Real Madrid plot £25m move for Arsenal & Man United target

Real Madrid are preparing to launch a £25m bid to prise Ilkay Gundogan away from Borussia Dortmund and have a principle agreement in place already, reports the Daily Express.

Both Arsenal and Manchester United were credited with an interest in the German international during the summer transfer window but neither clubs were able to agree a deal with the Champions League runners-up.

Arsenal were linked with a move for Gundogan as recently as last month by the Daily Mail, who reported Arsene Wenger is looking at several Germans to add to the already growing number at the Emirates.

Manchester United, on the other hand, were recently linked with a move for the player with theDaily Star suggesting David Moyes will attempt to bring him to Old Trafford after Sir Alex Ferguson failed to do so in 2011.

However, It is now being reported by the Daily Expressthat Real Madrid were also tracking the 22-year-old and have an agreement in principle to sign him once the transfer window reopens.

Reports in Spain also suggest that Real Madrid, who have been buoyed by the fact that Gundogan is yet to sign a new contract, are prepared to part with £25m to sign him ahead of the Premier League giants.

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Ozil reveals text message exchanges with Jose Mourinho

Arsenal attacker Mesut Ozil admits Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is one of his few connections he still has with Real Madrid.

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil is rarely out of the news since his big money switch, with the media friendly attacker this week giving interviews in his homeland ahead of Germany's World Cup qualifiers.

The £42m star told Suddeutsche Zeitung he is thrilled to be at Arsenal, among staff and fans whose passion for the game is unlike any he has previously experienced.

He speaks little of his time at Real Madrid, and is quite categorical he has left it all behind, with national teammate Sami Khedira one of the few he keeps in contact with.

However there is one Madrid man he has notably been in communication with, who is now to be a bitter rival; Jose Mourinho.

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Mourinho was the manager who signed him to Real Madrid, and for who he enjoyed playing before Carlo Ancelotti took over this summer.

Ozil tells Bild that the pair have been in contact since his signature for Arsenal.

"Yes, we’re in touch. He sent me an SMS saying 'welcome to London'." 

Ozil was then asked what else they had been messaging about, to which he secretively replied: "That’s between us."

We aren'y implying it has anything improper, they were likely discussing his final days at Madrid, and impending rivalry in the Premier League.

If anyone knows what Ozil can do and how he must be fearful, it is Mourinho - and it will be fascinating to see how he handles the Gunner when the Arsenal and Chelsea face off in the league at the Emirates on December 21. 

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6-0: Benzema on target as France thrash Australia

France were untroubled as they defeated Australia at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Varane played from the start in this friendly, which the French had killed off by half time, as they went in 4-0 up. After the break, Benzema replaced Giroud in attack and it only took him a few minutes to beat the Australian goalkeeper. The goal from the Real Madrid player was the final goal of the game. The next game for Benzema and Varane will be on Tuesday, in the World Cup qualifying match against Finland.

FACT SHEET:
6 - France: Lloris, Debuchy, Varane, Abidal (Sakho, 47th minute), Evra (Clichy, 63rd minute), Cabaye (Sissoko, 83rd minute), Pogba (Matuidi, 62nd minute), Nasri, Remy, Ribery (Valbuena, 62nd minute) and Giroud (Benzema, 47th minute).

0 - Australia: Langerak, Wilkshire (Leckie, 69th minute), Neill, Williams, Carney (Davidson, 46th minute), Jedinak, Holland, Cahill (Kennedy, 80th minute), Bresciano, McKay and Kruse (Rukavytsya, 46th minute).

Goals:
1-0 (8th minute): Ribery.
2-0 (16th minute): Giroud.
3-0 (27th minute): Giroud.
4-0 (29th minute): Cabaye.
5-0 (47th minute): Debuchy.
6-0 (51st minute): Benzema.

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Japanese Messi’, 9, to join Real Madrid youth academy

Tokyo: A stunning young footballing talent, dubbed the “Japanese Messi” for his dazzling dribbling ability, is set to sharpen his skills at Real Madrid’s youth academy. Hopes are high for Takuhiro Nakai, who, at the tender age of just nine, has been offered a spot with the Spanish giants, his supporters said on Friday. “He is looking forward to it,” said Naosuke Takahashi, a member of staff with E+U, a firm that helps organise Real Madrid’s youth programmes in Japan. “What makes him special is his dribbling skills. For a boy of his age, his ball control skills are very special,” Takahashi said. A video of little Takuhiro, his hair tied up like a pineapple to keep it out of his eyes as he runs rings around his opponents, has been a smash on YouTube, garnering more than 1.6 million viewings and a host of appreciative comments. “This young kid will make Japan proud,” posted Philani Ngwekazi, while Reg Zryt said: “Unbelievable skills”. The youngster has also been featured on Japanese television programmes and, Japanese media say, has been a hit on Spanish TV.

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Report: Real Madrid leading race for Ilkay Gundogan

Real Madrid have reportedly made Borusssia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan their next top transfer target.

The 22-year-old has developed into one of Europe's best midfielders since moving to the Westfalenstadion two years ago, in which time he has won a Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal.

He also played a starring role in Due Schwarzgelben's run to the Champions League, and scored a penalty in the 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the final at Wembley.

Manchester United and Arsenal are both rumoured to be monitoring the German international, but Punta Pelota have reported that Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is ready to make a £25m bid.

Gundogan is yet to sign an extension to his contract with Dortmund, which expires in 2015.

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Manchester City, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain want Sergio Ramos?

Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are all reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid defenderSergio Ramos.

The 27-year-old has been with Madrid since 2005, making 360 appearances in all competitions for the former Spanish champions.

However, it has been suggested that the versatile defender is open to the possibility of seeking pastures new following a slight rift in the Madrid camp.

According to Punto Pelota, all three interested parties have made contact with Madrid, but thus far the interest has been repelled.

Ramos has also made 112 appearances for Spain.

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Official announcement: Bale

In response to the information that the newspaper Marca has published today regarding the player Gareth Bale, Real Madrid would like to state the following:

1. The information published, claiming that the player has a slipped disc on the L5-S1 vertebrae and a bulge on two others, is completely false.

2. The player does not have a slipped disc, as the club's medical services stated clearly to the newspaper before the information was published. Surprisingly, the version the doctors offered this media outlet on Thursday 10 October has been omitted.

3. The player Gareth Bale has a small chronic disc bulge, which is extremely common among football players and by no means prevents him from carrying out his professional activity normally.

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All the secrets of Gareth Bale

Is Gareth Bale really worth the money splashed out on him? In the book 'Gareth Bale, el ciclón de Gales' ('Gareth Bale, the Welsh Cyclone', Al Poste Ediciones), the player's life and football journey that led him to Real Madrid can be followed after what was one of the most talked-about transfer deals ever.

The book starts with his early days at Whitchurch High School, where his coaches refused to let him play with his left foot in order to give his team mates a chance, up to his spectacular move to the Bernabéu. The book details his apprenticeship at Southampton and his fast evolving stint as a Tottenham Hotspur player under the guidance of Harry Redknapp.

'Gareth Bale, el ciclón de Gales' covers the player's growth problems which almost called time on his football career, as well as his fine displays for 'Spurs', including his sensational hat-trick on 20th October at the San Siro against the champions of Europe, Inter Milan.

The book details Bale's explosive 2012-13 season under André Villas-Boas, which confirmed his name as a complete midfielder, with a record of 26 goals in official matches for Tottenham. Bale's fine season saw him take all the individual awards in English football.

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Tévez: "Real Madrid? There's no fear in football"

Argentina striker Carlos Tévez discusses all manner of subjects in this interview with Italian newspaper 'Tuttosport'.
Q. What's changed in your life since you moved to Juventus?
A. I'm enjoying my football again. That's the best thing for a player - being happy.
Q. Which player has surprised you most?
A. Quagliarella because of how he hits the ball. And Pogba. I didn't know him before; he's a true champion, he's got the personality to match his stats.
Q. What's your relationship like with Argentina and the national team? What would you do if Sabella called you?
A. I don't want to talk about that - it's not my problem.
Q. So in June, instead of going to the World Cup, you'll be going straight on holiday.
A. No comment.
Q. Can Juventus beat Real Madrid at the Bernabéu?
A. Real is Real. A superpower and an institution, just like United. Regardless of form, Madrid is a great team that I respect. I think we need to chalk up two big wins to go through to the next round of the Champions League. It doesn't matter if they come at the Bernabéu or elsewhere.
Q. You've got experience of playing at the Bernabéu.
A. Right, with City. But I only played against Barcelona when I was at United. I expect a noisy atmosphere.
Q. Are you scared?
A. Scared? No, there's no fear in football. Now the neighbourhood I grew up in, that's real fear.
Q. Gun to your head: Messi or Ronaldo.
A. Ronaldo... (laughing).

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Hugo Sánchez: "Benzema needs to show more spirit and personality"

Former Real Madrid striker Hugo Sánchez, who has just been appointed the Spanish league's new ambassador for the Americas, discussed the battle up front at his old club. "Benzema needs to prove he can cope with the pressure. Morata won't want to let this opportunity slip", he stated.
The Mexican believes Benzema "has had time" to fulfil his obvious "talent and ability", but the Frenchman has not demonstrated the "spirit and personality" required to lead the line for 'Los Blancos'.
As for Real's brand of football under Carlo Ancelotti, the legend stated that "Real Madrid must stay true to its style. You're not likely to ever see the same intricate passing other teams play at the Bernabéu".
Sánchez had positive words for another of his former clubs, Atlético de Madrid, whom he called "a serious contender for the title, because it's competing well and Diego Simeone has stamped his mark on the team. Plus, Diego Costa is a very effective striker who is in great form".
Finally, the ex-Mexico ace expressed his "pride" at being named the LFP ambassador. Though admitting the role "sounds a bit political", he said he would perform it "with all the professionalism and passion I showed at every team I played for".

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Xabi Alonso and Bale train away from the squad

Xabi Alonso and Gareth Bale completed another day on their road to recovery, although they trained away from the rest of Carlo Ancelotti´s squad during the last session of the week.

Real Madrid completed its final training session of the week without the 16 players called up for international duty with their respective national teams. Xabi Alonso and Bale continue their recovery and Ancelotti hopes to have them fit and ready for Real’s next league fixture, and if not, for the 'Clasico' on 26th October.

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"I’ve completely disconnected from Real Madrid"

German international Mesut Özil says that his time at Real Madrid is now completely in the past, adding that he is thrilled to be playing in the Premier League and that he exchanges SMS messages with his former manager at the Spanish club, Jose Mourinho.

"Yes, we’re in touch. He sent me an SMS saying 'welcome to London'," the player said, in a statement today to German newspaper 'Bild', before adding "that’s between us," in response the question about what else they had messaged each other.

"I’ve completely disconnected from Real Madrid," he said with regards to his former club and the circumstances surrounding his move to Arsenal, the team he says he is thrilled to be at.

"At 24 years of age I’ve played in Germany, Spain and England, the three best leagues in the world. I’ve been successful in all three, I’m a true European", he joked.

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Ancelotti seeks stable couple

After dealing with the crisis between the sticks, the Mesut Özil crisis, the systemic crisis, the 'number 9' crisis and the derby crisis, Ancelotti now needs to deal with doubts surrounding the centre of his defence. The Real Madrid manager will need to decide who to choose at centre back for a fast-approaching and vital run of four games (Málaga-Juventus-Barcelona-Sevilla), which will essentially show if Carletto's side is going to perform like a finely-tuned Ferrari or a Fiat with a flat tyre.

Ancelotti is looking for a stable pairing that can add some backbone to a defence that has been just one of the many concerns for Real Madrid so far this season.

The team's defensive frailties have been caused by both full backs pushing up the pitch at the same time, by the front four failing to track back and the inability of the two holding midfielders to cover every gap, which has meant that the central defenders have been left exposed on more than one occasion in every game played so far.

Despite the actual number of goals shipped not being as alarming as the lack of footballing talent on show, the fact of the matter is that the 'Blancos' have only managed to keep a clean sheet twice so far this season – against Granada at Los Cármenes and Copenhagen at the Bernabéu – in ten games that were all supposed to be comfy wins, apart from Atlético's visit to the Bernabéu of course - the memory of which will still be hurting Ancelotti and his boys.

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Zidane: "Ancelotti is a fantastic coach"

Zinedine Zidane spoke to Radio Montecarlo about how things are going at Real Madrid and his current role as assistant manager. According to Zizou, being Ancelotti's right-hand man is a great way to learn: "It's good experience. For what I want to do in the future, being Carlo Ancelotti's assistant is ideal. It's a great way to prepare for the rest of my career."

Zidane revealed that he and Carletto decide on tactics ahead of each game. "I am happy, it is thrilling work. Challenging, but thrilling. There are two assistant managers. Paul Clement is in charge of training and explains things to me really well. With Ancelotti, I talk more about players and tactics," the Frenchman said.

His admiration for Ancelotti goes way back and now that they are working alongside each other, Zidane realises this is a great opportunity for him to learn from a master. "He was my coach at Juventus. He's fantastic. He has developed a lot. He is a very experienced manager and has triumphed all over. It is a great chance for me and my future."

As for his career path, Zinedine Zidane is sure about one thing. "My goal is to be head coach. I will enjoy the ride and learn, I am rubbing shoulders with some big footballing names," he said. Zidane also expressed his desire to one day lead the French national team.

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La Liga outfit plotting £15m January swoop for Chelsea star

Jamie Sanderson from Metro has popped

 into the Football Transfer Tavern today to suggest that Chelsea midfielder Ramires is being targeted by Real Madrid in a £15 million January swoop.

Newly appointed Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is the man behind the rumour as he drafts his plans ahead of the re-opening transfer window in the New Year, with the Italian coach informing his scouts of possible targets this week.

Ancelotti has now reportedly outlined a reunion with the midfielder who he first brought to Stamford Bridge from Benfica in 2010 and it is thought that the 26-year-old would be interested in linking up with Ancelotti again at the Bernabeu.

Madrid are looking for another box-to-box midfielder as doubts grow over the future of former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso with the 31-year-old's contract set to expire in the summer.

The La Liga outfit have reportedly been looking at new Tottenham signing Paulinho, but is is believed by the Spanish press that Ramires is the prime January target.

Chelsea will want to keep hold of the midfielder who has made 10 appearances for Jose Mourinho's side this season but an offer of around £15 million could prove hard to resist especially if the player wants to move on.

Madrid scouts are now expected to track the Brazilian international's progress until January and a possible switch to Spain could see Alonso being allowed to leave for a bargain fee with Liverpool lining up an emotional reunion.

Should the Blues do everything possible to keep hold of the Brazilian? Let us know your thoughts below.

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forward's dig at City attack

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A round up of the latest news stories and gossip connected to Manchester City.

Manchester City are thought to be one of the clubs interested in signing Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos. The Spanish defender is apparently at odds with the Spanish giants over a pay rise dispute and City are thought to be one of the teams with an offer ready to put to the defender.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has admitted the thought of leaving the club and going back to Argentina crossed his mind over the summer.

 

 

“I love Independiente and when they were relegated I even thought about moving back there. I wanted to help the club to go up again. I definitely thought about it, but my agent told me City would have killed us,” he told the Sun.

Another Manchester City forward Stevan Jovetic says he’s looking to dent England’s chances of going to the World Cup next summer. Jovetic is expected to lead Montenegro’s attack in the match against England at Wembley tomorrow.

“I am very excited by the game - For us it is even more important this time because we have two games left in the group and if we get good results, we can qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time,” he told the City website.

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Pogba for sale? Will a Premier League side break the bank?

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could leave Juventus, which could lead him to Chelsea, Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain

Despite a fantastic first season at Juventus since joining from Manchester United, Paul Pogba may be on his way out of Italy.
Pogba, still only 20, has established himself as arguably the best young central midfielder in the world, after a season that saw him notch five goals and bag a call up to the France squad.

With question marks over Andrea Pirlo's future with Juve, you would think that manager Antonio Conte would want to build around the Frenchman, but president Andrea Agnelli stated that Serie A is no longer appealing to players, and that if a suitable offer comes in for Pogba, they may be forced to sell him.
“If I was to judge it from a footballers' point of view, Italy is no longer the final destination but a transit destination. I am trying to think what will be of us in two or three years' time if we get a massive offer for one of the best talents we have today, Pogba, the French 20-year-old. Would we be able to retain him? I don't know. I don't think at the moment we have the strength to retain such a player.
"Look at what happened to AC Milan. They had to give away Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to pay the cheques. At the end of the day you can be attractive, but you also need to have the economic strength."
The revelation coming out of Turin will set a number of big clubs around Europe on red alert, with the chance to sign an already talented midfielder with bags of potential. The irony of the situation is that Manchester United, Pogba's former club, could have really used a player like him before spending £27.5m on Marouane Fellaini. It would be interesting to see whether United try and bring Pogba back, as the Frenchman's main reason for leaving was his frayed relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Aside from United, you'd have to imagine that only clubs with financial clout would be able to afford Pogba, so teams such as Chelsea, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco and Real Madrid would be front-runners for Pogba's signature, whilst Arsenal have recently held an interest in the former Le Havre product.
Juventus have managed to rebuild their team and their reputation since the match-fixing scandal that saw them relegated in 2006, but losing Pogba would be a huge blow to their team not only now, but also as they look to challenge Europe's elite as the top side from Italy.
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Zidane: "I would give the Ballon d'Or to Ribéry"

Zinedine Zidane believes Franck Ribéry deserves to win the Ballon d'Or but admits he could well miss out to Lionel Messi.

Zidane has offered his backing to his compatriot. The Real Madrid assistant coach told RMC: "I would give it to Franck for what he did this year and especially the three major trophies he has won".

"The problem is there is a guy who has scored 55 goals", 'Zizou' said about Lionel Messi.

The former Real and France international playmaker has rejected recent criticism of the Spanish outfit over their handling of Gareth Bale since he first arrived at the club, telling Sport360 in Abu Dhabi: "He's well integrated at the club and everyone has received him very well".

"He was lacking a bit of physical preparation when he arrived so it has been a bit delicate in the beginning with his physical state. The only thing that is lacking with his condition is that he hasn’t trained enough with the rest of the team".

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Cristiano Ronaldo - Footballing Superstar

Cristiano Ronaldo - Footballing Superstar ITV Documentary - FULL Movie [HD]

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Mancini wants Benzema to strengthen Galatasaray

Mancini has also stated that he wants to sign Kolarov, knowing the Serbian full back well from their time together at Manchester City, but his prime target is a spearhead for his attack in the form of Karim Benzema, according to the Turkish daily 'Malatya Güncel'.

Galatasaray's new manager, Roberto Mancini, has expressed his interest in acquiring the services of French striker Karim Benzema during the winter transfer window, stating that the team needs another player to strengthen the front line to ensure it has a successful season.

Mancini has also stated that he wants to sign Kolarov, knowing the Serbian full back well from their time together at Manchester City, but his prime target is a spearhead for his attack in the form of Karim Benzema, according to the Turkish daily 'Malatya Güncel'. The paper claims that Galatasaray also wants to move last season's Champions League sensation Burak Yilmaz on to pastures new.

The whole operation depends on the transfer of the experienced Turk, who scored eight goals in the 2012-13 Champions League campaign, a figure that was only beaten by Cristiano Ronaldo (12) and Pole Robert Lewandowski, who finished the competition on 10 goals after featuring in every round.

Mancini, who replaced the seemingly eternal Fatih Terim two weeks ago, has informed his new club's directors that his main target is Benzema, reminding them of the player's stats for the season. "He's 25 years old, he's played eight games and he's scored two goals", added the digital edition of the Turkish daily.

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Real Madrid trains with Castilla

Carlo Ancelotti is hoping that both players will be back fit for the 'Clásico' against Barcelona at the Nou Camp on the 26th.

With 16 players away on international duty, Real Madrid trained today by playing a friendly game against Castilla at the Valdebebas training complex. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso and Gareth Bale continued with their recovery processes instead of playing in the game.

Carlo Ancelotti is hoping that both players will be back fit for the 'Clásico' against Barcelona at the Nou Camp on the 26th.

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Rule of three for Camp Nou

16 days and 16 nights to go, but it is already 'game on' for the Clasico on 26th October. Especially at the Bernabéu. Barcelona's five-point lead increases the pressure surrounding the Camp Nou match and everyone at Real Madrid is aware of the situation, even though before that there is a league match coming up against Malaga (19-10) and a Champions League tie against Juventus (23-10).

The clash could and should mark a before and after for Real's progress in this season's Spanish League. The future calls for 'Los Blancos' not to lose the Clasico. A draw would be a lesser evil.

Ancelotti knows that he needs to have well-defined ideas to face this challenge and that the starting eleven he chooses has to be the best - to then, theoretically, become the usual team line-up for the rest of the season.

The main objective is getting two players - Xabi Alonso and Gareth Bale – back on board for the 26th.

If all goes well, Gareth Bale is a definite as a starter at Camp Nou. If Bale plays, the most likely thing is that Benzema will be bumped from the starting line-up. There is no question about Ronaldo. And Di María and Isco have earned more credits to hold onto their place than the French player. Barça, in theory, will be the master of ball possession, and Real Madrid will find spaces to make runs.

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Ancelotti brings his daughter's boyfriend to Real

One of Carlo Ancelotti's final signings of the summer was a nutritionist. His name is Mino Fulco and what's special about him is that he is Ancelotti's daughter, Katia's boyfriend. Mino, as he is known in the dressing room arrived at the end of August and is in charge of advising the players about nutritional supplements.

Bringing him to Real Madrid was no easy feat for Carlo Ancelotti. Little after arriving at the club, the coach put forward his name, but the club’s answer was categorical: "Our doctors at Sanitas are in charge of everything nutrition-related, we don’t need him."

Ancelotti arrived at Real Madrid with a seven-man coaching team, amongst them his own son (Davide Ancelotti) and that of his fitness coach Giovanni Mauri (Francesco Mauri). The club believed that with this team, plus the usual club and Sanitas physios and doctors, Ancelotti had more than enough staff for the entire season, but the Italian insisted and finally achieved his objective: to bring in his son-in-law, plus another Italian nutritionist.

Ancelotti arrived at Real Madrid with a reputation of being a very methodical and disciplined manager. That is why he emphasised to the club the need to sign two trusted nutritionists.

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Varane Scare

Another scare for Raphaël Varane. The player did not train in Wednesday's session with the French national team due to discomfort in his right knee, operated on five months ago.

In principle, the centre-back did not train as a precautionary measure, according to the French Federation, but his evolution will have to be monitored to more accurately assess the cause of his discomfort.

Real Madrid is also waiting for news, not surprisingly as the player only returned to the team a week ago.

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Read Ronaldo's letter to Miami state attorneys in full

• Everyone knows Cristiano Ronaldo wrote a letter to the prosecuting attorney in Florida begging them not to prosecute the fan that invaded the pitch to greet him during the pre-season match between Real Madrid and Chelsea. But only now has the contents of the letter itself been unveiled, and MARCA will reveal all.

Ronald Gjoka, a twenty year-old Albanian-born Canadian, has already made it clear what his intentions were when he ran onto the pitch to hug Cristiano Ronaldo, and later apologised to the owners of the stadium and the Portuguese star for his actions. Despite this fact, he is still facing charges and so Cristiano Ronaldo decided to write a letter asking for those charges to be dropped. This is what he wrote:

"My name is Cristiano Ronaldo and I play for Real Madrid. I was playing in Sun Life Stadium when a fan entered the field. His name is Ronald Gjoka, a young college student. We hugged, and we spoke for a while, until security arrived to escort him off the field. He was not aggressive or violent in ANY way. What's more, he did not put up any resistance when the security guards and police arrived.

As I understand it, he has admitted his mistake and understands the importance of security. He is a young man of twenty who grew up without a father and was raised by a single mother. He attends Palm Beach State Community College, Florida, with an international student grant.

I am concerned because I understand he may face problems with immigration and with his college if the criminal charges against him are not dropped. He was immediately taken to the Stadium's security area and then spent a day and a half in jail. It seems he appeared before a judge on Monday accompanied by his attorney who asked for the charges to be dropped, but you chose to ignore his appeal.

I understand your position and the importance of enforcing rules and laws. However, I respectfully request that you and your office reconsider this decision and dismiss the two criminal charges this young man faces. I would hate to see him face criminal charges for his mistake. By all accounts he has a bright future ahead of him and I'd hate to see this future ruined by a error of judgement. Thank you. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me directly at any time.

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Preserving Ronaldo

He has five more years ahead of him at Real Madrid, but experts are positive about the longevity of Cristiano Ronaldo's football career. Dr. Mikel Aramberri, sports traumatology specialist at the Alai Sports Medicine Clinic, provides the keys to proper muscle aging.

"Cristiano Ronaldo has the correct biotype, but if injuries arise it's a different matter. Madrid has made an important commitment. I think he'll maintain a good level of performance if he doesn't get injured too much. I don't know if it will be the same as it is now, but he will still have the ability to be brilliant", Dr. Aramberri explains.

"Diet is very important. Eating foods that are rich in glycogen and carbohydrates is very important for a sportsman. Elite players are capable of self-control. They manage their strengths and weaknesses and that improves the result".

"Training should include plenty of stretching, control over the level of intensity and exercise regulation throughout the course of the season. Recovery times are also essential - down time", the doctor continues.

"Playing 50 games is not the same as 70. If Ronaldo does not pick up any injuries, he won't have problems. If he does, it will depend on what they are. Patellar tendon rupture and perhaps also quadriceps tendon rupture are the worst for a footballer's career. Another very dangerous injury is the one Xabi Alonso is suffering from: chronic adductor tendonitis", Dr. Aramberri concludes.

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Toshack: "Bale isn't far from Ronaldo and Messi's level"

John Benjamin Toshack spoke to radio station 'La Xarxa' about compatriot Gareth Bale. The Wales coach had nothing but praise for the Real Madrid player: "I don’t want to go into the ins and outs of what he is worth, but what I do know is that Bale is not very far from Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi’s level".

Toshack exonerated the former Tottenham player from responsibility over the huge sum agreed for his transfer, saying: "The player is not to blame for the €100 million fee. If clubs and presidents have reached that point, it's their fault".

He also called for fans to be patient with the forward, after being out of action most of the summer. "He's had bad luck not to train during the summer, caused by the drama between Tottenham and

Real Madrid, but Bale is a fantastic player. There's no need to have any doubts about Gareth Bale, I can assure you," he said emphatically.

The Wales manager also talked about the situation regarding the up-and-coming talent at Real. "For people like Illarramendi, Isco or the young players from El Castilla, if they look at Ancelotti and Zidane’s bench then it is imposing. At the moment it is a difficult time for them because Barça’s going well, with Madrid behind them in the table, but they need to be given time,” the Welshman stressed.

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Bale – up for Barça?

Gareth Bale and Xabi Alonso are working full out in Valdebebas to be fighting fit for the big game in the Camp Nou, which, as was confirmed last Monday, will be held this Saturday 26th at 6:00 pm.

After eight league and two Champions League games, Real Madrid seems to still be having trouble getting out of first gear. Things aren't turning out as expected, and some of the Real Madrid faithful are beginning to question Ancelotti. "El Clásico", as the Real-Barça games are called, will be the Italian manager's acid test.

His constant changes in the team's structure since the start of the season have not gone down well with the Bernabéu higher-ups. To date he has tried Khedira-Modric, Khedira-Illarra, Isco-Modric, Illarra-Modric, Khedira-Modric-Isco and Khedira-Modric-Illarra in midfield. None have convinced him. It is evident that 'Los Blancos' are in much need of their midfield playmaker from last season, Xabi Alonso. The last game Xabi played was in the Copa del Rey final against Atlético de Madrid last May.

Gareth Bale, meanwhile, is getting himself ready for the big game at the Camp Nou in two weeks' time. If Carlo Ancelotti, does finally have him available for the big game, he will be treated with kid gloves, as if the Welshman does make it on time, it will be a very close thing indeed.

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Di María: "Ancelotti has faith in me"

Ángel Di María was put under the microscope during preseason. His name was on the list of players up for a possible departure from Real Madrid, together with Higuaín, Callejón and Albiol. His future at the club was undecided.

Against the odds, Di María opted to stay, and in three months his situation has taken a radical turn. Not only is he still there, but the Argentine international is currently an essential component for Carlo Ancelotti. He is a regular starter and one of his key playe".

Di María's confidence has increased and he also has earned recognition from the Bernabéu: "I feel thers. The player, speaking from the Argentina training camp, admitted that things are looking rosy at the moment: "I'm doing the things I've always done, but they are turning out well for me right now. I know that Ancelotti has faith in me. I had a good preseason and that was really good for mat people support me more than before, because things weren't going the way I wanted them to then. But now everything's going well and I feel very comfortable in the team ".

Di María will again have problems picking up minutes, however, once Gareth Bale is fully fit, mainly at the Bernabéu, where Ancelotti is likely to opt for playing a striker like Benzema, then having one too many to shore up the line of three falling in behind the Frenchman.

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200 days without Xabi Alonso

Spain goes into its final two 2014 World Cup qualifiers without Xabi Alonso, one of its linchpins. It has now been over six months since the injury-plagued midfielder played for his country.
Including the Belarus and Georgia matches, the anchorman will have missed 12 'La Roja' games on the bounce, having been forced to sit out the Confederations Cup.
The pace of Alonso's recovery and his form and fitness after returning will determine whether or not he figures in Vicente Del Bosque's next squad, to be announced in November.

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"Real Madrid isn’t that great," says Lippi

 

As the Champions League game between Real Madrid and Juventus edges closer, one of the most respected voices in Italian football, Marcello Lippi, analysed the match on Tuttosport.

"I have great memories of games between Real Madrid and Juventus: a 1-0 defeat in Spain, followed by a home win saw us through to the semi-finals. There is no two-legged tie this time around, but both games are extremely important. A win would give Juventus’ season a big boost."

The current Guangzhou Evergrande manager revealed the secret to winning at the Bernabéu: "It’s simple; belief in one’s own ability, not being awestricken and being organized. The most important thing is self-belief, and this Juve side is very similar to mine, it has all the qualities it needs. Plus, Real Madrid isn’t that great, so we can expect two very good games."

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Ozil is not the Problem, Madrid badly Miss Chelsea Boss

Arsenal captured Real Madrid’s king of assists Mesut Ozil after paying a record fee to the Spanish giants this summer.

The former Los Blancos star has been instant hit at Emirates, he leads the assists tally for the club and is the one of the main reasons why gunners sit at the top of the table.

On the other hand, Real Madrid have fallen behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in La Liga after few disappointing results.

A lot has been discussed about how Madrid are actually missing Mesut Ozil, but in reality Ozil is not the problem, the problem is Carlo Ancelotti. Real Madrid badly miss Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

There is only one place for CAM in Madrid’s starting XI and Isco outshone Ozil to earn it. Making comparisons that early will not make much sense but we all know that both are World Class.

In 10 games, the former Malaga playmaker has already scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists. Therefore one cannot say that they are missing a quality CAM like Ozil.

The major issue has been Real Madrid’s chaotic defending, something that Ancelotti has not been able to solve.

Mourinho mainly suffered last season because of poor defense too, although he normally sets his defensive setup brilliantly. Like Inter and Chelsea before, now Madrid are suffering from the departure of the Special one. Mourinho could have fixed things, but Madrid were quick to get rid.

Carlo brought reinforcements in attack and midfield where they already had so much quality. The likes of Bale, Illaramendi, Isco cost them huge sums but the defense was ignored.

Goes without saying that Ancelotti is one of the best managers around as well. Can he turn things around at Real?

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Benzema irked by questions about attitude

France striker Karim Benzema responded angrily to questions about his attitude on Wednesday.

After failing to score in six La Liga matches for Real Madrid, the 25-year-old has come under fire from sections of the club’s fan base.

As he prepares to represent his national team in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Finland next week, to be preceded by Friday's friendly with Australia, Benzema has hit back at his work ethic being called into question.

"It's not a question of attitude. You talk about attitude when a player does not want to play football. But I walk on to the pitch; I want to play football," he said.

"For example, when I play for France ... I run almost 10 kilometres per game. It's unfair because I do run."

"I'm a frontman. Of course I'm the first defender but I won't do the job of a full-back or a midfielder."

Benzema admits to feeling pressure due to his recent barren run, but he is confident it will not last for much longer.

"It's been the longest goal drought of my career but I work hard. It won't last for 10 years. I have chances, I just need to convert them," he added.

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