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.

Per norm, you can find more fotos at our forza futbol facebook page!

Real Madrid v LA Galaxy ~LA Colisseum - match report

Last year, the LA Galaxy took the game to Real Madrid at the Rose Bowl and the end result was LAG 2-3 RM. But this preseason was a different matter. Game fitness against an in form LA Galaxy was the primary goal for RM. Galaxy aimed to attack and play on the counter with a very open game. Winning was not of the utmost importance, but to put on a show for the fans.

It was an exciting dynamic game for the neutral. This didn’t feel like a pre-season friendly. RM completely controlled the midfield. I thought Granero combined well with Khedria. The RM midfield were able to control the tempo, steal balls, and make decisive tackles. The first half backline was solid, which gave Marcelo the freedom to go up frequently.

I was extremely impressed with the way both Fabio Coentrao and Jose Callejon played and combined with the other players. Both were interchangeable, both consistently went forward and were pushing the game forward in attack. Kaka looked like the old Kaka of AC Milan. He was able to fly between the lines and read the game so well. His speed and movement was sublime.

The Galaxy were simply outclassed. LD was very aggressive defensively but clean. I did enjoy the little scuffles Landon had going on with both Marcelo and Kaka. Kaka of course tried to make a meal out of it. Marcelo tried to get a little payback. Nothing nasty though, all good fun. Beckham had several opportunities for glory with several set pieces but was unable to connect.


The first goal was a beautiful sidewinder by Callejon, who received a pinpoint perfect pass from Kaka. Love the "piña" celebration by the team. Pepe lifted Callejon up and the others joined in the celebration. Jose Callejon has returned to RM after 3 solid years at Espanyol. He came through the RM youth system.



The second goal was a cheeky beauty from young canterano Joselu. Beckham passed the ball to Marcelo, who found Joselu on the left. The young striker hit the ball through Becks legs and it ricocheted into the goal. So is that counted as an assist for Becks or Marcelo?

The second half brought on a lot of changes. Raul Albiol wore the captian’s arm band this time and he was surrounded by young canterano Nacho, new signing Varane and Arbeloa in the backline. Adan replaced Casillas in goal. Ozil, Alonso, Ronaldo and Benzema came in for the attack. It took a little while with all the changes, for the team to gel, but Ronaldo soon got his groove on with a brilliant bit of skill. Two step overs led to a goal from an impossible angle! Cris followed up with his "I’m the man" celebration, but that’s Cris.




Benzema played extremely well. He looks fit, light and fresh this preseason. During the game he was quicksilver and looked a bit like Kaka starting his attack through the middle, behind the wing play. After several shots, he connected on a exquisite cross by Fabio Coentrao with a lovely header.



RM went into game over mode at 4 nil. More canteranos came in: Jese upfront and Casado in the back. While asleep, the Galaxy were able to steal a goal off a rebound shot, by Cristman. Adan’s positioning was a little questionable, but he was left out cold by his backline as well.

The final score was RM 4-1 LAG. Fabio Coentrao was voted man of the match. My choice as well. Coentrão started left midfield, then moved over to the right and ended up a defensive midfielder alongside Alonso! A complete performance by the versatile Portuguese International.


Real Madrid: Casillas (Adan, 46 '), Ramos (Arbeloa, 46'), Pepe (Albiol, 46 '), Carvalho (Varane, 46'), Marcelo (Nacho, 46 '); Granero (Xabi, 46') , Khedira (Cristiano, 46 '), Coentrao (Casado, 74'), Kaká (Özil, 46 '), Callejon (Jese, 64') and Joselu (Benzema, 46 ').


LA Galaxy: Saunders (Perk, 46') Franklin (Jordan, 46'), DeLaGarza, Berhalter (Thomas, 77'), Dunivant (Davies 61'), Birchall, Beckham (Kirovski, 61 '), Juninho (Keats, 70'), Donovan (Hector Jimenez, 46'), Juan Pablo Angel (Cristman, 46'; Barrett, 77') and Lopez (Cardozo 70').


Goals: 0-1 (30'): Callejon. 0-2 (39'): Joselu. 0-3 (52’): Cristiano Ronaldo. 0-4 (57'), Benzema. 1-4 (66'): Cristman.


Referee: Jorge Fernandez. Yellow caution to Miguel López (37').


Stadium: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 56,211 spectators



PRESS CONFERENCE – MOURINHO

Mou was asked about his thoughts of the game and why he likes to come out to the US and face MLS teams, why LA and why the LA Galaxy, to comment on Coentrao's game and his versatility and he gave the same answers on Forza Futbol readers have seen on previous reports. He basically thought it was good open game, which is why he likes to play against the Galaxy and MLS teams. They attack, they don't park the bus, and they play fair with little fouls. He talked again about the sense of privacy and freedom to be normal here. He also stated that Coentrao had a good game and he wanted to try various tactics with him as he is new to the team. All in all, Jose was happy with the team and their performance.

The most important questions were when they asked about Zidane's role and the cantera. Regarding Zidane, he said that it was important to have someone who is an insider, who played at RM, who knows the system and structure. Who understands the ups and downs of the players, their problems, characteristics, personalities, and daily life. Someone also who can handle the press, security, along with the dressing room.

As mentioned Jose was asked about the cantera, especially since the first two goals scored were by canteranos. What do they offer to the team?

"Our objective this season is to be promoted. Castilla must be promoted from Second division B to Second division A. This would help them and make it easier for the canteranos to be promoted to the first team. We are adopting conditions for them to succeed and meet this goal. Nacho, Alex, Morata and other players that came last year, but were not here, worked with the first team well and are much more prepared to advance Castilla to Segunda A. At the same time, players like Juanfran, Mateos, Juan Carlos and Sarabia are players that people think RM gave up on, which is not true. RM controls them in a way. We let them go and play in La Liga. Give them a chance to play a lot. RM has them under our control. In that way, they can come back to us."

In other words, some youth players are not prepared to play at the Segunda A level, but are given the opportunity to return, should they improve their skills at other clubs. (Interesting that Jose used the words control, when referring to the buyback clause.)

Bruce Arena also talk to the press and said that the better team won on the day. Nothing further to add really. (Typical Bruce)

The mixed zone was a frenzy. Joselu, Cristiano, Beckham and Dunivant came out to talk to the press. Beckham talked an awful long time to yours truly, Kay Murray. He got an awful lot of face time with the Spanish press.

The attendance was a bit disappointing at the Colisseum. I blame this on the choice of facility, along with Carmeggedon (closure of the the 405 freeway) which was overhyped and scared last minute game goers. There were no problems at all, by the way.

San Diego is going to be a sell out.

Training continues this week, Sunday through Tuesday. Game on Wednesday, more training on Thursday and then the team flies out to Philadelphia on Friday.

As usual plenty more photos at our forza futbol facebook page, including sequence by sequence fotos of each goal!

Midfield Magicians: Xabi & Pirata RM @ UCLA day 4!!!

Finally Real Madrid, at the last minute, decided to have a training practice open to the public in the morning. It was on a first come, first serve basis and nearly 500 Madridistas were in attendance, a lot of families and fanaticos. Los Blancos also allowed the press to attend the entire time, which was very nice indeed. Rumor has it there will be one more, possibly next Thursday before they leave LA, so get their early!

Before the training, the players made a special effort to stop for an autograph and take a picture with a handicapped fan. Zizou, once again, stopped to sign for autographs for some of the fans waiting along the golf cart path.

The boys performed their normal stretching, then followed up with some shooting practice in teams of four. They rotated so that fans and the press would get a good view of all of their idols. Concurrently, the goal keepers performed their special exercises and drills. Afterwards, the main training event was a set of scrimmages (20 minutes each) or mini games, played on half of the field. The squad was divided up into two sets of teams. It was interesting to see how Mou utilized Fabio Coentrao as a pivot in the midfield and sometimes as a trivote. Coentrao is a very versatile player. I hope this doesn't mean that Granero is not going to get a lot of playing time. Marcelo looks to be the favored left back once again. I never doubted it, as he is one of Mou's faves. During one of the scrimmages, Arbeloa looked like he pulled a muscle, but it was nothing. He was able to play through it. Nuri Sahin was the only player missing from training.


MIDFIELD MAGIC: Xabi Alonso & Esteban Granero talk to the press!

Always a personal highlight for me is the daily press conference. This time one of my absolute favorite players in the world, Xabi Alonso was there. Strangely, both Xabi and Granero kept us waiting for a long time, which was a first. We soon found out the reason, both Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa were doing a promotional shopping video at the UCLA Store.



I now have a huge admiration for those journos who are able to tweet while attending press conferences or games. I mean it was impossible.

What do you get when you put Xabi & La Pirata behind the mic? You get a lot of political correctness. I felt like I was at an elections press conference, not a sporting one.

The boys were asked about the Zidane effect, Kaka (again), the LA Galaxy game, the US fans, how Coentrao was fitting in, and the usual who would you rather have in the team Neymar, Aguero or Adebayor? Funnily enough, Xabi punted on that question and let Granero take it, who basically said that they were used to summer rumors with every player and they just wanted to focus on the players on the pitch, work hard, and get fit. Should a new player come into the squad, they will do their best to acclimate him into the team. The Spanish journalist wanted both players to answer. Xabi just shooked his head and laughed. He didn't even want to go there.

Some of the more meatier questions was when a Spanish journalist asked about Sahin. How did they see him fitting into the midfield? Did they think he would change the RM style of play or game? Xabi admitted that he hasn't seen him play much and unfortunately now, he is injured. It's a long season and RM needs reinforcements in the midfield. He has heard that Sahin is a dynamic player and his is confident that he will adjust to the RM (Xabi as conductor!) style of play. Granero was asked to respond about Sahin. The journalist added did he think that he would get more playing time and more opportunities, as opposed to last season? Granero answered that both he and the coach have confidence in his abilities. He will fight for his position. He welcomes Sahin to the team. He is confident that there is a role for him. (I hope he hasn't conceded to being a bench player!)

Xabi was asked if they don't win Liga, Copa, and Champions this year, would it be considered a failure? Xabi, smooth operator he is, answered that this is our 2nd year, we know each other better. It is tough to win all three, as injuries occur. Our primary aim is to improve every year. We shouldn't be obsessed with winning, it should come naturally with hard work.

Granero was asked about Castilla and the cantera, being that he is a product of the RM youth system. The journalist stated that Mou hasn't promoted anyone to the first team and asked what opportunities does this current crop have? Granero replied that he believed that they had plenty of opportunities, but it was up to the coach. He addedd the relationship between the first and second team is much closer. They train and play with us. It is much better than before. He is confident that they will get plenty of chances.


FUNNY MOMENT OF THE DAY

The last question was in English by RMTV's Kay Murray. As you may recall we had problems with the previous interpreter, so there was a new, much improved translator doing a great job translating Spanish to English. Well, when Kay asked her question. The translator got stuck in robot mode and translated her English question into English. (Does Kay hypnotize or what?) Xabi turned to the side and said "Spanish." The translator apologized and translated her question appropriately. However, Kay asked two questions, one for Xabi and one for Granero, and this time, the translator couldn't remember the second question. (I blame Kay's bedazzlement again) Xabi once again turned to the side and said "Fichajes" (or transfers). Hey, at least Xabi is paying attention. Both Granero & Xabi had a chuckle with us all.


Unfortunately the media access was cancelled to the second training at 5pm. But guess what the boys were up to post training? A bit of water exercise and cool down at UCLA and a bit of wannabe water polo. (Let's not get our hair wet now!) How do we know? Why Arbeloa tweeted a foto!


TRAINING DAY 4 ~ 07.15.11

As always you can find two photo albums of the training and the press conference at Forza Futbol's facebook page!

THE BEST OF THE DECADE. Real Madrid XI.

The last ten years have seen the Los Blancos at it's highest and lowest points. The club has been at the top of it's game in such a way that their biggest rivals (on the local and Continental stage) are envious. Real's dominance was so powerful that it inspired teams such as Barcelona (to go back to the drawing board). But who were the players that took Madrid to the top and survived the black days? Who were the best of the bunch? Who are those who would play come rain or shine? Whenever these players took to the field in the past 10 years, Madridistas were always happy to see them. I did a little survey amongst some Madridistas and supporters of rival teams and here is my best eleven of the decade.

Iker Casillas Fernandez (GK): St. Iker was the easiest choice to make, he has been the number 1 goalie since the 98-99 season to date (although he lost it briefly to Cesar Sanchez in 2000). Iker's claim to fame is not his performances when Los Blancos where on top of their game, it has been his performances during their darkest years that has taken him into legendary status. How many goalies have suffered 6-1, 5-1, 5-0 loses and can hardly be blamed for such scores? Instead they are praised for their performances that prevented the score line from being even worse. That's the Iker effect for you. A Master of one on one saves and making impossible saves almost every week. How many goalies do you know that are Saints?

Michel Salgado (RB): Who can forget the blond long haired guy, running on the right side of the field like a wild man. A strong tackler and swift in launching counters and running at opposing defenders. His dominance on the right side of defense was unquestionable until old age started catching up with him and Ramos was moved to the right back position. He is still going strong at Blackburn though not as crisp as before. His dynamics and style is still missed in the current Madrid cause. We are yet to see a RB as dominating as he was.

Ivan Helguera Bujia(CD): One man whose rise up the ladder was so against the odds. A utility man whose partnership with another member of the team was purely magic. He was fantastic in the air and great in one on one tackles. Helguera was a threat in defense and attack (esp. from set pieces). He also had an eye for a long neat pass from time to time.

Fernando Ruiz Hierro (CD): Without any doubt one of the greatest players to ever put on the White Jersey for Los Merengues. A player who love or hate Real, you couldn't afford not to admire. A world class Leader on and off the pitch. His leadership qualities were greatly missed after the Management thought it wise to kick him off the team. A central defender (who also played in the midfield similar to Helguera), he was very deadly from direct free kicks and a threat from every set piece. How many central defenders were leading scorers for their national teams when they retired? Words from myself cannot do enough praise for this great man. He is responsible for one of my nicknames, Fernando.

Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha (LB): if you didn't have an updated health insurance before facing Madrid, you were advised to except when Roberto Carlos had an injury or was suspended. He packed a cannon (maybe 5 cannon balls) in that left foot of his. He redefined the LB position and influenced a whole generation of left backs like Gareth Bale (who actually started as a LB), Marcelo, Coentrao amongst others. He was the best in the world at his peak in this position, no questions asked.

Claude Makele Sinda (DM) : One Man who since the day he left Real Madrid, life has never been the same for the Whites. A player whose departure ranks amongst the sins of Fiorentino Perez and will never be forgiven by many True Madridistas. I would quote what Zidane said after Makelele's departure, "Why put another layer of gold paint on the Bentley, when losing the entire engine?" He was quite the work horse in the team. He was a beast , not the glamorous one. He was the oil in that made the Real engine tick.

Zinedine Yazid Zidane (CM): What words can be used to describe the Master of the Game? The man who is widely considered the best of his generation and in the Maradonna class? I can't remember how many times I had heard the commentators say, "Only Zizou could have seen that player and made that pass". He had the eye for the killer pass, could hold up play and score amazing goals. He could predict the next two plays on the pitch. His vision or soccer IQ was immense. He could also tackle. He was the Man on every team. Even after he retired Coaches still begged him to play for them. Ruud Van Nistlerooy once said he regretted not been able to play with Zizou on the same team. I'm sure Ruud would have scored more than 30 goals in a season, if he had.

Luis Filipe Madeira Caerio Figo (RM): One player who shook La Liga. His arrival from FC Barcelona began the "Galactico Era" of Madrid. Best right winger of this decade. He has a unique way of delivering his crosses that made it so easy for Forwards like Fernando Morientes (remember when he scored 5 goals in a single game, all headers?). Figo's set piece delivery was fantastic. He was also a master at penalty kicks. Luis Figo was the best right winger of the decade, not just for Real Madrid but in Europe.

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro (LM): CR9 before he became CR7 after Raul's departure. 60 goals in 61 games in only his 2nd season at Los Blancos. He has a record better than club legends such as Di Stefano, Pahinho and Ronaldo, O Fenomeno. Funny thing is, he is still not an out and out striker. He was inspired by Luis Figo and was supposed to be the "Next Figo" at Sporting Lisbon. Sir Alex Ferguson bought Cristiano to replace David Beckham at Manchester United. But he evolved into such a goal scoring machine that all the strikers on his teams started to look like midfielders. One can only imagine if he had played with the likes of Zizou and Figo? That team would have scored like crazy. Good with both feet and very strong in the air. He clearly is the best in his position in the world.

Raul Gonzalez Blanco (SF): He is Real Madrid and Real Madrid is Raul. Thats how fans of Real Madrid described Raul in Nigeria. Raul was master of not just goal scoring, but also of scoring some majestic goals. He was such a hard worker for the team. He was even willing to play a much deeper role and in effect reduced his goal scoring output for a few seasons. In the survey I conducted, some Madridistas choose Ruud Van Nistlerooy over him. I strongly believe that no true Madridista would drop Raul, whose blood flows with Real Madrid in it, for anyone.

Ronaldo Luis Nazario de lima (F): El Fenomeno was and is the greatest striker ever. He may not have been a 100% at his best s during his days with the whites, but his record speaks for itself. 104 goals in 177 games was no mean fit. The likes of Higuain benefited from training with the great one, despite his weight issues. He was not one to shy away from the big games.


                                   Casillas

Salgado-Hierro-Helguera-Carlos
                   
Figo-Zidane-Makelele-C. Ronaldo

Raúl-Ronaldo
    

Honorable Mentions: Steve McManaman, Fabio Cannavaro, Ruud Van Nistlerooy, Pepe, Santiago Solari (huge Favorite of mine), Esteban Cambiasso and Miguel Torres.


Article by Rapheal Harry for Forza Futbol