Forgets To Mention Jose Mourinho

Early signs of tension between Real Madrid duo Jose Mourinho and Gonzalo Higuain emerge over injury questions...

Gonzalo Higuain thanked everyone apart from Jose Mourinho for the support he has received during his Real Madrid injury woes.

Higuain flew out to Chicago on Saturday to undergo surgery on a herniated disc in his back, and while he offered words of comfort, there was no mention of Mourinho.

Reports claim Higuain is annoyed with the coach after he suggested that the striker was convinced not to have the surgery earlier.

"I have received plenty of support from my colleagues here," Higuain told Marca as he left for America. "The president Florentino Perez and Jorge Valdano have also been good to me. I thank them because from day one they have always helped me."

Some have suggested that the Argentine could be back playing before the end of term, but the hitman is staying calm.

"There is no exact date for my return, but we must remain tranquil and patient."

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez Tells Jose Mourinho He Cannot Sign A Striker In January

Jose Mourinho told he won't be given funds to address squad needs in January as Real Madrid retrench...

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has made it clear he won't shell out for a new striker in January, leaving coach Jose Mourinho facing the sharp end of cuts.

In a short and sharp response, Marca.com quotes the Blancos chief as saying, "We won't sign a striker."

His message comes following numerous requests from Mourinho to be given a hoard of spending money so he can fix his squad.

Gonzalo Higuain is expected to miss at least two months of action with a back problem, whereas Karim Benzema has often struggled to maintain form.

But those reasons are not enough to convince Perez, who is in no mood to siphon off new funds for players.