VARANE & BENZEMA: The French Connection

As part of the Mourinho's new policy of bringing in younger players into the club, today the press conference focused on Karim Benzema and young Rafael Varane. Rafa is only 18 years old, with one senior year at Lens under his belt was a surprise signing, recommended by new sporting director, Zinedine Zidane. He is a central defender, but can also play as defensive midfielder and sweeper. His parents are from Martinique in the Carribbean.

Rafa is a very soft spoken, intelligent footballer who answered each question thoroughly and honestly. He had a translator and took his questions in French and responded the same. Benzema was very brief and curt with his answers, in contrast. He had a strong command of Spanish and conducted his portion accordingly.

Rafa Varane was asked of all the teams in the world, why RM? How do you see yourself developing at RM? Rafa replied, " In this team I can evolve as a player. I also chose RM because of the coach, I can feel I can grow and progress in my career best."

Rafa was then asked to tell us about himself. Why he become a footballer? What defenders or players do you base your game on? Rafa Varane recanted that he was proud to be a part of RM. "It is the greatest club in world." Regarding his footballing history, in 1998 he experienced the world cup in France as a 5 year old boy. "I witnessed the greatest team ever for France, a multicultural, multi-ethnic team, (Love the insight from the youngster.)

Karim Benzema was asked if the money for Cesc would be used for his signing by Arsenal. Arsenal wants you. Have you talked to them? With a smile, Karim answered, "No, I haven’t talked to anyone. I am going to stay at RM and nothing more." (Good answer!)

Rafael Varane – So young what do you think of people comparing you to Fernando Hierro. "I am flattered to be compared to Fernando Hierro, a winner with 3 champions league trophies. I hope to have a great career like him." (I think it is a little over the top to compare him to the Hierro, a RM legend.)

Trainings resume at 9:30a and 5p tomorrow with a press conference at noon. Who is left? I hope to see Kaka and Marcelo. Then San Diego game day against Chivas de Guadalajara, and final training and press conference at UCLA starting at 5pm. Rumor has it that it will be Ozil and Khedira. More to come.

Training/Injury News: Sergio and Pepe missed training. Precautionary measures on Sergio for his back spasms. Pepe hurt his right knee in the game against the Galaxy. He also is being rested.

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ARBELOA & ALBIOL: the dynamic defensive duo!

Post game day and the squad gets to relax a bit and take it easy. Only one training session required, along with the daily press conference. The media was only allowed to watch training for 15 minutes. Mou continues to control the press as much as possible. The first fifteen minutes was predominantly stretching exercises.

As we waited for the press conference, news arrived that Sergio Ramos left training early as a precautionary measure for back spasms. Alvaro Arbeloa also confirmed this in the press conference, but added that it wasn't anything serious, in his opinion.

It was nice to see the BFFs in the backline together at the presser: Arvalo Arebeloa and Raul Albiol. The questions asked were a bit repetitive (Don't they think that the players talk to each other? Maybe the media think that they will get a different answer?) Well, they didn't ask about Kaka (who has dispelled all concerns with his performance at the Galaxy game.) They also didn't ask about Zizou. (thankfully)

But the Spanish press did ask a few silly questions. They asked what was their preference for a new striker (recall Mou said he needed one)? I really enjoyed Arbeloa's spunky attitude and honest retorts, especially if he thought the question was silly or inappropriate. Arbeloa boldly stated, "This is a something that you should ask the coach. If the coach thinks we need another player, then we will welcome him."

Albiol tried to address all the questions in a positive manner. Both players were asked if the team was complete? Arbeloa said, "I don't know." Arbeloa was also asked if this is best Real Madrid team ever? Arbeloa replied, "I haven't seen all the teams that have ever played for Real Madrid. But this is an improved team. We have two players per position and we really need that with a game every 4 days. We have a lot of games and tournaments and the fans and organization are very demanding to win. This is a very good team, one of the best."

Both players were asked about Rafael Varane, the new French player, how was he performing? How was he fitting in to the team? Both Albiol and Arbeloa stated that he has a lot of potential, but that it would take awhile for him to fit in with the language barrier and that he is very young. What they have seen so far, they have been impressed. They welcome him
to the team.

Raul Albiol was asked if he thought he would get more playing time this year and be in the starting 11? Raul answered, "This year will be much better. Last season I was injured and that affected my form and performances. I will do better now because I am fit and playing at good level. Pepe, Carvalho and Rafa Varane provide lots of competition which is good. I need to fight for my position to be a starter. I will do everything I can to play as much as possible. I need to be prepared because there are a lot of games." I really hope Albiol does get a chance to prove himself this year.

The translator was decent, even though he did call Alvaro, Raul. I really do admire when Arbeloa called out the reporters when they asked questions that the players really couldn't or shouldn't answer.

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PHOTOS BY LEORA CONWAY (RMNYC) FOR EXPRESS USE OF FORZAFUTBOL.COM