Real Madrid

[Rasputin]

"There will be changes in the starting eleven; the Cup is important for me"

Fabio Capello held his customary press conference before an offical game, this time against Betis in the King's Cup quarterfinal stage. He spoke of the current events at the Club and of the changes he's thinking of introducing both immediately and with time. "We will adopt key measures and decisions which everyone will witness within time," insisted the coach. One thing is for sure: he can't wait to implement these new changes, as he underlined saying, "I am very unhappy when we lose, but I still maintain the confidence."





The fans want to know what problems the team has.
We have lost our spirit and enthusiasm. This is our main failure. When I arrived in Madrid in July, I spoke of suffering and fighting for these colours and this shirt. All that has gone missing in the last two games. We have adopted a number of key measures that we seek to implement in a timely fashion as, for example, training behind closed doors to recover complete concentration at all times. We analysed many aspects during yesterday's meeting. We have been truly lucky in the table because the top teams have not won, so we are not lagging that far behind.
Does the coaching staff assume any responsibility?
Win or lose, the blame is always everybody's. The will to win has disappeared over the last two games. There's a reason for that and the coaching staff is equally responsible.

Isn't the squad minimally commited from a footballing perspective?
My job requires some time to bear fruit. We have played good football in some away matches, but at home we lose our edge and we are more anxious. It is true that some players are intimidated by the Bernabéu.



Is there any truth to the blacklist?
We spoke of having players who fight, who are committed, who stick their foot in... which is something that has always characterised Real Madrid, in any case. And, we also need quality players.

Do you have a serious problem with Ronaldo?
I don't like to single anybody out. Win or lose, it's a team affair and I head the entire project.

Isn't chopping heads in mid-season somewhat excessive?
Most importantly, players should be motivated and should fight for the badge and the colours and the shirt they defend. That comes before all else.

What other measures will be adopted?
We will see other measures implemented starting tomorrow. There will be changes in the starting eleven.

Are these measures geared at having all player show up clearheaded at training?
That subject is an inside thing and this is not the place to talk about it.



Do you still believe in Diarra?
He will play next to Gago tomorrow. I can assure you of that.

Have you thought about resigning?
That thought has not crossed my mind at all, not for a single split second.

You have yet to speak with the players. The newcomers are waiting for you to talk to them and lead the way.
I speak with all players, but within reason. I spoke with Robinho three times last week. It depends on how I see them, but I do speak with every player, no exceptions. What I do not do is speak to any individual player for 20 minutes at a time. I address the important topics and subjects at hand. I spoke in La Coruña before the game and I will do likewise tomorrow before the Copa del Rey match.

How do you feel the day after the entire press has been speaking of your successor non stop?
I feel like the coach of Real Madrid.

Did you think this team was better?
I always work with the players I have. Then there's better teams, but this is the one I have and I always value highly what I have.

Do you still have Ramón Calderón's and Mijatovic's full trust?
I sense it still.



Will anyone leave in January?
We cannot say.

It seems like those players who are playing the least are to blame.
We win and lose as a team.

Is the squad behind you?
I would say most of them are.

Have you seen any changes in Ronaldo's attitude since he spoke to Mijatovic?
Well, he trains as always... so and so.

What is your mindset right now?
I always think positively. I am not happy with the last results, but I am when I look at the table.

What are your thoughts on the King's Cup?
It's important for me. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

Will tomorrow's team be a definitive one from now on or is this yet another trial?
Some players will be rested, but I will line up a solid team.

Ramón Calderón says that his trust in you is not undying.
He's the President and therefore the last call is always his.

Is Cassano a lost case?
I do not speak of a single player.



Is the squad faction that's against you detrimental to the rest of the players?
We'll have to wait some more for me to answer that question.

Have you asked the Club to suspend any player?
Rules and regulations don't allow for that. It just can't be done. But I have not ruled out any player.

Do you believe in the youth players?
I think De la Red has played a few games this season. So has Torres. De la Red is young and a quality footballer. He will be in Seville.

Isn't the ambition and enthusiasm of those players who are newcomers or underdogs the appropriate medicine for this team at this moment?
Some players feel the pressure of playing at the Bernabéu, that's for sure. So we can't burn out the young players; we have to take it easier with them.

Are you happy?
I'm hungry. Not happy, because in this line of work the only thing that makes you happy is winning. But I do work more fullheartedly now.

[abadani69]

Real Madrid's problems continued when they failed to break down a relegation-threatened Real Betis and had to settle for a 0-0 draw in a dull Spanish Cup last 16 first leg match.

Spanish sports daily Marca held an internet poll during the course of the match and more than 65 per cent of respondants said that Real would not miss David Beckham when he leaves for Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer.

However, his former fans might be thinking again after Real's poor showing for which the former England captain was dropped by coach Fabio Capello.

"I am only going to talk about this game and that is another matter," said Capello when the subject of Beckham's departure was raised.

"I liked the spirit of our team tonight. I'm happy," added Capello.

"A 0-0 draw is definitely not a bad result on a difficult pitch. They had the best of the first half, when they had two good chances, but I think we were better in the second."

On balance, the home side had the best chances and Betis's Brazilian winger Wagner had two excellent opportunities to open the scoring in the first half.

Madrid had to rely on their two new Argentine acquisitions for their best attempts to break the deadlock.

Gonzalo Higuain nearly marked his Real debut with a goal but his right foot effort midway through the first half brought an outstanding save from goalkeeper Pedro Contreras, himself a former Madrid player.

"He did well. People who come here from other continents usually need a bit of time to adapt to European football," said Capello.

Fernando Gago sent a shot from the edge of the area whistling over the bar after 73 minutes but, like everyone else, the midfielder ended the night without a goal to his name.

Real's injury woes among their defenders also increased when Brazilian left back Roberto Carlos limped off after just 11 minutes.

Club medical officials later said that they feared he could be out for up to a month with a torn right calf muscle.

Real have now only won one of their last six matches in all competitions.

The second leg will be on January 18 at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

[abadani69]

Real Madrid were held to a goalless draw away at struggling Real Betis in their King's Cup last 16 first leg on Thursday.

There were few chances for either side and it made it three consecutive games in all competitions that Real had failed to score.

The build-up to the game had been overshadowed by the earlier news that David Beckham is to leave Real for Los Angeles Galaxy in June, even though he was not included in the squad.

Neither were Ronaldo and Antonio Cassano, who are also being connected with possible moves. Coach Fabio Capello fielded a young side including new recruits Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuain, the latter making his debut.

Betis, 18th in the Primera Liga, also rested key players but with new coach Luis Fernandez at the helm were fired up and pressured Real all over the pitch early on.

The other seven first legs were played on Tuesday and Wednesday with Barcelona beating second division Alaves 2-0 and third division Rayo Vallecano holding league leaders Sevilla to a goalless draw.

The second legs are scheduled to be played during next week.

[Rasputin]

"Beckham is a great professional and a great person who has given his all to Real Mad

Real Madrid City was the place to be today. After learning that this will be David Beckham's last season in white, the media were eager to catch everyone's reaction. During today's press conference held by Iker Casillas, most of the questions focused on the Englishman's departure. The Spanish emphasised number "23's" professionalism and charisma throughout the entire Q&A session, as well as pleading for the fans' support and unity.





First things first, have you all spoken to Beckham?
Of course. He told us personally and it's a real shame. Those who know him know he is a great player and a great professional. He has given his heart and soul to Real Madrid. It's been an honour to play by his side because he is a magnificent person. We are all happy for him, but sad at the same time. He's an role model for everyone.
With Beckham leaving, is the Galactico era over?
With the departure of Figo, Zidane, David… many stereotypes will come to an end, but this Club is greater than any one player. Those of us still here want to do the best possible. All we can do is look towards the future.

The era of players who earn the most, the Millionaires Club is also coming to an end.
Whether someone earned more or less has nothing to do with it. I am saddened when a teammate leaves. Aside from earning a lot or a little, they were, and are, great teammates. I am proud that one day I will be able to say that I played with them. We aren't able to avoid what is said outside, but it's important that we stay strong internally.



David is leaving without having won a title.
This season isn't over yet. There are still six months left. We have lost two important matches, but we're not far off the lead. You can't make a big deal out of something that really isn't. People talk when we do well, but even more is said when we are going through a bad patch.

What did Beckham's arrival mean?
It was something unseen on a personal level due to all the buzz and news he stirred. There had been no one like him prior to his arrival that could get the media in such a frenzy. But what I'll remember is everything from an personal standpoint; everything that we shared as teammates. He's a great teammate and a great professional who has given his all to Real Madrid.

Is this the beginning of the revamping?
I'm not the one to decide when the 'cleansing process' begins. But I am sure that every player always gives his best effort. Then it's every man for himself. I know David has a lot of football left in his boots.

Is Ronaldo really needed on this Madrid?
I'm not getting involved in that. He is a great player. He has given, and will continue to give this Club some great moments. Nothing more needs to be said.



Is the team very affected by everything that is going on?
Nothing that is being said is good for a team that is hoping to end a three year drought, but this is Real Madrid. I'm not surprised. We want to win to make the fans, and ourselves, happy. The honour of Real Madrid is the most important thing.

Are Capello's days numbered?
No. The players will always support him. He likes to work hard, do things correctly, and is a natural winner. It may take us more or less time to learn things, but we will back him. His decisions are respected and appreciated inside the dressing room.

Are the players to blame for everything that is going on?
It's everyone's fault when things aren't going well. The team trains hard. We are coming off two bad matches. Our opponents performed better, but it's obvious this isn't that path we want to take. We have to improve in all aspects. I am satisfied with the team's work.

Should people have a defeatist outlook?
We're not doing that badly, so I don't understand why people have these defeatist attitudes. Barça held a ten point lead on us in season's past, and today they are only up by three. Being realistic, any Real Madrid loss in catastrophic.



You have to win against Zaragoza
It will be a complicated match. We understand that our fans want us to react. We just want the match to get here so we can get over our last two defeats. I have also been a supporter so I understand why they want the team to take the initiative from the get go. I am asking for their support and unity, now more than ever. They can rest assured that we will give it our best effort. This dressing room knows how to concentrate on the game despite all the outside commentary.

Does the Real Madrid dressing room reek of alcohol?
I can assure you that no player ever smells of alcohol. We're not affected by what the press says. We come to train and do the best we can. No one benefits from all the speculation. I repeat, I have never smelled alcohol on a player.

Are you bothered by Pedja's claim of drinking?
We're not bothered by anyone from the Club. I answer what I am asked, and I know what goes on. I can also tell you I have never heard Pedja say anything of that nature. It baffles me. The only alcohol I smell in the dressing room is antiseptic.

[abadani69]

David Beckham admitted that he was stunned by Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello's decision to call time on his career at the Spanish giants.

Capello is adamant that the former England skipper has played his last match in a Madrid shirt after the 31-year-old decided to sign a 250-million-dollar deal to play for Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States.

"David is surprised at the quotes from Fabio Capello. Nobody from the club has informed him of their intentions. He will continue to give his full commitment and professionalism to the club," said Beckham's public relations representative Simon Oliveira.

"As far as David is aware, he has a contract for the remainder of the season and remains dedicated to the club and its supporters."

Capello said earlier Saturday that Beckham, who is out of contract in Madrid at the end of the season, will not play for him again.

"He's not going to play anymore. He can train but not play. I think you can't play with the same motivation if you have signed for another team," said Capello.

"The player's decision to go to Los Angeles on such a big contract means we cannot count on him, although he has been a great professional."

Beckham's five-year deal with the Major League Soccer (MLS) club in the United States could make him one of the richest sportsmen in the world but much of the massive contract is believed to be based on a complex system of bonus incentives.

"The fact he wanted to go was down to him, not to me. He is a great professional. Now he can stay in good physical condition but we can't count on him," added Capello.

The 31-year-old former England captain has only started five La Liga games and has been on the substitutes' bench for most of the season but he is still under contract to Real, and drawing his six million euros a year salary, until June 30.

However, with new MLS season starting in April, it is hard to believe that Beckham will not try to look for a way to leave Real in the next two months and head west to link up with his new club.

MLS spokesman Stephen Rodriguez said Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas and coach Frank Yallop could try to buy out the remainder of Beckham's Real contract.

"I'm sure Alexi or Frank Yallop will try to bring him over as quickly as possible," said Rodriguez.

"It would be in (owners) AEG and LA Galaxy's best interests to buy out the rest of his contract."

Beckham has not been part of Capello's plans since the early part of the season.

Club captain Raul Gonzalez, Jose Antonio Reyes and Robinho, who are all principally left-sided players, have all been selected on the right wing in preference to Beckham.

Sources at the club have also suggested that Capello has been having doubts about Beckham's commitment ever since he took time off to go to Tom Cruise's pre-wedding dinner near Rome in November.

Beckham's fellow superstar Ronaldo remains part of Capello's plans, but only just.

The Real coach is reported to have told Real president Ramon Calderon on Monday that Beckham and Ronaldo were not part of his long-term strategy, a meeting that may have precipitated Beckham's surprise announcement three days later.

"Ronaldo is a Real Madrid player because he has not had any contact with another team. He's injured - that's why he is not playing (against Zaragoza on Sunday)," said Capello.

[donsaeid]

رضايت از حضور در سانتياگو برنابئو

رائول: هرگز به تيم ليورپول نمي*روم


كاپيتان تيم فوتبال رئال مادريد شايعه حضور در ليورپول را تكذيب كرد و مدعي شد كه از حضور در سانتياگو برنابئو راضي است.



به نقل از سايت فوتبال اسپانيا، در هفته هاي گذشته شايعات زيادي مبني بر احتمال جدايي رائول از تيم رئال مادريد منتشر شد در حالي كه مهاجم اسپانيايي به شدت اين شايعه را تكذيب كرد.

رائول در اين زمينه تصريح كرد: هرگاه رئال مادريد در مسابقه*اي شكست مي*خورد شايعات زيادي در رسانه*ها به چاپ مي*رسد و خبر انتقالم به تيم ليورپول در همين چارچوب است.

وي افزود: از حضورم در رئال مادريد خيلي خوشحالم و تمايلي به ترك اين تيم ندارم.

كاپيتان رئال تاكيد كرد: به فعاليتم در برنابئو ادامه خواهم داد و همواره با تمامي توان براي تيم مورد علاقه*ام بازي خواهم كرد.

وي راجع به انتقال همبازي انگليسي *اش به تيم گالكسي عنوان كرد: بكهام بازيكن بزرگي است و زماني كه خبر جدايي وي از رئال مادريد را شنيدم خيلي ناراحت شدم.

[abadani69]

Real Madrid showed that they can be successful without David Beckham, who was watching from the VIP stands, as they claimed their first win in four outings with a 1-0 victory over Real Zaragoza.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy got the only goal to keep the Spanish giants in third place but move them to just two points behind the league leaders Sevilla.

"There's been a lot of talk about players not continuing at this club in the last few days. (Real coach Fabio) Capello took a firm decision," said Real Madrid's sporting director Pedrag Mijatovic after the game.

"He (Beckham) has signed with another club so it was obviously there were going to be few opportunities for him to play.

"But you can see that we have young players who are very motivated."

Van Nistelrooy got his tenth goal of the season in typical poaching fashion after 41 minutes.

Jose Antonio Reyes sent a short corner to Robinho, who in turn put a pass across the face of the goal for new Argentine signing Gonzalo Higuain to turn the ball back and leave van Nistelrooy with the job of sidefooting the ball into the net.

Real marginally had the best of an uninspiring first half before the Van Nistelrooy goal but they stepped up a gear and dominated the second half despite not adding to their tally.

Higuain was particularly impressive on his debut in the Santiago Bernabeu providing some telling passes and had several good shots.

"I'm very happy. I had a good feeling here," said Higuain, who has moved quickly to step into the slot alongside Van Nistelrooy that is likely to be soon vacated permanently by another departing superstar Ronaldo.

Ruben De La Red also almost scored after 68 minutes, just a few seconds after taking over from Reyes, but had his shot just turned away for a corner by Zaragoza goalkeeper Cesar Perez.

Ironically, Zaragoza are currently negotiating for the loan of De la Red, one of the brightest stars of the Real Madrid reserve team that plies its trade in the Spanish second division.

De La Red has said that he wants to go to get more top level playing time but Capello's decision to axe Beckham and Antonio Cassano could open up a place for him in Real's first team squad.

Robinho also went close 16 minutes before the end after outpacing Zaragoza's flagging defenders but was just fractionally off-target.

The closest Zaragoza came to scoring was when Gerard Pique sent the ball into the box from the edge of the area and it hit the post, although more by accident than design.

One negative note for Real Madrid was club captain Raul Gonzalez straining his right hamstring early in the game.

He was replaced by Robinho after 14 minutes although the injury did not appear too serious and Raul spent the rest of the game in the dug out.

Real's under-fire coach Capello celebrated the win by making an obscene gesture towards a section of the crowd that had been calling for his head after the run of recent poor results.

The Spanish media also speculated on Sunday that disgruntled Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho could take over from Capello in the summer.

[abadani69]

Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello said it was a joint decision to discard David Beckham for the rest of the season after he decided to join Los Angeles Galaxy.

"It was the technical team, which includes me, my assistant Franco Baldini and sporting director Predrag Mijatovic, who took the decision," Capello told a news conference on Sunday.

"If a player has a contract (with another club) it isn't right that you continue to treat him as just another player."

The former England captain turned down a contract extension at Real and announced on Thursday his new deal, which will take him to the United States at the end of the season.

Capello responded the following day, saying the 31-year-old would only train with the squad and not play for his last six months in the Spanish capital.

Beckham watched from the stands on Sunday as Real beat Real Zaragoza 1-0 to climb within two points of leaders Sevilla.

At a tense news conference Capello was asked what the difference was between Beckham deciding to leave while still under contract to the club and the Italian's decision to join former club AC Milan a decade ago while still Real coach.

"The difference is the American league starts in April and mine didn't. I told the club president first and that's a little different. Also I hadn't actually signed the contract," he said.

When reporters tried to ask more questions about Beckham, Capello added: "I think we've talked enough about Beckham."

The Real coach also asked to be forgiven for a rude gesture he twice made to some fans sitting in the stands near the dugout as he left the pitch at the end of the game.

"I want to apologise for what I did. Since the first day I arrived there have been two people behind the bench who have continually offended me and today it went too far," he said.

"They are the same ones that were here ten years ago, but I shouldn't have done what I did," added Capello.

[abadani69]

Real Madrid ended a turbulent week with a morale-boosting 1-0 home win over Real Zaragoza to move within two points of leaders Sevilla in the Primera Liga on Sunday.

Talk of rejuvenating the squad, David Beckham's decision to leave at the end of the season and coach Fabio Capello's decision to discard him dominated the build up to the match.

But a relatively young side rose to the occasion by putting in a spirited performance, with Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy scoring the only goal just before the break.

Real are third on 35 points, level with second-placed Barcelona who were thumped 3-1 at city rivals Espanyol on Saturday but have a game in hand.

Leaders Sevilla lost their 100 percent home record, and the chance to extend their lead at the top, when they lost 2-1 to struggling Real Mallorca.

Mallorca had suffered five straight defeats in all competitions and, against the run of the play, fell behind to a first-half penalty from Mali striker Frederic Kanoute.

But the visitors levelled when Jose Carlos Nunes volleyed in from a corner just after halftime and Argentine Maxi Lopez struck the winner after a mix-up in the home defence.

In-form Valencia are fourth with 33 points following their 3-0 win over local rivals Levante on Saturday.

Two goals from Fernando Torres helped Atletico Madrid climb to fifth on 32 points after a 3-1 win at Celta Vigo.

BECKHAM WATCHING

There was an air of expectation at the Bernabeu as Real's new youngsters Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuain took centre stage.

Dropped from the squad by Capello, Beckham could be seen watching from the stands while among the injured absentees were Ronaldo, Antonio Cassano and Roberto Carlos.

Defenders Michel Salgado and Sergio Ramos were suspended but none of them seemed to be missed as Real dominated from the start.

The team was unrecognisable from the one that tamely capitulated to Deportivo Coruna and Recreativo Huelva in their last two league outings, playing with pace and aggression.

Raul limped off with a muscle injury after 15 minutes to be replaced by Robinho but Real continued to carry the game to Zaragoza.

After sustained pressure, the breakthrough finally came five minutes before halftime when Higuain controlled Robinho's deep cross and fired low across goal for Van Nistelrooy to score.

As Zaragoza, who beat Sevilla last weekend, tried to get back into the game in the second half Real exploited the space.

Substitute Ruben de la Red drew a sharp save from Cesar in a one-on-one after 68 minutes and soon afterwards Robinho broke and shot just wide.

The visitors came closest to scoring when Gerard Pique's header from a corner late on came back off the bar.

Emotions boiled over after the final whistle when Capello twice made a rude gesture towards some fans in the stand as he left the pitch.

[Rasputin]

Gago, Higuaín and Van Nistelrooy satisfied with the performance

One led the team el juego like the Bernabéu had not seen in ages; the other drove the opponent's defence absolutley crazy; and the latter finished off the rival with his tenth Primera Liga goal. Gago, Higuaín and Van Nistelrooy were the big stars of the match and proved what they are capable of as footballers.

Fernando Gago:

“I am very happy with the result and with the team's performance. My self-confidence is growing and today things worked out quite well. I played very calmly and also enthusiastically. The team showed great attitude and we proved how bad we wanted to win the game. It is always important to win these matches to gain on our rivals. We are ecstatic and we want to keep on working with peace to reap optimum results little by little. I am loving my time here and I hope to win many trophies. I am very comfortable with all of my team-mates, but it is true that today I felt especially at ease. There is still a lot of League championship ahead of us and we want to stay in the fight to end up raising the cup at the end of the season.”


Gonzalo Higuaín:

“The truth is I'm very happy. The game was tough, but it was very special to make my debut at the Bernabéu winning. We are once again in the fight for the title with this victory. We knew we could win and we proved it. We wanht to continue down this path to finish the season off with a trophy.”
“I hope to continue playing this way. The attitude and the enthusiasm are great in the team, but not just today... they have always been very high. On Thursday, we have the King's Cup game and we hope to go through. I played very well, at ease. I was very well backed up. It is a dream come true to play in a scenario of the stature of the Santiago Bernabéu.”


Ruud Van Nistelrooy:

“Gago and Higuaín played incredibly. Scoring was very important for me, but the victory is especially important for all Madridistas: players, fans, etc. The three points are vital and the League is one step closer now. Victory proved essential tonight. We played well together, closing up the distance between the lines and with a more positive spirit. We had a good deal of chances on goal and we could have scored a few more, but what's most important is that we won.”

[Rasputin]

Happy with being back on the starting eleven, Raúl Bravo said the League is wide open

The injuries of Roberto Carlos and Marcelo have allowed Raúl Bravo to return to the starting eleven. The left back doesn't care where the coach may need him as long as it means that he plays. "I'm going to keep training as always and use this chance the best I can," he said.





Things have considerably changed for you.
These things happen in football all the time. Not so long ago, the coach practically didn't count on me and there were talks of my departure. Many players could take the left back spot. I'm very happy because we defended well.
You've pretty much played in every poisition. You've been a left back, a right back, a centre back...
It's all good as long as it means that I'm playing.

The match against Deportivo didn't see Roberto Carlos or Marcelo. Nevertheless, Ramos played as left back. Meanwhile, you were left behind. What did you think then?
I thought I had to keep training hard and do things right while I waited for my opportunity to come. I'm going to keep training hard and use the opportunity I've been given the best I can.



Have your priorities changed? Your manager was on the verge of looking for a new team for you to join.
My priority has always been to remain here. I want to see my contract through. I've proved I can play on this team during the six years I've been on the squad and I will continue to do so this year.

You will finally enjoy continuity in your natural position.
I hope so. I'll knock on wood hoping the coaching staff respect any injuries that may come and my good results.

What's your take on Beckham leaving the team?
It's a sad loss for me because I've shared many years with him. We all support him, especially if he's happy and thinks he's taking the right decision.

What do you think about Capello's decision of not playing Beckham again?
That's a coaching decision, but I don't see how David's announcement of joining a different Club at the end of the season could offend the Club in any way. Nevertheless, we must respect and abide by the Club's decisions.

Nevertheless, Beckham will remain here until 30 June.
It's sad to train knowing you're not going to play, but he must remain calm. It may not be a permanent coaching decision. Things are changing so much lately...



Your name is on the so-called "Black List."
I personally don't really care. Black lists are like future signings lists, when initially many players are supposed to arrive and hardly any of them do. A black list means the coach has said to a player, "I'm not going to count on you anymore, so look to play on a differtent team."

Was that the message you got when you didn't travel to A Coruña?
It was strange to be in that position. I thought that's what it meant, but no one had actually confirmed it to me personally. Now, things are completely different.

Did you think you would be asked to leave the Club before Roberto Carlos and Marcelo were injured?
Rarely. I want to remain here and I work hard to do so.

What do you think you will do next season?
That's still a long way ahead. I'm currently a starter and I'm playing well. I would love to be here next year.

Despite the "crisis," you hold the same points as Barcelona.
That's because they have lost many points. If things had gone well for Barça and Sevilla they could be seven points ahead. We are all more or less on the same level right now.



Do you think losing the World Club Championship is taking its toll on Barcelona?
I hope they go through the same we went through last season when we lost against Zaragoza and never won another match until the end of the championship. I hope things keep going wrong for them and right for us.

What do you think about Capello's gesture to two fans at the end of the game?
I didn't know it happened until a saw it in the papers this morning. I think it's just a gesture and I don't know what they said to him. He said he's sorry. We all make mistakes.

Is it that hard to contain oneself against adverse criticism?
I've always kept calm, but who knows, maybe one day I'll get really offended and make a similar gesture to someone. Buying a ticket doesn't give a fan the right to humilate one of us.

We saw a different team against Zaragoza.
We were confident and tight. We kept control over the ball and helped each other out. We gave the image of being a solid team.

How are training sessions different now that no press or fans are allowed to attend?
Well, there's less people. Work is the same, but it feels kind of strange. It's quieter, but ultimately the same as it was before. We still follow the same routine.

Are you more focused in training without the press there?
I think we are, if only slightly, because you tend to take people into account a bit when they're there. We now only hear the coach and what we may say to one another, so we are obviously more focused.

[Rasputin]

Ramos returns from suspension (card accumulation); Raúl and Emerson out injured

Sixteen players have been called up for tomorrow's King's Cup match against Betis. Raúl, Emerson and Salgado are out with injuries following Sunday's League match against Zaragoza, and Ronaldo, Cassano, Beckham and Pavón have been left off the squad list due to a coaching decision. The services of youth teamers Torres, De la Red and Nieto have again been requested by Capello, and Sergio Ramos makes his return following a one game suspension due to yellow card accumulation.

There are no changes to the squad list for tomorrow's 9 pm match against Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu. Ronaldo, Cassano and Beckham have been left off due to a coaching decision, as has been the case since the away match against the Andalusion side. With Cicinho, Guti, Raúl, Salgado, Marcelo and Roberto Carlos still out due to injury, the Italian coach has called up all those available except for Pavón; a total of 16 players, including youth teamers Torres, De la Red and Nieto.
The three Castilla players made the squad list for Sunday's League match against Zaragoza and have trained with the First Team all week. Torres has started the last two matches and De la Red played during the second half against Víctor Fernández's team.



As expected, the six injured players haven't recovered on time for this important match, and their reincorportation is on hold until a later date. All six find themselves in the hands of the physiotherapists and medical services, but the two worst off are Roberto Carlos and Marcelo, both of whom are on crutches. Michel Salgado is the most recent edition to the medical report due to acute gastroenteritis.

SQUAD LIST FOR REAL MADRID-BETIS


Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas and Diego López.

Defenders: Helguera, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro , Mejía, Raúl Bravo amd Miguel Torres.

Midfielders: Diarra, Gago, Reyes, Robinho, Nieto and De la Red.

Forwards: Higuaín and Van Nistelrooy.

Not called up: Ronaldo, Cassano, Beckham and Pavón (coaching decision), and Raúl, Emerson, Roberto Carlos, Marcelo, Salgado, Guti and Cicinho (injured).


Cicinho: Torn anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee. Surgery (26/09/06).

Guti: Right ankle sprain. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment.

Marcelo: Right ankle sprain. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment.

Roberto Carlos: Partial tear of right sural triceps muscle. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment.

Emerson: Possible partial tear of right hamstring. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment.

Raúl: Possible partial tear of right hamstring. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment.

Salgado: Acute gastroenteritis. Medical treatment.

[Rasputin]

Fabio Capello calls up 19 players for tomorrow's match at the Ono Estadi

There are no surprises on Fabio Capello's squad list for Sunday's match at Mallorca. With seven players out injured -Cicinho, Guti, Marcelo, Roberto Carlos, Raúl Emerson and Beckham-, the Italian manager is relying heavily on the youth team for a match that he himself considers "crucial."



Fabio Capello has called up 19 players to travel to Mallorca, four of whom -De la Red, Casilla, Nieto and Torres- play for Real Madrid Castilla. Once again, injuries played a large role in determining who would be named on the squad list. As many as seven players have made Real Madrid's medical report: Cicinho, Guti, Marcelo, Roberto Carlos, Raúl Emerson and Beckham. All of them have been left off the list, as has Ronaldo due to a coaching decision.

But there was a bit of good news from the infirmary. Raúl Bravo has recovered from a strained left groin muscle and will make the trip with his teammates. Also rejoining the squad is Míchel Salgado, who had been suffering from acute gastroenteritis.
As for the rest, there are no new changes, including the Argentines Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuaín, who joined the Club during the winter transfer window and have convinced Capello of their quality and talent in no time at all.

MALLORCA-REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST:


Goalkeepers: Casillas, Diego López and Casilla.

Defenders: Míchel Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Raúl Bravo, Helguera, Pavón, Mejía, Torres.

Midfielders: Diarra, Gago, Reyes, De la Red and Nieto.

Forwards: Robinho, Van Nistelrooy and Higuaín.



MEDICAL REPORT


Cicinho: Torn anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee. Surgery (26/09/06).

Guti: Right ankle sprain. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment. Field work.

Marcelo: Right ankle sprain. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment. Specific recovery work at the gymnasium.

Roberto Carlos: Partial tear of right sural triceps muscle. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment.

Emerson: Enthesitis -inflammation and calcification of the tendon- of the right leg hamstring. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment.

Raúl: Partial tear of right hamstring. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment.

Beckham: Strain of the left quadriceps. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment. Specific recovery work at the gymnasium.

[Rasputin]

The two forwards celebrate "an important victory at a tough stadium"

They were both eager to score, but they couldn't find the back of the net. But Fabio Capello praised the efforts of his attackers despite the fact. Van Nistelrooy and Higuaín both stressed the importance of the win which puts Real Madrid on top of the League table.

VAN NISTELROOY
"I am very happy. It's a great day to win at a very hard stadium. It's important not to allow any goals and we are improving on a daily basis. We had the four best scoring chances of the match."

HIGUAÍN
"I am very pleased that we won this important match. I think it's a fair result and that we can use it to build off of. We are in the top spot, which can set our minds at ease. We have to continue down this same road to continue enjoying this success."

[Rasputin]

"I'll remember the win more than the goal"

José Antonio Reyes was satisfied with his goal, but he's even more happy about the final result. "We're right at the top," said the Sevillian attacking midfielder after the match. Without having to prepare for Cup matches, the team can begin preparing for Saturday's match at Villarreal. "We knew Barcelona had won, so we didn't want to let them out of our grasp."





"The significance of the victory is much more important than the goal. We are on top of the League with Sevilla and Barça. I'll remember the win more than the goal."
"It looked like we had trouble creating scoring chances at first, but we knew we had to take the three points in the second half to take a share of the lead in the table, and we did it."

"If we don't score off a normal play, we can decide the match off free kicks. We have Gago, Sergio… A lot of people who can resolve the match off set pieces."

"We knew Barcelona had won, so we didn't want to let them out of our grasp. We are playing at our desired level. We have a whole week to train and to think about Villarreal next Saturday since we have no more Cup matches."