Real Madrid CF [CM2006] (Real Madrid 1:0 Chelsea)

[MWaugh]

Madrid To Tour France

July 4, 2005

Real Madrid have announced that they will take their pre season training and friendly matches to France as they prepare to compete for the Spanish Primera Liga title this season.

The European powerhouse will compete in 4 friendly matches against French Division 1 clubs FC Metz, Lyon, Lille and Nice before a much anticipated clash at home against the powerful English club, Chelsea.



A spokesperson for the club indicated that new coach Guus Hiddink had a major role in taking the friendly matches to France.

?It is important that the club hits the season running to perform at their best and match their rivals. Guus was very precise and specific in where he thought would be the best place to form a team unity and begin to develop the team skills, obviously France is felt to be the best place for this.?

Lyon, 1st in the French Ligue for the 2004/2005 season, and Lille, who came second, will be the best measuring sticks for the team. With games against Metz (16th in 2004/05) and Nice (12th) hoping to offer match fitness for both first 11 and reserve players.

(French domestic champions Lyon are one of four clubs
who have agreed to host Real Madrid for their pre season friendlies)

 

[m_vaughan]

Quite a long tour that, but then France is nextdoors after all.

The Chelsea game is one I am looking forward to, being a big fan of both teams!

 

[MWaugh]

Meeting The Man

July 5, 2005

The spanish media had their first chance to get to know Guus Hiddink, the new manager of Real Madrid, after the Dutchman held his first public interview since arriving in Spain only 4 days earlier. Journalists from the world over focused primarily on the aspirations of Hiddink for the up coming season.

When asked about his goals for the season, Hiddink appeared confident in his players ability to succeed in all competitions this year.

?Well I am here at one of the best clubs in the world, its an exciting time for all involved but we have to really harness that excitement and focus on proving ourselves on the pitch. Last year was a quiet year for the club but I am confident that if we work hard we can change that this season.?

Hiddink also appeared eager to bring new players to the club, and with an ?85 million transfer budget, new signings at the club seem inevitable.

?Yes we will defiantly be looking at spending some money on recruiting players, I have not specified any number of players that I would like to bring to the club but obviously there are a couple that I would like to strongly look at.?



(Guus Hiddink speaks to the media for the first time)

Hiddink was far more reserved when asked the names of any such potential signings:

?Its too early to say at this point in time. However I think its safe to say that we have an abundance of talent with our striker so we will probably not need to look for another striker. At the moment we are looking to focus on another central defender to strengthen the squad along with a reliable and skilful midfielder to play primarily in the middle of the park.?

Will the man touted as one of the world?s best managers live up to the expectations of the Madrid faithful? Only time will tell.

 

[m_vaughan]

Well I think its a good step not to reveal any names, so kudos to Guus for being reserved on that!

This job is one of the toughest in the world, and Guus' main job is not using that huge transfer budget that is made available to him, but to get the galacticos to play as a team with the spirit and passion that was clearly present two seasons back.

 

[MWaugh]

English Star Linked To Madrid

July 6, 2005

English Premier League and England International Steven Gerrard has been linked to Spanish club Real Madrid. An insider at the Spanish giant has reported leaked the rumour that new manager Guus Hiddink has targeted the English star after being granted ?85 million in transfer funds by club president Ram?n Calder?n.



(Steven Gerrard is believed to be a potential target for Guus Hiddink)

?The boss (Hiddink) is definitely on the look out for a strong defender and Rio looks like a very likely target. The performance of Steven Gerrard of late with Liverpool, especially in the UEFA Champions League in recent seasons has not gone unnoticed. Steven is also a relatively younger player (25 years old) which gives the club a good solid future.? the insider said.

Hiddink is also said to be considering potential defenders for the Madrid giants to sure up the defence.

Guus Hiddink and his coaching staff were all unavailable for comment.

 

[m_vaughan]

Get Cannavaro to solve the defensive problems. You already have Sergio Ramos, and if fit, Jonathan Woodgate.

 

[MWaugh]

ive long been a fan of woodgate from his days back at Leeds Utd so he will play a large part in the defence.

 

[MWaugh]

The Transfer Options

July 7, 2005

After almost a week in charge, coach Hiddink had his first sit down with assistant manager Paulo Campos to look at potential transfer targets while the July window was still open. The primary focus is on scouting a solid defensive player to play along side the likes of Roberto Carlos, Jonathan Woodgate, Michel Salgado, Sergio Ramos and young Brazilian Cicinho.

Hiddink had this too say to Campos on the defender issue:

?The defence has to be our primary concern at the moment. If we do not concede goals, then we do not lose. It is important that we sure up and form some solidarity in the defence and then the rest of the team will take a more structured shape.?

Potential Targets

Rio Ferdinand

Age: 26
Height: 188cm
Club: Manchester United
Nationality: English
Value: ?11 Million

Comments: Was one of Europe?s best defenders a couple of seasons ago but never really returned to his best form after the drugs suspension and injury. Worth looking at however there may be better options available.



(Rio Ferdinand celebrates for Manchester United)

Fabio Cannavaro

Age: 31
Height: 176cm
Club: Juventus
Nationailty: Italian
Value: ?6.2 Million

Comments: One of the Serie A?s leading defenders. Works very hard at the back and organises those around him well. Slightly smaller in terms of height however his leadership qualities will be an asset to the team, especially young defenders looking to develop. Worth very close examination.



(Fabio Cannavaro lining up for Juventus)

Alessandro Nesta
Age: 29
Height: 187cm
Club: AC Milan
Nationality: Italian
Value: ?9 Million

Comments: Proven mature defender both at Serie A domestic level as well as at International level with Italy. Would bring a great deal of knowledge and leadership to the team, especially in educating younger players. Very reliable defender in all conditions.



(Alessandro Nesta performing for AC Milan)

Juan Santos
Age: 26
Height: 182cm
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Nationality: Brazilian
Value: ?4.5 Million

Comments: Young Brazilian who has learnt much of his trade playing in Germany. Has been capped 37 times for his country in the centre of the defence. Will bring enthusiasm to the team but the European restrictions may be a small setback when signing Juan.



(Juan in action for Brazil)

 

[Wildwil]

I would go for Ferdinand or Juan.

 

[m_vaughan]

Cannavaro for me. He can be a real good leader in defence. I have my doubts on Juan. Ferdinand and Nesta are decent, but Cannavaro is the man!

 

[MWaugh]

The Transfer Options

July 7, 2005

After looking closely at potential defenders to come into the team, the next thing that both Hiddink and Campos looked at was the option of recruiting another strong midfielder into an already strong line up. The likes of Zidane, Beckham, Graverson and Guti will make it tough for any new player to keep a first team place down. But competition for places generally leads to individual improvement.

Hiddink had this too say to Campos on the option of recruiting a midfielder:

"We currently have a strong midfield, however over the long season it would be optimal to have squad depth. We appear to be slightly weaker on the left flank in the midfield which is an area that way me be able to strengthen with a left sided player. If we are able to find a strong and dominant midfielder to play in the centre, that will allow David (Beckham) to push wide on the right and utilise his crosses"

Potential Targets

Steven Gerrard

Age: 25
Height: 185cm
Weight: 82kg
Club: Liverpool
Nationality: English
Value: ?14 Million

Comments: One of England?s most dominating and controlling midfielders both at club level with Liverpool and at international level with England. An exceptional passer with a strong presence outside the box with the potential to score from long range. Current captain of Liverpool, resulting in Gerrard being regarded as a strong leader.



(Steven Gerrard in action for Liverpool)

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Age: 20
Height: 180cm
Weight: 76kg
Club: Bayern Munich
Nationality: German
Value: ?8 Million

Comments: Has already been capped 20 times with 4 goals for Germany at the age of 20. Capable with both the left and right feet, Bastian would be give options on both sides of the pitch. Has impressed at international level and has forged a strong image already playing for the domestic champions.



(Bastian Schweinsteiger in one of his 20 caps for Germany)

Michael Ballack

Age: 28
Height: 189cm
Weight: 80kg
Club: Bayern Munich
Nationality: German
Value: ?17 Million

Comments: Renowned as one of the worlds leading midfielders. Plays predominantly in an attacking role, which may provide conflict with players such as Zidane, but can play a conservative defensive role when required. A naturally gifted footballer and leader. Captain of both club side and international side brings strength both in his hard work and also his leadership capabilities.



(Michael Ballack in action for club side Bayern Munich)

 

[MWaugh]

Real Court Gerrard

July 8, 2005

Real Madrid head coach Guus Hiddink has confirmed today that the Galacticos have made a formal offer to English and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard.

?We are currently in talks with Steven and obviously we are hopeful that we can come to an arrangement. Steven has been in very high demand since leading Liverpool to the UEFA Cup title last season. He is a very respected and hardworking player, he would defiantly be an asset to Real Madrid.?
Hiddink said.

The total of the transfer bid has not been announced, however it is rumoured to be in the area of 31 Million.



(Steven Gerrard may be parting ways with Rafael Benitez)

Bastian Linked To Merseyside

German international midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has been linked with a move to English club side Liverpool. With the international transfer window still open, Liverpool have shown considerable interest in the player.

?Bastian has proved that he can play at the highest level for both his club and his country and we feel that he would suit the team setup here at Liverpool.?
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said at a recent press conference.

It is also believed that Spanish club side Real Madrid are chasing the signature of the 20 year old midfielder.



(Rafael Benitez speaks to English media after pre season training)



Squad Leaves For France

July 8, 2005

July 8, 2005

The Real Madrid first team squad left for their first match of the pre-season tour of France today. The spanish giants play FC Metz in the first match on Sunday 10th of July at Saint-Symphorien-Nouvelle. The side will train in France for the majority of July, away from the pressure from the spanish media.

Assistant manager Paulo Campos had this too say to Realmadrid.com before the squad left:

"We will look to spend alot of the time in France ahead of this season. It is very hot at the moment which will help in our preperation but mainly because it allows the players to focus on the task at hand. Everybody now has to learn how to play to Guus's style of play and get to know a whole new set of tactics. We hope that being away from the pressures in Madrid for a short period will benefit us in the long run."

(The Real Madrid team bus leaves for neighbouring France)

 

[MWaugh]

Roberto Carlos Injured In First Training Run

July 9

Defender Roberto Carlos made an unfortunate start to the new season when he picked up an injury in the first days training run in France. Carlos picked up a foot injury during sprint work and was forced to hobble from the field half way through the session.

The injury is not thought to be serious and will only keep the Brazilian out of action for roughly a week, meaning he will miss the first match against Metz and more than likely the clash with Lyon. The injury presents a greater opportunity for Roberto Carlos?s Brazilian team mate Cicinho to make an impression on the new management team.



(Roberto Carlos jokes with team mates at training. The Brazilian
international was injured half way through the session)

 

[Bala]

This is the best time for Cicinho to show his capabilities to Guus and effectively replace Baldy!

 

[m_vaughan]

Isnt Cicinho a naturally right sided player though?

Raul Bravo has played on the left in RC's absence in previous times.