Di Maria: "I hope we win the tenth European Cup next year"

Angel Di Maria (Rosario, 1988) takes stock of a contradictory season for him. On the one hand, he has suffered greatly because of injuries. On the other hand, there was one of the greatest joys of his career after winning the Spanish League with Real Madrid, the club he hopes to be many years. The left-end is like a fish in water in Madrid and in the white club, where he feels the love from the fans, Mourinho and his companions, with whom he has hit it off perfectly despite his shyness. "I feel that people love me too" he says blushing.

Angel Di Maria

Did you suffer much by injuries this season?
Yes, I suffered a lot. It was very hard. Luckily, my wife was very supportive and did not let me fall. Because when I was recovering, dropped again, recovered and dropped again... I was unlucky, because, for example, in the game against Racing I came to the field, I kicked a goal very strong and nothing happened. But then I slipped and was injured. I could not believe it. And now it gone, luckily, but I felt wrong. I am working the quadriceps to keep it strong.

Did you feel supported by Mourinho during recovery?
Mourinho was with me a lot during my recovery. He is an excellent coach. He supports his players. He was always with me during my injury, asking me how I felt and how the recovery process was coming along. It helped because it made me know I'd have the chance to be a starter when I returned. He brought out the best in me. I have grown considerably since he started being my coach; I think I had served 14 assists in the season before I was injured.

What do you think after winning their first league title with Real Madrid?
I am very happy for winning the league title in my second year on the team. It is impressive. I hope we continue to grow and winning titles next year. What matters is we won La Liga and made the fans happy. I hope we win the Tenth next year.

What do you think about the team? Does a new era begins?
We did things much better this year and it showed in all the records we broke, the points we took and goals we scored... We were stronger than Barcelona because we had a nine-point cushion over them and scored more goals. We have to continue establishing records. We proved we can defeat Barcelona. We did a good job throughout the year.

Is the Tenth European Cup an obsession that may end up decreasing performance?
We may win the Tenth any time now. We came close twice and I hope we win the UCL next year so we can celebrate again at Cibeles. It was amazing, one of the best moments in my career.

And about the fans?
I won the fans over with hard work. They have been with me from the start. Everyone told me it was very difficult to win the Bernabeu's affection, but I did. I do not feel pressure any more and play like I do anywhere else; it's the same with my friends than before a crowd 80,000 strong.

Can you imagine playing many years for Real Madrid?
I feel very loved and hopefully remain playing for Real Madrid for many years. I wish I could stay long. I remember the first time I went to the locker room of Real Madrid; to see me there, to feel that I had arrived. I was thrilled. I was in the clouds.

Higuain: "I am excited with my future in Real Madrid"

Gonzalo Higuain gave an interview to the Spanish press moved to Argentina to track your progress with the national team. On June 2, he will play against Ecuador. Today marks two weeks of the cries of the Bernabeu fans: "Pipa, stay!" but he does not want to answer certain questions about his future because he never said he would leave the white team.

Gonzalo Higuaín

After a season with Real Madrid, what do you feel? Physical or psychological fatigue with so much pressure?
It's both. The physical, because you are constantly playing, and the psychological because it is hard. It's been a tough year in which we reached far in the Champions League and won La Liga. It was stressing, but I'm glad we won the league in the end. I'm excited about what there is in store for Real Madrid and Argentina.

In this tough year, what was the moment you were more moved?
The last match with Real Madrid really affected me. It is amazing to hear all the crowd and your teammates asking you to stay, and Sergio Ramos' words of introduction were very moving. That was one of the most beautiful moments I've had at the club in five years, if not the most beautiful. You always remember those moments. I was moved by their affection. I won a title with Real Madrid this season, which was the harvest of very hard work.

Do you feel loved in the locker room of Real Madrid?
I get along great with everyone on the squad. I spend most of my time with Di Maria. We watch River Plate and Rosario matches together. Real Madrid have a healthy squad. I love to kid around in the dressing room and make people laugh, but I also have moments of stress, like everyone else.

What was the Real Madrid shirt you wore after the conquest of the Spanish League? It was signed by your teammates of the squad.
Nothing what was said

It seemed like a farewell.
They signed it as signed the shirts of the other two leagues I won. I appreciate the affection of the squad.

You have become team captain.
I managed to see the dream of being Real Madrid's captain in some games come true for me. I was never the team captain, but I felt proud to wear the armband. It's good that there is really just one captain.

Is it a pleasure to have kept your scoring records?
I'm very happy with the number of goals I scored this season, but I could have scored more.

Real Madrid-Barcelona o River-Boca?
Games between Real Madrid and Barcelona, and those between River Plate and Boca Juniuors, are beautiful Clasicos to be a part of. It is an honour to wear Real Madrid's shirt in games as important as those.

Do you have a weakness for Di Stefano? Don Alfredo has defined you as one of the best players in the team.
I greatly admire and idolise Alfredo di Stefano. He lived it all at Real Madrid and transmits it. It is amazing. I love to listen to him. I learn from what he has to say.

How do you play in the Argentinian national team?
My national coach rightly asks of me what I am asked at Real Madrid. He wants me to play diagonally and get clear from my markers. I don't play with the same footballers, but he basically wants me to do what I do at Real Madrid.

Zinedine Zidane: "The tenth European cup is necessary"

The football director of the first team evaluated the Real Madrid season in an interview with French media: "The league championship won is deserved" he said and praised his countrymen Benzema and Varane

Zinedine Zidane

It was a great season for Real Madrid. You should be proud of it.
Of course. We are proud to be part of a club that has just break incredible records on the number of goals scored and points earned. It's a nice adventure for everyone who has supported this project.

Real Madrid managed to end the hegemony of Barcelona.
We had to try to reverse the trend. We were not champions since three years. When you are in Real Madrid, the goal is to advance. Is what we have done throughout the course. We had difficult times, but did not give up. Ending the season with 32 wins in 38 games is simply amazing.

And team has reached 100 points. Impressive, isn't it?
We had to look and perform this great achievement. We were under great pressure with a team that followed us throughout the season. However, we do not throw the towel. We played our football and I think it was an absolutely deserved league title.

The difference between Real Madrid and Barcelona with the rest of the teams in Spain seems important. Do you think the championship has been easy?
There are no small teams. You can say whatever you want and some say there is a league of two different speeds. However, I do not think at all. In Spain there is a strong championship, perhaps the strongest in Europe. It is always difficult. We have not taken this advantage because the others were weak, but because we have been strong.

The only disappointment came in the Champions League with Bayern. How would you rate the second leg match at the Bernabeu?
We are not going to remake the match. There are times when everything goes in favor and some not. Penalties are anecdotal, nothing more. We wanted to reach the final.

Could not reach the tenth European Cup...
The tenth is necessary. It could have been this year, but we have to try next. We do not have to look back, we just need to concentrate to go further next season.

Benzema. How do you see his progression?
He still has room for improvement. This year confirmed the potential we saw in him. He played for the team. As well as his goals, what I remember about him is his importance in the team game. He particularly advanced in this regard. Now is still young and still has much to do and give. He must do the same in Eurocup and it will be a great year for him.

Varane also shined. You chose well.
What is certain is that he worked hard to play the games he played, about fifteen. With his age and in a first season, is extraordinary. He answered in the field. Everyone is happy with him, Varane is a smart kid who learns quickly. He will improve playing with players like Pepe, Ramos, Albiol and Marcelo.

Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid until 2016

Jose Mourinho gave an exclusive interview to the club's official media after signing a contract extension that will keep him at Real Madrid until 2016. Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid joined yesterday their destinations until June 2016. There will be two more seasons both parties agreed in the first contract of May 31, 2010, when 'The Special One' joined Real after breaking his link with Inter Milan. The official announcement was: "Real Madrid CF and Jose Mourinho have reached an agreement to extend the latter's contract with the club until 30 June 2016."

Jose Mourinho will coach Real Madrid until 2016

Madridista until 2016. What does that feel like?
I feel happy. I wouldn’t have signed this contract extension otherwise. I would like Madridistas to be happy, not just myself, the President, Jose Angel Sanchez and the Board. They’ve had faith in me and believe I am the ideal coach for the project we have until 2016. I would want Madridismo to be happy about this. I think most of them will be happy with the decision I and the Board have reached. I’ve been talking to the players in the last few months analysing this situation and I profoundly feel the squad in general is happy with this decision. My wife and children, who are key in my decisions, are as well.

What prompted you and the club to extend your contract to 2016?
The overall project; the wish of the President to have a long term project, which is something unusual in today’s football; the confidence he has always had in me and my work; and the special feeling I always said was important when there were rumours about me leaving. I’ve always said that’s very important to me and that I would stay while the fans, the team and the club were happy and confident in with my work. I’ve gotten to know this club and its great qualities better, as well as the small problems it has like any other institution or person. I’m delighted to stay on and plan the sporting future of Real Madrid’s first team, and we know we must obviously focus more on the short-term and talk little about the distant future. That’s what we’ve tried to do in the last couple of years; we work for the future and think about the future. A look at our squad shows we’re thinking about the future, but a club of this dimension needs results and to win, and that’s what we’ve done and will continue to do in the next four years.

Do you feel this has happened because of a job well done?
I think it has happened because of how we all know each other and because of our conviction. I’ve always said this squad is young and that its best years are yet to come. It isn’t a squad with players on the verge of extinction or playing their final years of top tier football. The club, with its incredible social reach and structure, can adapt to the times and to what we’re trying to do. As a manager, I always try to grow and improve. I’ve loved the professional experience I’ve had of working for different clubs in different countries and cultures, and to learn from that while giving my best. I’ve loved that process. It’s different for me now because I’m thinking about a club long-term, and that club is Real Madrid, which has been more demanding and has forced me to do my absolute best due to its difficulties. I’ve had to improve as a coach and a professional. I think it is the perfect challenge for the next four years because you always have to do more when things are hardest. I need these great challenges in the maturity of my career; I need things to force me to be better.

Do you feel happy? Do you feel the club is happy with you?
We’ve been talking about this for a long time and we never wanted to sign or make it public in a rush. This is an important family, with important players and important supporters. It is a professional challenge to hopefully make all of them happy and I’m ready for it.

What’s the main objective for next season?
At the start of the campaign that’s just finished I told my men I did not want to prioritize. I didn’t want to choose one championship over another. I’ve always said we have to improve collectively and individually, and that we must play football to win both games and supporters. I’m sure Real Madrid gained many supporters throughout the world this year because we played the best football in the world despite not winning the Champions League. But we did win the toughest league title with fantastic football, and I think that’s what’s most important. We have to keep it up. I always say it is hard for those who work seriously and well not to win anything. We won the league title in our second season, just like we had planned, and we’ll see what happens next. But we will not obsess about things because that never helps. The only things we should obsess about are things we are clear on, such as being serious, professional, hardworking and respectful towards Real Madrid’s history, which is most demanding of its professionals. We have a four year project ahead of us and we have to enjoy it.

Are you confident in the squad you have until 2016?
Of course. This is a very young squad and there isn’t a single player who won’t be able to last until 2016, and most of them will reach the year at the peak of their careers. Some will reach it at the end of their footballing days, but none of them will have any problems. It’s normal at this time of the year to see who stays and who goes, and to contact some other players. This is normal in football during the summer, but our squad has been formed. A couple of signings would serve to improve on the team that took 100 points, which is how I believe this Real Madrid side will be remembered. They all deserve our confidence and we will face next season with them.

What will you do now, go on a holiday or continue working?
I’ll work because the responsibilities of my children’s school prevent my wife and I from having a holiday outside Madrid at the moment. I work in the mornings, but I will have 15 days off with my family during which I will disconnect completely from football. I will return to Madrid on 14 July for the tennis match between Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic organised by the Realmadrid Foundation, and I will begin training with those who won’t be in the Euro on 15 July.

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Raphael Varane: "I need more time to assert myself"

Raphael Varane reviewed his first year at Real Madrid in an interview with French television TF1. The young central defender knows he took a risky decision signing for the white team last summer. The player, 19 years old, said: "To sign and go to Real Madrid looked like it could be a suicide mission, but I knew where and for what I signed. I never doubted."

Raphael Varane

The French defender, who also was an interesting player for PSG and Manchester United, revealed that the presence of Jose Mourinho on the white bench was one of the keys by which he decided to sign for Real Madrid: "What made ​​the difference was that there was an expressed desire of the Portuguese coach to work with me. This and the guarantee of progress in my training in such an important club were essential in my decision" he said.

For the French player, one of the most important people in his move to Madrid was Zinedine Zidane: "The first person of Real Madrid who contacted me was Zizou. At that moment I was more concerned about the entrance exams to college. But it was a great moment " he said.

About the nickname the Spanish media gave him earlier this season, Mr. Clean, he says it is OK: "I make few mistakes in the field, so I like that nickname". Varane has played 15 games this season for the club Iin the Spanish League, Cup and Champions League. He has committed 14 fouls, less than one per game and has not seen any yellow card. In the nine games played in the league, the white 19 has only added eight faults. While in the four games he has played in the Champions League and two in the Cup, has only made ​​two and four fouls in each competition respectively.

Raphael Varane, who was summoned by the French Under-21 team to play against Latvia and Kazakhstan ahead of qualifying for the European Championship next year, is one of the players who will play for France in the future. Therefore he does not feel disappointed not to be in the list of France to the Eurocup 2012: "It is not a disappointment to me. The national team is a goal I have in the long term, not short. Now I am focused on helping the Under-21 team for next year's European Championship. I need more time to assert myself, first in Real Madrid and then with France", he said.

Varane has closed a successful first year at Real Madrid. He has already adapted to Spanish football, to Real Madrid and to the city. He even got a driver's license, so he no longer needs a mentor or family members, who visit him often, to go to the training at Valdebebas Sport City.

Cristiano Ronaldo: "I think I am better than Messi"

The Portuguese player gave two interviews on CNN and Sky Sports. He reviewed the season and his rivalry with Messi and Barcelona. This is an extract from both interviews.

Cristiano Ronaldo

What has been your best moment of the season?
Winning the title with Real Madrid. This is the first time I have won the league and I was very happy because it was my best time here in Madrid, the most important trophy. In individual terms, the year was good for me, for the goals I scored, breaking my previous record. And for the team to make 100 points in the league is another record. It was outstanding. I think it will be difficult to make a better season than this. For me, this is the hardest league in the world. Competing with Barcelona, as everyone knows, is very complicated and we have achieved a nine points gap at the end. It was an incredible year.

People always say that Barcelona play the best football in the world. Do you think that Real Madrid played better than them?
The points speak for themselves, nine points have separated Real Madrid and Barcelona. Many here in Spain. We played better than them this year, I am sure. I remember we won there last month 1-2. Nobody can do that, it is very difficult, so we deserve to win the league. We are better than them right now, but we respect them because they are also a great team.

Tell me about Mourinho as a person and as a manager.
As a person, is a humble and simple. He jokes all the time. He is good. As a coach, is completely different. He is serious and very professional. That's why he won the titles he has won. For me is the best, not only because I work with him, but for what he does: the tactics, all about the players, motivation. He has won in all countries where he was. I think he is great. The best coach in the world manages me and I am surrounded by great players.

Do you see yourself finishing your career in Madrid?
I am very happy here, this is a fantastic club with the best fans, but nobody knows the future. I feel happy, but who knows in a year or two. The head of a man is complicated, but for now I am happy.

Are you tired with the comparision with Messi all the time?
Sometimes I feel tired. For him also because people compare us all the time. You can not compare a Ferrari to a Porsche because the engine is different. They can not be compared. He does his best for Barcelona and I do my best for Real Madrid. People talk about the numbers and they all say they are amazing. They talk about him and me because we beat our records. It's amazing. I think we pushed ourselves in competition. It is for this reason that the level of the Spanish League is so high. That's why Madrid and Barcelona are the two best teams in the world, because one requires the other.

Were you better than him this season?
It is not about who did it better. I hate to be compared with anyone. Some people say I am better, others say he is, but at the end of the year people will decide who is the best right now. And I think it's me (laughs).

What team do you think will win the Champions League?
It is difficult. Maybe people think that Bayern will win easy. I think not. Do not forget that Chelsea knocked Barcelona, which is very, very difficult. It will be an interesting match.

Do you feel sorry for the penalty you missed against Bayern?
It is always difficult when you lose something, when you lose on penalties. But I am not worried about that because if I had not scored twice there had been no penalties. I have to appreciate what I did in the Champions League and what I did for the club. But to be honest, it was one of the worst days in my career.

Mourinho: "Cristiano deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or"

Jose Mourinho attended a press conference at Kuwait's Regency Hotel before the tomorrow's friendly match that will face the Real Madrid and the Kuwait national team.

Jose Mourinho attending the press conference

What is the objective of Real Madrid in this match?
"This is the first time we visit this country and we do it with curiosity, as if going for the first time to an unknown country. But we are not here as tourists. We are here to play and we will try to win the match. We know it is a friendly match, but Real Madrid always has to elevate its prestige as much as possible. That is why we have travelled with all the team. Everyone will play tomorrow to honour their names and the prestige of Real Madrid. They are a little tired because of the tough season we had and there are players already thinking about the Euro, but everyone is in good form".

Will all the players play?
"We have respect for Kuwait's national team and all the players will play. That is the sign of greater respect but people should realise we just celebrated winning the Spanish league title, we had a seven hour flight and we have hardly trained for this. It is important no injuries tomorrow because many of my men are already thinking about the Euro. We will intend to play a good game and we willl try to win".

What is the main contribution of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid?
"We have won the championship thanks to all the players on the squad, but Cristiano Ronaldo is special because he scores goals in all sorts of ways and in every position. He and Messi are above the rest and, if there is justice in football, Cristiano will win the Ballon d'Or this year".

What about the role of Coentrao, which has been the past season most expensive signing?
"He had some problems of valuation, but not for me or peers, but to the press".

Why have you chosen this date to play in Kuwait?
"Real Madrid wanted to play in Kuwait and has been waiting the opportunity. It would have been difficult to do in the preseason due to short holidays and the weather. My players would have liked to be on holiday now, but they have responded well to this venture for the prestige of Real Madrid. We are here to play a good match".

How would you describe the league title you just won?
"This league title was more complicated than the seven that I won, because we had a rival who is recognized as the best in recent times. It was a titanic struggle between the two best teams in the world".

Will you train today?
It will be in the pool.

Benzema: "I would like to play with Messi and Cristiano"

Karim Benzema reviewed the entire season, both the collective and individual, in an interview with RMC. Gone are to Karim adjustment problems, "Everything is going well now, we have won the league and we are all proud of this team. It is true that at first was a bit tricky because it was the first time I separated from my family. When I got home and saw me alone was not easy but with patience and work everything went better. I always had intended to play on this team and today I am happy".

Karim Benzema

Apart from his work, Zidane and Mou are key as explains the player: "Zidane's help was important for me. He is the best player of all time in France and spoke with me. And Mourinho always told me what he wanted from me. He trusts me and we talked a lot". Benzema admits that his instinct in the area has improved and that it has been also important: "When you are a Real Madrid striker you have to score. It is true that I am now more effective and I always want to score. With Mou all is very well.

About Ronaldo, Karim notes that: "It is easier to play with great players like him", while does not hide another of his challenges: "I always dream of winning the Ballon d'Or and of course it is possible. I hope to be on the good road". Benzema's other dreams are with Real Madrid and France: "The Champions League and the Euro are always another challenges. We have a great national team, but we can not say that we will win the Euro. I have many targets, but always work knowing that in football there are ups and downs".

Karim also highlights the Bernabeu stadium and the fans, which this year have supported him in every moment: "It is awesome. I do not know how to explain, is extraordinary to play in a full field". The Frenchman feels integrated into the locker room: "Apart from Lass and Varane because they are French, I get along also with others. Ozil, Ramos, the Portugueses, all". About Varane, Karim bets strong: "He is very strong, young, and you can see how improves in training. He has things very clear".

And the striker has only good words to Mourinho, especially with his way of motivating: "For me he is number one. I had great coaches, but for me is the best". Following his best year in Madrid, Benzema thinks only keep winning in white and maybe retiring after play for Real Madrid: "Why not finish my career here? I do not know if I will be as many years as Raul. We will see".

Finally, responding to the survey prepared by the journalists, there was an interesting answer to the eternal question, Messi or Cristiano: "I can not choose because they are different, I would like to play with both".

Luis Figo: "Real Madrid has achieved an amazing league"

Real Madrid received yesterday afternoon during the training the visit of Luis Figo. The former Portuguese player came to Valdebebas sport city and praised the team that Jose Mourinho manages and spoke of the possibility that whites could achieve a record 100 points: "Real Madrid has achieved an amazing league and I am happy to enjoy such a year. Achieve 100 points could be left to history and is one motivation for the team, but the important thing is to win the league".

Luis Figo with Casillas and Jose Mourinho

The Portuguese is currently visiting Madrid and acknowledged that he was wanting to meet with some members of the Real Madrid squad: "It is a pleasure to see friends and have the chance to see the coach, with whom I worked at Inter, the players I know and people working in the club. I am still working with Inter in Italy and I used that I am here in Madrid to come see the team".

The former footballer analyzed the League the white team has won and noted the numbers that has achieved Real Madrid: "Real Madrid continues to add leagues, which is most important. The season has been spectacular and players are breaking numerous records. Only with this, they demonstrate their ability to work. I am very happy to enjoy such a year".

Figo also spoke of his countryman Cristiano Ronaldo, a player who never ceases to surprise by his innate desire to excel: "Every year he continues at a high level, showing the quality he has and beating his own numbers. You never know when he will stop. Cristiano is getting figures that do not seem real. He has a fantastic team that helps him to achieve these numbers along with his quality. I am sure he will reach more records".

On Sunday's match against Mallorca, which will close the official season, the former Real Madrid said: "People will live a party atmosphere as the team ends the year with its fans. They are doing a great season and this Sunday they will certainly have a good time with their supporters because the environment at the Bernabeu is always great".

Mourinho: "I have never wanted to seem perfect"

Jose Mourinho gave an interview to Spanish newspaper ABC. He reviews the most important aspects of this year and says Higuain and Sahin will be on the team next year. He further acknowledges that Adam will leave the team because he wants to play more games and it is difficult with Casillas.

Jose Mourinho

"My objective is to try to win more league titles with Real Madrid. I am delighted to stay on. I needed to coach this team in order for my career to be complete, but winning with Real Madrid is more important than coaching or winning with the team"

"My objective was to win La Liga and now I want to try to win more championships with this side. I have two years left on my contract and my family and I are happy with a stability we never had before due to moving every two or three years. We are delighted to remain here"

"President Florentino Perez managed to achieve the difficult task of getting me excited about his project. He told me Real Madrid needed me and that I needed Real Madrid to round up my career after winning the Champions League with Inter Milan. I am grateful to the President for convincing me to take that step and for his support. Coaching Real Madrid has been, and will continue to be, the toughest job in my career"

"My life's objective is not to defeat Barcelona, but it was very important to win the league title in order to break their run of late. It was necessary for Real Madrid, in their condition of the most important club in history, to prevent their national dominance from increasing"

"It is very difficult to talk about cycles, but I do think it is clear that Real Madrid are better than they were two years ago. And nothing will be the same again. We have not won the Champions League, but this team did not even reach the quarterfinals a few years back, while we have managed to play the semifinals two straight years, losing one of them in the penalty shootout. Real Madrid cannot win all the time, but they should always come close"

"Tell critics to look at my results. The richness of my career comes from coaching in different countries. You cannot win in Spain if you play like you did in Italy"

"I have managed to transform the mentality of my players, who used to think playing flashy football was enough. It is not enough with me. Talent is essential, but emotion, ambition and feeling are as important. We have a very good staff comprising Rui Faria, Silvino, Morais and Karanka. Most of my players are now better than they were before they started working with me"

"I love Real Madrid's beautiful game. I like straightforward, dynamic, fast and intense football with fast transitions. I love the football Real Madrid have played this year. They have been similar to the Porto side with which I won the Champions League and the UEFA Cup"

Jose Mourinho celebrates the Spanish league championship

"Leading is difficult. You have to stimulate your men and show both sides with them. Casillas once said to me, 'There were times this season in which you put a lot of pressure on us and were rough on the the group.' I laughed, but I knew what I was doing and what I wanted to provoke. I also showed a gentler side, like when we lost against Bayern Munchen. 'Relax,' I said to them then, 'You have already won the league title.' You have to bring the best out of everyone. A coach who doesn't like to act this way with his players won't last too long on the team"

"I have very good memories of my time with Guardiola. I met him when he was a player and I an assistant coach. I have never wanted to seem perfect and I have never hidden my defects. I have not done this outside of football either. Nobody is perfect and I am not going to change at 49. I've always been indepenedent and I have never worried about personal attacks. They do hurt when my children read them, but I simply tell them nothing's the matter"

"You have to handle special responsibility to be a player or a coach at Real Madrid, but it helps you grow. The first time Florentino Perez spoke to me he said: 'If you want to be one of the best coaches in history you have to come to Real Madrid.' I agree. My credo is that people who work in football have to love the sport and Real Madrid or whichever club they're at. It is very difficult to achieve objectives without creating an ambitious atmosphere. Everyone here helped win the title. I told the President and Director General Jose Angel Sanchez months ago that I would stay on and that I had nothing to do with any club that wanted me"

"Higuain will stay on. He has a good contract for many years. The club may receive a 40, 50 or 60 million euro offer, but they will not sell. My two centre forwards next season will be Higuain and Benzema. That's all there is to it"

"Real Madrid are in the goalkeeper market because Adan doesn't want to continue on the team. I have to convince him, to stay. I have even asked Iker for help! There are no problems between Casillas and myself. The whole situation of having to look for a replacement for Adan became a story of wanting to get rid of Casillas in the press"

"Pepe had a great season and people should acknowledge that. Many in the situation he is been in and with everyhting he is withstood would have left for Italy or England. When we talked about his contract extension he always wanted to stay"

"Benzema is very good and he is responsible for his transformation. He managed to overcome the small fears and insecurities he had in his first two seasons on the team and had a great campaign"

"Sahin will also stay. He never had a full preseason with us, but he will now"

Granero: "We are close. We need to beat Athletic Bilbao"

Esteban Granero

"We need to beat Athletic Bilbao to be champions and we will do our best to get it. Real Madrid have earned good results at San Mames in recent years but tomorrow it will be very difficult. Our forwards have great goal scoring instincts and we can win the match if we take advantage of this while also conceding few chances. We will try to take the three points. I have celebreated many League titles as a supporter and now I want to do so as a player. We are close, but we have not achieved anything yet"

"Athletic Bilbao are having a very good season and have greatly improved. Their coach, Marcelo Bielsa, has allowed them to grow and they have young and ambitious players. They always have the advantage of the great support of their fans at their stadium. They are a strong side and they made it difficult for us when we played against them at the Bernabeu stadium, especially during the first half. It will be a hard match. We will try to give another good performance to earn another good result. I am sure we will win if we manage to play our game"

"It will be essential to concede as few goals as possible. We believe we will have a great chance to win if we keep a clean sheet because we have great confidence in our forwards, who always give solid performances"

"Real Madrid have been thrilling their supporters all year. We have achieved great numbers and we have also managed to score many goals while conceding very few. We have players that truly make a difference and our supporters enjoy whatching us play. I always like to play and I try to do what is expected of me: be ready whenever I am needed to perform as befits this shirt and these fans"

"I feel proud to play with men like Cristiano Ronaldo, who makes a difference and is representative of an era of football. We will all remember sharing a dressing room with him because his performance level increases every season. His numbers and skills improve every year and he seems to have no limits. We are very happy to have him at Real Madrid. The humility and hard work with which he works every day allow him to improve"

"I dedicate my life to defend the Real Madrid. I have worn this shirt for most of my life, training and playing with it most days. Real Madrid has been training me since I was a kid and has helped me become a better person and player. I will always be grateful to the club for bringing me up this way. We are now close to winning an important title and I feel proud for being part of a team that will make club history"

Karim Benzema: "It is my time"

Karim Benzema after scoring his first goal against Sevilla

An assist and a double against Sevilla. The Spanish League is coming. Was it worth get up early on Sunday?
Of course. I am super happy but, as I always say on these occasions, the most important has been the collective victory. Against Sevilla I had good chances and I was able to score twice. After the Champions League match was essential for us to win again and we did well. We knew we had to focus back in the league. I think all the team members have played the match against Sevilla as was expected.

Was it hard to forget the elimination against Bayern Munich?
These things happen. We reached the semi-final with high hopes and we were close to reach the final. But we learned and thought that we had to win the league what helped us overcome the disappointment. It is now very close and we must be happy about it because, from early in the season, the League was our priority. On Wednesday and Thursday night we were all sad and dejected by the elimination, but we forgot this sadness.

Twenty league goals, thirty-one in total. Clearly, this is his best season in Madrid.
Of course it is my time. I score goals, give assists and have no physical problems that have stopped me. I am happy. I am happy and I feel good.

And part of the League is yours, right?
Mine and of all other players in the squad. This season it is true that I played more than the preceding two and I am happy about that.

It is time for a little resume. What has been your best memory of this season?
Are many. First, the victory in the Nou Camp in the last Classic, but my return to Lyon with Real Madrid's shirt and some good matches in the Champions League are in my mind.

And the worst?
The more recent the last Wednesday in the Champions League because we worked very hard to reach the final of this competition and we could not.

How do you feel physically ahead of the European Championship with France?
I am in optimum condition for the big tournament. After the end of the League I will have a few days off before going to France for Euro. But it's not yet time to think about it, but to win the League with Real Madrid.

Raphael Varane: "I have grown as football player"

Raphael Varane looks happy with Real Madrid

When you received a call from Zidane just over three months to play for Madrid, did you imagine that in such a short time you were going to play Champions League matches?
I have only 18 years and I did not think I would play such important games as a starter for a team like Madrid. But it's done. After two league games, have debuted in the Champions League and I can only cross my fingers to all goes down this path. And work hard, of course.

Having played the last three games as a starter, do you feel has made progress in your play?
Absolutely. I notice it. Training with coaching staff at this level and with players of that caliber allows me to learn many things. Having so many minutes at this time has made me to improve as central defender. In three games I have grown as a player.

You have also been able to discover what is the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in La Liga and Champions. Is it a big change respect your former club Lens?
Yes, the truth is that it has nothing to do. Felix Bollaert stadium is smaller, but the fans make more noise. It's a different environment. At the Bernabeu you note a different kind of pressure that is special.

What Jose Mourinho asked you before each of these three games you have played?
The coach told me I had to be very focused, avoid any dismissal. As I am young and lack experience, Mourinho wants, above all, no mistakes of inattention. I have to be really into the game from the opening whistle until the end. The central defender position needs very forcefully and we must be ready to intervene immediately.

Take a few months in Madrid, but you look happy in the team. Many people helped you to get a good start in this locker room ...
Actually, all peers have received me very well. Everyone feels great with me. The coach and Karim (Benzema), of course, but also Lass, who left France and went to play for Chelsea when he was still very young and has advised me about this new life. In regard to the field, I have the good fortune of being surrounded by very experienced players who are very attentive to me and help me constantly.

You are a regular in the Under-21 France team. Have you thought about playing with the senior team? Can you imagine to play the European Championship in June next year?
At the moment I do not think of anything. I just concentrate on what I'm doing at Real Madrid. I have the opportunity to play games as a starter and I focus on this. If Laurent Blanc calls me, I will be super happy, but now that is not an obsession for me. My number one target is to be efficient in the field and develop my style of play. If I am called up to the French national team, will be the result from what I do at Real Madrid.

Mesut Özil: "Real Madrid can win all the titles this year"

Mesut Özil

Today, German football hopes to qualify for the EuroCup tournament against Austria...
If we use our potential in the field, we will get the three points, that's for sure. But Austria it's a team that plays very well and will fight hard.

You go back to Gelsenkirchen, your hometown. Will you feel something special tonight?
Sure. I played at Schalke. My family and friends will come to the stadium to watch the game. I am delighted to be here again.

Real Madrid has started the season with a crushing victory, 6-0 in Zaragoza, and playing good football. What did you think about the headlines in the newspapers about you?
I'm glad I played a good game. But the praise must go to the team that supported me all the time. Impossible to play best.

How do you explain the great physical condition with which you have just started the season?
I'm in great condition, better prepared than ever. Last year we had a long involvement in the World Cup (semifinalist), then I started training with Werder Bremen and later in Madrid. This year everything has been different. It's been a tough preseason.

Why?
The trips to U.S.A., to China, the time difference... It was nice but also very exhausting.

Is that why Low did not call you for the match against Brazil?
Yes, that was fine. So other players could play. They had a spectacular performance against Brazil.

You have become more mature from you are abroad...
I had learned a lot in Bremen and Schalke, but abroad is something else. I am very happy with how things have gone for me. I feel really good in Madrid and, of course, very happy to play for Real. People are very friendly and in the meantime, I do better with the language.

You lost the Spanish Super Cup against FC Barcelona. Is Real Madrid again one step under the big rival?
I do not think so. Naturally we would have liked to win the Super Cup. But we saw in the two games that we are very close to them, we can compete with them. It will be very interesting to see the League, Champions and Spanish Cup titles. We want all three and I am sure we can win.

Whence comes this optimism?
We must not forget that the Barcelona players have been playing many years together. In these two years, Real Madrid has made many signings, but you can see that we understand each other better on the field, we are much stronger. We have taken a step further on last season.

Is also the German national team one step closer to the Spanish?
Yes, we are very regular, we won almost every game against great national teams. We can believe in ourselves and believe in ourselves. It is time for Germany to get a great title. And I am sure.

If you could get a title this season, which would you choose?
I want all.

Benzema: "I hope to stay here for many years"

Benzemas scored two goals against Hertha Berlin

Double against Hertha and you look better...
Yes, teammates passed me many balls. I scored two goals. Everything went well. I'm very happy with the start of the preseason. I'm working very hard.

What did you make this summer to get better?

Work hard. I feel better about my body, with much more confidence.

Do you feel starter?
I work for that. Inside my head is to be one of the best strikers but we are in preseason. I feel great and I'm fighting to become Real Madrid's starting striker.

What does Mourinho talk to you?
It's a great coach for me. He always tells me to work, not stop.

And Zidane?
It's special to me to have Zidane so close because he helps me. He speaks my language and gives me confidence.

Spanish Super Cup approaches. Is it necessary to strike first to Barcelona?
We have to take things slowly and not think about the Spanish Super Cup just yet. We must only focus on our next preseason match. I don't know if this is the best squad in Real Madrid history, but we're a very good team and we hope to fight for all titles.

Were you at some point outside the club?

I have not seen myself outside of Real Madrid. The coach and the club have faith in me and that's very important to me. I will always work hard in order to play. I hope to stay here for many years.

Mesut Özil: "The aim is to win all the titles"

Mesut Özil at the press room

Mesut Özil adressed the media at the press room of the sports city of Valdebebas and said: "The aim this season is to win all the titles. We are stronger than last year", commented Real Madrid midfielder.

Real Madrid player stressed the importance of mate Kaka, questioned for his performances in preseason games and said: "Kaka and I have a very good personal relationship. He is a very important player to us. He helps the team considerably and he and all of us are aware of his enormous potential. I have a very good relationship with him and we need him".

He also talked about Khedira and Sahin, two good friends in the locker room: "Sahin and Khedira are important to the team. Nuri's been unlucky with his injury, but I'm sure they'll both be back on 14 August and I'll feel very happy for them".

He also referred to the situation of players like Pedro Leon and Royston Drenthe, who trained alone yesterday because the coaching staff does not want them in the template for next season: "It's sad, but personally I think we will be happy to find a solution as soon as possible. The best thing for the players and the club is to find a solution and I am convinced that they will do", he said.

In addition, he declined to talk about the first official game that Real Madrid will have to play against Barcelona in the Supercopa of Spain in the month of August: "Rather than on the Spanish Super Cup, we'd rather concentrate on the work we're doing in the preseason and on recovering all our injured players". Although he said the goals for this year: "This team is more mature. We felt strong in the games we've already played. We have the potential to defeat anyone and our objective is to win many titles. We will fight for them all".

Finally, neither spoke about the feelings that he has wearing the shirt with the number ten: "We are in the preseason. So far I have worn the number ten shirt. On that I do not want to say anything, you will see the number that I will take".

Varane: "I can evolve further in Real Madrid"

Raphael Varane

Why did you choose Real Madrid instead of other clubs?Is the team where I can evolve more. In addition, the coach can make me grow as a player and a man.

What were your childhood idols and what do you know Real Madrid?
Real Madrid is a great club. I am proud to be on this team. A great club. I come from Lens, where I played 23 games at Ligue 1, and for me the strongest image when I was a boy, was the World Cup 98 in France. I think Blanc and Thuram were the first football memories that prompted me to be a footballer.

Do you feel integrated?
I talk to everyone on the team. Having a different language makes it more difficult, but I understand it all. I get along very well with Sahin and Karim.

At Real Madrid there is much competition ...
In all clubs there is competition. In a team like Madrid, one must know to train and work hard. I came to work long term. I do not care competition and I will work hard to play.

Who was the first contact to take him to Real Madrid?
The first contact was with the president of Lens, who told me that there was interest from Madrid. Then I talked to Jose Mourinho and Zidane about the project, which I found very interesting.

How about comparisons with Fernando Hierro?
I guess it is obvious to be compared to Hierro. I know his career. I hope to have a career as good as his.

Jose Mourinho "I want fans to feel proud of their team"

Jose Mourinho will shortly start his second season at the helm of Real Madrid. The coach gave an exclusive interview to RealmadridTV and Realmadrid.com shortly after the team arrived in Los Angeles to start its preseason work.

Jose Mourinho

What were your holidays like?
Short, but fine. I had 15 relaxing and happy days.

You left for a holiday late, but you look satisfied with the period you stayed in Madrid working.
I enjoyed it because it went by very quickly and I didn’t have a crazy desire for the holidays to finally arrive. It was a great experience to work personally with the President and with Jose Angel Sanchez. I liked the President’s vision for the club and its future. I think the way he thinks about the evolution of his Real Madrid is phenomenal. Jose Angel is a little like me: we work during the day and end up texting each other or writing e-mails till 10 or 11 at night. He never side-tracks from his family life, but he’s thinking about work 24 hours a day. I liked him very much.

This season is important because it comes with the birth of a new structure at Real Madrid.
Every season is important in its own way. This structure is here to help the team, not to complicate things. We have to instill life and dynamism into this structure. We have to give people who are responsible of many departments time to create a functional empathy and a new working method. I’m very glad to see there is great empathy between the people at the club and that they share a common goal to serve the first team and the players, who are the most important thing at the club. This cooperation is the essence of our work.

Zinedine Zidane seems to be much more relevant in this new structure.
I like that he’s working with us and that he personally decided to change his life and be part of this project. He believes in this and thinks he can help. He has a lot to offer, but he has also much to learn. It is one thing to be the best player in the world for many years and another to be Football Director of the First Team at a club as important as Real Madrid. His intelligence, calm nature and the fact that he is completely open to communicate make him a welcome addition to this group, in which everyone is excited to work together.

Are you satisfied with this season’s signings?
It isn’t easy to sign for Real Madrid because we have a very good squad and we earned important results last season. We won a title and nothing else because we didn’t win any more. We decided to improve on, and to balance out, the squad without losing track of having to come up with a team for the future. Coentrao is 23 years old, one year younger than Callejon. Sahin is even younger and Varane is an 18 year old kid. We never want to side-track from building a team for years to come that has large room for improvement and progress. We signed men we thought were important to improve on a squad that was already very good.

Is it the squad you had in mind?
I’m happy with the squad, especially when you think we’re still missing Higuain and Di Maria, who are very important to us. I, like everyone else, believe we need another striker. It’s fantastic to have more than 90% of the team you want by mid-July because it allows you to work in a different manner. Higuain and Di Maria already know the team and won’t need three or four months to adapt. We’re happy because we’re building something to last for a long time. This squad has ten years ahead of it.

It’s important to mention how the squad has increased its value since the start of last season thanks to the performances of men like Ozil, Di Maria and Khedira.
People may talk about the amount of money spent by Real Madrid in this new era of Florentino Perez, but if they compare the investment made with the value of the squad in the market they will realize it’s been fantastic. How much are Di Maria and Ozil worth today? They didn’t even know what great pressure in football was when they arrived. Think of Cristiano also. If Real Madrid wanted to sell him tomorrow (which I obviously wouldn’t want) they would make a profit. This squad has fantastic global market value and I am very satisfied with it.

How will the work be this preseason?
We’re here to work, improve and face other teams. I don’t want to win a preseason match 15-0. I want them all to be difficult. Los Angeles Galaxy are a complicated opponent because they’ve already played 14 or 16 league games this season. The same goes for Chivas Guadalajara and Philadelphia Union. The English, German and Chinese football cultures are different and will also be difficult, but we intend to do our best against our opponents. We did a good job last season, so we won’t start from scratch. We’ve assimilated some aspects of our game perfectly already and we can have a completely different start to last season’s. We want to be stronger by the time we play our first league match this year. We must start the season the way we ended the last, by playing attractive and offensive football.

It is the first time since 1985 that the squad has three goalkeepers from the academy.
There are four right now, which is unique to football. I can’t see any other side having three or four goalkeepers from its academy. They also represent three different generations of players. One of them is the best in the world. Another has been promoted from third keeper to second. Our two youngest goalies train with us now and we will decide which will be our third and which will play for Castilla every week. They can play for our second side while training with the first team. I believe this team’s goal may be kept by academy goalies for years to come.

This is also an important season for Castilla. You proved to count on them last season and you’ve proved it again this preseason.
It isn’t easy because we’ve got two objectives right now. One is the evolution of the players and the other is to get Castilla promoted to the Second Division so that we can organise the team differently. That’s why we still give some players the chance to play in the First Division, such as Juan Carlos, Mateos, Juanfran, Sarabia… They are good enough to play in a better league and playing in the Second Division B wasn’t good for them. People are wrong to think we let these players get away from us. When Real Madrid loans out or sells these players with an option to repurchase them they remain Real Madrid footballers. We can get them back whenever we want. We want them to experience a different championship. On the other hand, we also think Castilla can get promoted and that’s why we’ve kept players of a superior level, like Casado, Joselu, Nacho, Alex, Morata and Carvajal. They will be the core of the team next year and we want to find two or three players who can help coach Toril come up with a Second Division team.

This squad is impressive; it is 24.8 years old on average.
They make us feel younger. We have to adapt to their level. This is good for all of us. It’s positive for all. We have a team that must grow and may at times feel emotional weaknesses due to lack of experience. We have a squad that is potentially very good. I am delighted to work with them because they are motivated, they want to learn and they want to win. The coaching staff is delighted.

Why haven’t you given an interview in such a long time?
It isn’t necessary. So many people talk about me, feature me in their front pages, accuse me of saying things… I don’t need to talk. They do it for me.

Are you already thinking about the Spanish Super Cup?
No. The preseason isn’t there to prepare for the Spanish Super Cup. We will play the championship in the second week of August and that’s when we’ll think about it, despite the fact we’ll have many men with their national teams by then. During these first four or five weeks of training we won’t think of opponents or small competitions. We’ll just focus on preparing our players and coming up with the best team possible.

Isn’t it strange for you to play a match at 11:00 pm?
It will be my first time, but it won’t matter as long as the match is exciting.

One of the main goals this season is to win the Champions League. You will not be able to sit on the bench in the first few games. You’ll have to go to Nyon on the 28th. Have you already prepared your defence?
No, I haven’t. You don’t need to prepare anything when you’re saying the truth. It’s absolutely natural. I must have the right to think justice will be made and that I will be able to sit on the bench. If not, my coaching staff will be there. Real Madrid will be top seeded, something they weren’t in previous years, thanks to the great run we had in the Champions League last season. It allowed us to recover that status.

Who have you missed during the holidays?
I missed Manolin [an equipment manager]. Just looking at him makes me laugh.

You may have also missed your captain, Iker Casillas.
I haven’t had time because I’ve seen him travelling and enjoying his holidays so often. That story about me or Real Madrid wanting someone else to be the captain was very stupid. I understand papers have to sell copies and that they need to lie and lie when there is no football going on, but that sort of lie can be very damaging. He will always be a captain when he starts a game.

Did you speak to someone from the club on a daily basis during the holidays?
I spoke with Jose Angel Sanchez more than once a day.

It’s curious to see how excited you are with the new kits.
I like the gold names and numbers very much. I think our Champions League shirt will be rather new compared to those of previous years. I think this shirt will be very successful.

We’re in Beverly Hills, home to the stars. Which superstar would you like to see on the street?
I’d like to see Al Pacino.

Would you swap your life with that of a movie star’s?
Not even for one day.

Finally, what’s your objective for next season?
I want fans to feel proud of their team. I have a feeling we achieved that last season and I believe we can reach a new level of empathy in the positive relationship that exists between the team and the fans this year.

Link

Interview: Fabio Coentrao

FABIO COENTRAO: "I ALWAYS DREAMED OF PLAYING FOR REAL MADRID"

Ceontrao at the Real Madrid trophy room

Coentrao promises effort, distributes praise and confesses that his only desire was to play in the Bernabeu. "From childhood I always dreamed of playing for Madrid", revealed the Portuguese player in his first interview in white.

You always said you wanted to play for Real Madrid, so this must be a dream come true.Yes, that's true. Every footballer dreams of playing for Real Madrid. I wanted to since I was a child. I used to imagine playing for this team. It was my dream and it has now come true. I hope to earn continuity and to show people I am ready to play here.

What went through your mind as you signed your new contract with Florentino Perez?
I honestly didn’t think of anything. I was just nervous. Being here with the President and signing a contract is like a dream.

Are you anxious to start working with Mourinho and your new peers?
Of course I am. He is the best coach in the world and has been officially acknowledged as such. It makes me proud to have the chance to work with him and a template full of great players.

You will have to compete with quality players as Marcelo for a starter place in the team, but competition is good in order for a player to grow…
It is good, especially for Real Madrid. Having quality players like Marcelo is good for any side. I will work hard to play, and so will he. We will compete for a spot every week and the team will benefit from that. That’s all that matters.

You know the Spanish League from your stage at Zaragoza. What’s your opinion about it?
It is a very competitive League and it has many solid teams. I am anxious to play in the championship and to win it with Real Madrid, which is the best club in the world.

Coinciding with many players from the Portuguese national team may ease your adaptation process.
Yes, I believe it may help me considerably. I have just arrived at the greatest club in the world and, despite the fact that Benfica is also an important club, it is always rather strange. It’s important to have friends here because it will make things easier for me.

Among all the players of Real Madrid, Who do you want to play with?
With everyone. Here there are players of great quality and I have really wanted to share the game with everyone.

What can Coentrao add to Real Madrid?
I consider myself a player who works hard. I try to do everything for my team wins every game. That's my best attribute, I can run, shoot...

You've had more offers. Why did you choose Real Madrid?
It is true that I have had several offers at this time, but I always had clear it; join Real or stay at Benfica. I did not want to leave from there if not to come to play for Real Madrid.

What is your dream for this season?
I have it clear. Win all the competitions we play.

Nuri Sahin: "I will be starter in Real Madrid"

Nuri Sahin

After crowned champions of the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, you move to Real Madrid. You should be very happy...
Yes, it is the largest and most important club in the world, all players want to sign for Real Madrid at some point in his career and I am very pleased to have the opportunity. I worked very hard for it. I leave Dortmund full of joy.

Will not be easy for you to get a starting position in Madrid. You will have to fight with players like Xabi Alonso and Khedira.
I know the competition is great and much more in a team like Madrid, but I am sure I will achieve. So I go there, otherwise I would not. I will work hard and I will get a place in the starting lineup in Madrid, I have no doubt about it.

The change Dortmund-Madrid will be enormous, not only professionally but also by comparing cities. Have you had the opportunity to familiarize with your new home?
I have already visited the city, it seems very nice and I am very happy to live in Madrid. I will arrive in early July. We have found a house and so everything is ready for my move.

Ready to start working with Mourinho and your new teammates?

I am fully recovered from injury and I will arrive to Madrid in good physical condition. So I will be ready to start working with my colleagues.

With your good friends Altintop and Özil.
Being surrounded by people that I meet, will make things easier. I have spoken with Mesut about Madrid and his information has helped me a lot.

Has he talked to you about how difficult it is the Spanish language?
I hope to master it quickly. I am learning it for almost a year and a half.

Perhaps preparing a possible move to Spain? Did you know next season you would play there?
No, I did not plan to come to a Spanish club. I did it for pure interest along with other colleagues in the Borussia Dortmund. Our teacher, the person who helped us learn to speak and understand things in Spanish was the translator of Lucas Barrios.