Spanish Soccer Highlights

Spanish Inquisition: Unconvincing Beginnings In La Liga

2009-09-01T12:54:00.001+01:00

by Cyrus Malek, goal.com

After a summer of blockbuster transfers, dramatic inter-organisation rows, and pre-season friendly matches, all of which together seemed to last for an inordinately prolonged period, La Liga is back for what has been touted as one of the most exciting seasons in years.

Unfortunately, the first matchday of the season fell some way short of that billing in the excitement stakes. While both the Big Two won, Real Madrid and Barcelona earning the three points by beating Deportivo La Coruña and Sporting de Gijon, respectively, it must be said that the Spanish giants were a bit lacklustre in their Primera Division openings.

In the maiden match of the season on Saturday evening, Manuel Pellegrini made his coaching debut for Real Madrid as Los Blancos hoped to entertain an expectant Santiago Bernabeu against bogey team Depor. Madridistas were still reeling from the shock sale of mercurial winger Arjen Robben (who, by the way, scored two dazzling goals in a dream debut for Bayern Munich), but it became clear that the Flying Dutchman was already history as Karim Benzema took the pitch wearing the vacated number 11 shirt.
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Madrid played well enough and created a host of chances, almost scoring in their first attempt on goal as Kaka flashed his wayward shot across the face of the net. But the defence, which consisted of three new summer signings in Alvaro Arbeloa, Raul Albiol, and Ezequiel Garay, gave up two careless goals to the Galician visitors as Andres Guardado, Riki, and Juan Carlos Valeron (the latter two were goalscorers) flustered the three defenders.

Marcelo, however, despite questions about his defence last season, looked solid at the back while Raul made a strong case for himself in the starting XI with a brilliant goal that demonstrated his persistence and professionalism—a Kaka pass that crept between the legs of two defenders found Benzema, the Frenchman’s shot thudded off the post, and while the Depor back line stood staring blankly at the assistant referee for the off-side flag, Raul snuck in and slotted home the rebound.

Moreover, ‘El Capitan’ had a hand in the second goal, winning the penalty that Cristiano Ronaldo did well to convert, despite immense pressure. In the first match of the season, Raul has made a statement that it is his starting job to lose, leaving Gonzalo Higuain with it all to do in order to break into a starting role.

The Man of the Match though was the same player who stole the show last season as the best player in the squad, Lassana Diarra. In just six months of play in the Spanish capital, Lass has won the affection of fans by relentlessly pursuing the ball and recovering possession with remarkable consistency, and he is now beginning to make a name for himself as a goalscorer, bursting the net in Madrid’s last pre-season game against Rosenborg with a stunning strike, while burying the winning goal on Saturday with a driving shot into the bottom-left corner.

How Madrid are able to perform in their future matches remains to be seen. The regular season has proven to be slightly more difficult than the pre-season cakewalk and already the pressure has been ratcheted up with the rise in expectations. With Florentino Perez having been unable to make a last second push for Franck Ribery (although Rafael Van der Vaart has, in the end, stayed at the Bernabeu), the Floren Team have much to prove as they attempt to take the trophies that are, somewhat deservedly, expected of them.

Casual Cules

Yesterday, in the final match of the first Liga weekend, Barcelona took to the Camp Nou pitch to tackle Asturian side Sporting de Gijon—a side who were only afforded another season in La Primera by virtue of finishing one point above the relegation zone cut-off.

Pep Guardiola’s defending champions featured a starting line-up without superstar Lionel Messi as the little Argentine had left for his home country in preparation for a World Cup qualifying match against Brazil. In his stead was the newly promoted canterano, Pedro ‘Pedrito’ Rodriguez, who scored a brilliant goal in the European Supercup tie against Shakhtar Donetsk to give Barcelona their second title of the season. The side also featured new signings Maxwell (the left-back who left the match with an injury) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the star striker eager to begin his Liga campaign with a goal or two.

Although he rarely looked interested in the match, ‘Ibra’ duly got his debut goal and Barcelona dispatched Sporting by a 3-0 scoreline; but while the box score may indicate a dominating performance, those who watched the encounter saw a different story.

At times during the match, Barca looked every bit as impressive as the side that easily won the Triplete last season, connecting passes through the midfield, drawing their adversaries away from their area, exploiting the space opened up by the hapless visitors, and creating a good deal of pressure on the opposition goal. But during other long spells, the Blaugrana gave the ball away much too easily (a very atypical occurrence under a Guardiola-coached side) and looked as if they were still shaking off some pre-season rust.

It does need to be said that both Messi and Henry were out of the side with the former in South America and the latter being rested after playing much of the European Supercup tie, but if Barca are to claim the rest of the four titles for which they are eligible, Sunday’s performance will simply not suffice.

Surprises in Spain

Outside of the Big Two, however, there were a few shocking results in La Liga. Malaga, a side that took an impressive 8th place last season after being promoted from La Segunda, shocked Champions League-quality competition, thrashing Atletico de Madrid with a 3-0 scoreline. If the first match of the season is any indication, Los Boquerones could be a force to reckon with.

Osasuna, a side that was battling relegation last season, severely tested Europa-League qualifiers Villarreal in a 1-1 draw, showing improvement over their play last season. Valencia also dispatched an undermanned Sevilla side as youngsters Juan Mata and Pablo Hernandez helped Los Che begin their quest to be mentioned with the Liga elite.

But the surprise of the weekend came in the form of Getafe’s 4-1 demolition of Racing Santader in El Sardinero, with Madrid youth product Roberto Soldado scoring a hat-trick to become La Liga’s leading scorer through the first weekend. Aside from Soldado, Dani Parejo, also of the Madrid youth academy, was one of the best players of the match, as Getafe coach Michel, formerly of Real Madrid Castilla, put the 20-year-old in charge of orchestrating the Getafe attack. In the final hours the transfer window, Getafe also secured the signature of Madrid right/left-back Miguel Torres, effectively making Los Azulones a second Madrid youth team for developing talent.

As it stands after one weekend, Getafe sit in first place waiting to take on second place Barcelona two weeks from now at the Coliseum. Malaga sit in third place while Valencia have climbed into fifth place, up a spot from their finish last season. Winning only by one goal, the Real Madrid of the second Galactico era sit in sixth place, Villarreal’s Yellow Submarine has sunk to 10th, Sevilla sit in 16th, and Atletico languish in the relegation zone in 19th place.

But thankfully the season does not end with three points and with only one weekend of La Liga in the books, we still have 37 more Liga matches to enjoy before we head into a summer that should feature some of the best football the world has ever seen in World Cup 2010. So despite the slow start, it promises to be a very good year for football.

Laporta: Fabregas a special case

2009-09-01T12:43:00.000+01:00

fourfourtwo.com

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says the Catalans' interest in Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is different from any normal transfer deal.

The 22-year-old midfielder has made 163 league appearances for the Gunners since arriving from the Camp Nou club's youth ranks in 2003.

Fabregas has long been linked with a big-money move back to his former club, with the European champions believed to have been weighing up an offer for his services this summer.

Emirates Stadium supremo Arsene Wenger recently criticised the policies of Spanish sides, claiming their political approach can have a negative effect on the country's rising stars.

And Laporta has now apologised for causing any offence following his comments regarding the Spanish international, but insisted Fabregas was a special case, who will always have Barcelona running through his veins.

"I apologise if I bothered Mr Wenger, because I respect him very highly and the job he is doing," he said.

"But he knows perfectly that the case of Cesc Fabregas is special.

"He is a Catalan player from our youth team and it is not a secret that we love this player."

Del Bosque: Bojan is Ours

2008-08-27T09:30:00.001+01:00

www.sportinglife.com

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has issued a hands off warning to new Serbia boss Radomir Antic over teenage striker Bojan Krkic, insisting "the player is ours".

Antic hinted earlier this week that he might attempt to persuade the uncapped Barcelona ace to play for Serbia, but Del Bosque is adamant the 17-year-old's future lies with Spain.

"We consider Bojan our player, he feels identified with Spain, is a great guy and we count on him," said Del Bosque.

"Bojan will play with Spain in the future, (although) such decisions are very personal and must not be imposed, they must be made free and personal by the player."

Bojan was born in Spain to a Serbian father and a Catalan mother, and he has represented Spain at both Under-17 and Under-21 level, winning the European Under-17 title in 2007.

He was called up by former Spain coach Luis Aragones prior to Euro 2008, however illness prevented him from playing a friendly against France and he withdrew from consideration for the European Championships, citing fatigue.

The youngster was also included in Del Bosque's first Spain squad for last week's friendly against Denmark in Copenhagen, but did not play.

Del Bosque is due to name his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying double-header against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Armenia on Friday.

Robinho set for Blues move

2008-08-27T09:21:00.001+01:00

www.4thegame.com

The agent of Real Madrid's Brazilian striker Robinho says that his client is finally poised to seal his big-money move to Chelsea.

The 24-year-old is desperate to join up with the Blues, despite both Real president Ramon Calderon and coach Bernd Schuster insisting that they wanted to keep the South American at the Bernabeu.

Robinho's representative, Wagner Ribeiro, told The Guardian: "A deal is about to be reached.

"Robinho's time in Spain has come to an end and he is looking forward to being part of a new project."

The player himself had recently confirmed that he wanted to leave the Bernabeu and take up an offer to move to Stamford Bridge.

"It's not my objective to continue at Real Madrid," he told Spanish media.

"I highly respect the club, the players and especially the fans, who've always treated me well, but that's not my objective.

"I have an offer which is good for me and the club. I dream of playing in the English league. Chelsea have a great squad and a great team.

"My objective is to play there. I've got nothing against Real Madrid, but I hope to resolve this situation as soon as possible.

"It's not about money, I simply want to leave. I want to be the best player in the world and that isn't possible at Real Madrid.

"I've come to an end of a cycle. I've played three seasons at Real Madrid, I've given my all. I think that my time here has now come to an end."

Guardiola satisfied despite defeat

2008-08-27T09:19:00.001+01:00

www.sportinglife.com

Pep Guardiola was in upbeat mood despite suffering his first defeat as Barcelona coach on Tuesday night.

The Catalan giants' impressive pre-season winning streak under their new boss came to an end as a strong Barca team slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Polish side Wisla Krakow in the second leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie.

However, with a 4-0 advantage from the first leg Barca were still comfortable winners overall and will be gracing the group stages of the competition for the fifth successive season, which Guardiola points out was always their main target.

"I'm very satisfied with the behaviour of the team. Our objective was to get into the Champions League and we have achieved it. I'm delighted with life," said Guardiola

"I am so happy the team is in the Champions League. We've knocked out a good side.

"I've seen so many ties of this type which have ended up being very difficult," added the coach, who had won each of his first seven matches in charge of Barca since replacing Frank Rijkaard.

"What happened is we did not know whether to attack or defend the result. We played thinking about the 4-0 in the first leg.

"It's clear that losing hurts, but regarding this match there is no possible need to reproach anybody. Generally we played a good game."

Barca striker Thierry Henry added on his club's website: "It was a somewhat strange game because we had a lot of chances but they scored the goal and we were not able to do anything.

"For the club the most important thing is that we are in the Champions League."

Looking ahead to this weekend's Primera Liga curtain-raiser against Numancia, the Frenchman added: "It will be a very tough game because I saw them play last season in the Segunda Division."

It's A Pity Drogba Did Not Join

2008-08-25T15:41:00.000+01:00

By Angel Fernandes
www.premiershiplatest.com

Barcelona’s Yaya Toure claimed that he was very disappointed that Chelsea ace Didier Drogba did not join them during the summer.

All through the summer the Ivory Coast international was linked with a switch to Camp Nou, however later the player insisted that he wanted to stay on with the Blues.

Toure insisted that he was looking forward to compatriot Drogba arriving in Spain. However, he is glad with Samuel Eto’o decision to stay back at Camp Nou.

"Yes, it's a pity. I would have loved Drogba to join me at Barcelona," Toure told L'Equipe.

"I give thanks to God that Eto'o is staying. He is not far away from being the best striker in the world.

"With all these great players, and especially with the mindset that we have, I do not see how we can fail."

Calderon ends Kaka talk

2008-01-31T10:30:00.000+01:00

football.co.uk

President Ramon Calderon has finally ended speculation linking Real Madrid with a move for Kaka after insisting he has no plans to sign the Brazilian star.

The newly-installed European and world player of the year has been mentioned as a possible target for the Spanish champions since helping AC Milan win last year's Champions League final.

However, Calderon has attempted to draw a line under the speculation by insisting he has no interest in the Brazil international.

Recently, the outspoken president claimed Kaka would even struggle to get into the current Real squad.

"I'm not going to sign any 'galactico' now," he revealed.

"I was criticised for saying that I wouldn't have Kaka in this squad, but what I wanted to put across there was the faith that I have in the current players.

"Any change at all would be bad. The 25 that we have are 25 reasons for this club to be proud."

WILHELMSSON COMPLETES DEPOR MOVE

2008-01-31T10:29:00.000+01:00

sportinglife.com

Deportivo La Coruna have completed the loan signing of Sweden international Christian Wilhelmsson.

The 28-year-old winger, who was on a 12-month loan at Bolton from Nantes, joins Depor until the end of the campaign, but there is no option to buy for the Spanish club.

Aside from Nantes and Bolton, Wilhelmsson has also played for Roma, Anderlecht, Mjallby AIF and Stabaek, while he is approaching 50 caps for Sweden.

Zidane Wants To Return To Real Madrid

2008-01-31T10:28:00.000+01:00

goal.com

Zinedine Zidane has told Real Madrid that he would like to return to work for the club in order to put something back into the game.

The French superstar met with president Ramón Calderón and sporting Pedja Mijatovic in the Spanish captial to discuss if there could be a role for him at the Bernabéu.

In a private meeting, Zidane met with the Madrid officials and was accompanied by his agent, Alain Migliacio, and explained hs desire to go back.

"I want to return to football to help in any way I can be useful and Madrid still feels like my home," AS quote him as saying.

Calderón was already aware of the Zidane's desire having spoken to him on the phone as the two have known each other since the midfielder's arrival from Juventus.

In an interview with L'Equipe recently, the 35-year-old said he wanted to be back in the game but did not know in what way.

While Madrid were considering him in a ambassadorial role, Zidane is reported to have told Calderón that he misses the day-to-day involvement and would like to coach the junior players.

Both his children play in the Madrid youth teams with Enzo in the Infantil B side and Luca learning the game in the Benjamin B team.

The suggestion that he could return to playing looks to have been dismissed as Zidane was linked with a move to Major League Soccer last year.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

LAPORTA BLASTS CRUYFF LINK

2008-01-31T10:25:00.000+01:00

sportinglife.com

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has rubbished reports that the club are set to replace Frank Rijkaard with former coach Johan Cruyff.

Cruyff led the Catalan giants to 11 trophies in an eight-year spell in charge between 1988 and 1996, a haul that included four La Liga titles, a European Cup Winners' Cup and the 1992 European Cup.

But Laporta has poured cold water on rumours that the Dutchman, Barcelona's most successful manager to date, could be set for a second stint at the helm as the replacement for compatriot Rijkaard.

"This idea has never been considered by the board of directors," Laporta said.

"Frank Rijkaard has a contract until 2009 and, moreover, I would like him to continue until the end of my mandate (2010).

"This gives stability to the club. Rijkaard has been here five years, we have the maximum confidence in him and that will continue as long as he wants.

"I consider him a person who is very prepared as much on a personal level as on a professional and I don't have any interest or intention to change a coach who, moreover, also gives the image of the club that we want with his seriousness and discretion. And personally I respect him a lot."

Barcelona have struggled to keep pace with Real Madrid at the top of Primera Liga this season and sit nine points adrift of their arch-rivals after 21 matches.

Barca deny Jose rumours

2008-01-31T10:23:00.000+01:00

football.co.uk

Barcelona has dismissed speculation suggesting that they will replace coach Frank Rijkaard with Jose Mourinho at the end of the season.

Former Chelsea boss Mourinho is still without a club after leaving the Blues earlier this season, but Barca president Joan Laporta has offered his full support to Dutchman Rijkaard.

He said: "We're not thinking of another coach, Frank Rijkaard has a contract until 2009 and, moreover, I would like him to continue until the end of my mandate (2010).

"This gives stability to the club. Rijkaard has been here five years, we have the maximum confidence in him and that will continue as long as he wants.

"He's a great coach whose image matches the club's. He is serene, sensible, capable, hard-working and he has a sense of humour. And personally I respect him a lot.

"He has been with us for five years and he will leave when he wants."

Soccer-Primera Liga top scorers

2008-01-19T23:31:00.000+01:00

Jan 19 (Reuters) - Primera Liga top scorers on Saturday
13 Luis Fabiano (Sevilla)
11 Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid) Diego Milito (Real Zaragoza)
10 Nihat Kahveci (Villarreal) Raul Tamudo (Espanyol)
9 Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid) Daniel Guiza (Real Mallorca)
8 Lionel Messi (Barcelona) Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal) Raul (Real Madrid) Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla) Joseba Llorente (Real Valladolid)
7 Ricardo Oliveira (Real Zaragoza) Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid)
6 Mariano Pavone (Real Betis) Alvaro Negredo (Almeria) Victor (Real Valladolid) Robinho (Real Madrid) Fernando Morientes (Valencia) Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
5 Fernando Baiano (Real Murcia) Luis Garcia (Espanyol) Juan Arango (Real Mallorca) Wesley Sneijder (Real Madrid) Dady (Osasuna) Maxi Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid) Thierry Henry (Barcelona) Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona)

Rivaldo joins Schuster slamming Barcelona's Ronaldinho treatment

2008-01-19T23:30:00.000+01:00

tribalfootball.com

Rivaldo has joined Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster in criticising Barcelona's treatment of their best players.

Schuster last week hit out at Barca over their treatment of Ronaldinho and ex-Nou Camp hero Rivaldo joined the German in condemning the culture at the club.

Now with AEK Athens, Rivaldo told DiarioSport: "I do not know very well what is happening, but Ronaldo left after one year at Barca. Romario also failed to comply with his contract. I ended up at Milan.

"Therefore I do not think it is coincidence, and of course the blame isn't solely football. Something's happening at Barca with the major players.

"All players have ups and downs and we went through good and bad times, but I make one thing very clear: Ronnie is the same. Sure.

"Furthermore, I do not think that it is good for the image of Barca that this is happening to Ronnie ...

"In my view everyone must show more affection to Ronie, from the players, to the club and the press.

"It's dangerous what is happening. If people treat Ronaldinho like this when he is out of form, then what can Lionel Messi be thinking when the same thing happens to him?"

Raul Wary Ahead Of Madrid Derby

2008-01-19T23:28:00.000+01:00

goal.com

Los Blancos may have won the first Madrid derby of the season, but Raul is not counting his chickens ahead of the return fixture at the Vicente Calderon.

""This is the best Atletico side in the last decade - it's reflected in their Liga standing and in their play", warned the veteran forward.

"So it will be dangerous, and we'll need to give 100% on Sunday in order to avoid surprises. They have a great squad."

Looking at the changes to the forward line in Madrid, Raul added, "[Fernando] Torres took a decision [to leave], and it's going very well. In England he's under less pressure, because here he was responsible for everything, good and bad. But this Atletico squad now has great players and made some good signings.

"They have a good atmosphere, a great coach, and play with ambition. They're back to being a big team and therefore are near the top of the table.

"Kun Aguero is a player of different class, with tremendous quality. Plus, the wings are very dangerous, and their central mdifielders come in from the back to score goals."

However, he is just as complimentary about his own team, brushing aside the recent Copa del Rey defeat to Mallorca.

"The Copa was a mere accident, because we lost on a day that we played great football," he insisted.

"Moreover, we're in a good position elsewhere. The first half of the Liga season has been good, with consistency helping us to a commanding lead.

"But there have been lots of matches of great quality, such as Villarreal, [Valencia at the] Mestalla, [Athletic Bilbao] at San Mames, and [Barcelona's] Camp Nou.

"The important thing is that the squad knows they can give a lot more, and people will enjoy our football. The wins and points say that we're the best team, but we need to be able to say the same in five month's time.

"Do we play conservative football? No. We always go out intending to win and to play well. What happens is that the opponents know that, and close down our attack.

"But at Levante, for example, we were able to win a game that in the past we may not have done. We have belief and self-esteem, and faith in our ability. We'll know that sooner or later we'll score even without playing at our best, as at Levante. But in the Bernabeu, we know what we can do for the fans, and they're happy. So we're on the right track."

On his own prospects, Raul was asked if he was going to finish the season in strong fashion.

"I prefer to think of the squad," he shrugged.

"I hope to continue scoring, but the most important thing is to keep on playing with joy. We've had an interesting six months, especially in that we've recovered the values lost in previous seasons.

"But now we face a tough five months, starting at the Calderon. That's why we cannot fail on Sunday.

"My target of twenty goals? Just nine left to go! I always said that I'd do well playing in my natural position up front. The coach has put me there and that's improved my performance, but I can't lower my guard as there is competition. Plus, I'd trade in all my goals to help Madrid win titles and matches. Never think in the first person.

"Ronaldinho's treatment? I'm not bothered by what happens at Barcelona. Dinho is a great player and it's clear that it is injury that's kept him from performing to his best. But once again he'll be a great player. When Barca get Eto'o and Messi back they'll fight for all the titles."

In closing... what would Raul do if he was left out of Euro 2008?

"All I want is to concentrate on my club, Real Madrid, and not talk about this," sighed the forward.

"That's best for everyone. I won't speak on this matter again until the end of the season. Everyone knows what I think, and to talk about it again is detrimental to all. I just want to remain calm and think of Madrid."

Steve Michaels, Goal.com

Ronaldinho Humiliated At Barcelona Airport

2007-12-24T17:18:00.000+01:00

goal.com

Barcelona ace Ronaldinho had heavy abuse showered on him at El Prat airport, from where he took the flight to Brazil.

Suggestions that Ronaldinho may have played his last El Clasico seemed to gain grounding on Sunday night, when he was subject to some stinging verbal volleys by the Barcelona fans.

The Camp Nou faithful were treated to a poor display from their team, and the Brazilian came in for some special treatment after the game. However, it was to get worse later that night.

The Gaucho arrived at the airport in the wee hours of Monday morning with Robinho, Julio Baptista and Deco - they were all traveling to Brazil together for their new year vacations.

Robinho was hailed by sections of Madrid fans, while Ronaldinho had every known abuse in the land hurled at him by his own supporters.

Deco also came in for some rough treatment, but survived as the bulk of the attention was focussed on The Gaucho.

As one can see from the video below, he was clearly not a happy man as he left for his vacations.

There have also been suggestions that he could have played his last game in a Barcelona shirt. The bosses have refused to make any comment, but if the media (even the pro-Barcelona dailies) and fans were to have their say, he would not be returning to the city again.

Camp Nou Hero Pepe Credits Team

2007-12-24T17:13:00.000+01:00

goal.com

Real Madrid defender Pepe, who had arguably the best game of his life against Barcelona, was quick to turn the attention towards the team.

"The entire team should be congratulated," said the Brazil born defender, who showed on the biggest of stages why Real Madrid had dished out 30 million euros.

"We played a brilliant game, fighting hard for the victory.

"It was a tough match because Barcelona have quality players and it was important to win because it allows us to continue leading on the table.

"We knew it would be complicated, but we are very happy with the result."

"Barça are a great side, but we managed to put them in an uncomfortable position. That's why we won.

"There's still a long time left in the League and we must continue working this well after Christmas."

"We have a great squad," he continued, speaking of team spirit and fraternity.

"We are like a family and we can't forget that.

"We had chances of scoring another goal in the second half when Barcelona tried to turn the score around. Thankfully, one goal was enough."

Great Individual Effort

Asked about his own performance and how his journey with Real Madrid has been, he said: "It is important to take work seriously.

"That's what I've done everyday to be here and play a serious game.

"I think I did well tonight. "It is important for a centre back to steal balls in order to give his team's game some continuity.

"I work hard every day to do that and I pulled it off tonight."

Miguel Velasco

Real Madrid plan major winter market clearout

2007-11-28T18:30:00.000+01:00

tribalfootball.com

Real Madrid are ready for a major clearout ahead of the winter market.
Marca says Real are willing to listen to offers for Mahamadou Diarra, Jerzy Dudek, Julio Baptista, Javier Saviola, Roberto Soldado and Royston Drenthe in January.

Real want to clear all six players off their books, but none of them are eager to leave Madrid. The top priorities for management is to find buyers for striker Soldado and Dutch wing-back Drenthe.

Koeman Taking One Game At A Time

2007-11-28T18:29:00.000+01:00

goal.com

Ronald Koeman knows that Valencia face a huge task to qualify for the next stage of the Champions League, but it preparing to take each game as it comes.

The Dutch coach wants to beat Schalke 04 on Wednesday evening before thinking about the trip to Chelsea in the final game of the group stage.

After a poor start to their European campaign, los Ché are bottom of Group B with just three points and need two wins from their final two games to stand a chance.

"We have to win our last two matches," said Koeman.

"But all we are thinking about at the moment is beating Schalke. If we can do that, then we can start thinking about the next match."

Koeman admitted that he was still deliberating over which formation he wants to play against Schalke, with three central midfielders being his preferred option.

"I do not like a fixed 4-4-2, but I am looking for a system that will be good for the players that we have," he explained.

"We want to fill up the midfield a bit because there is a lot of space there."

Reflecting on the weekend's defeat at Racing Santander, Koeman believes that if his side can reproduce the football they played in the second half in El Sardinero it would be a start.

"On Sunday we did not play so well in the first half, but in the second things were coming together much better. Nevertheless there is still a lot of hard work to do," he concluded.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Defender to snub Gunners move

2007-11-28T18:28:00.000+01:00

eatsleepsport.com

Uruguay defender Martin Caceres looks set to snub a January move to Arsenal as he wants to spend the rest of the season in Spain.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was hoping to make a January move for the Villarreal youngster, who is currently on loan at Recreativo Huelva, but the Uruguayan does not want to leave in the immediate future.

The under-21 international, who is also attracting interest from Real Madrid and Juventus, admits that he is flattered by the interest from the bigger clubs but is fully focused on playing for minnows Recreativo.

Wenger is keen to strengthen his defence if the right players come along when the transfer window opens but is willing to wait to until the summer if they don't.

Zambrotta: I'd only leave Barcelona for one club

2007-11-28T18:27:00.001+01:00

tribalfootball.com

Barcelona fullback Gianluca Zambrotta admits he will only return to Italy for one team.

Zambrotta is understood to be unsettled at the Nou Camp and is aware of reports that Barca are moving for Bayern Munich left-back Philipp Lahm for next season.

Italy international Zambrotta said: "If I was to return to Italy, the only team that I would go to would be AC Milan."

Pires wants to stay Yellow

2007-11-27T12:21:00.000+01:00

By Pink Football

Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires had a difficult, injury-fraught start to his Villareal career, but has bounced back in excellent form and hopes to stay with the Spanish club.

"I am physically fine and I want to stay as long as possible at Villareal," declared Pires.

Pires has been turning in Man of the Match performances for the Yellow Submarine, most notably in their 3-1 win over former Gunners teammate Thierry Henry's Barcelona last month. His resurgent form is partly responsible for keeping top player Juan Roman Riquelme out of the Villareal side.

Ronaldinho closer to Barca exit

2007-11-27T12:18:00.000+01:00

By Pink Football

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard insists there was no significance to Ronaldinho's omission from the squad this weekend, but the Brazilian's Nou Camp future continues to spiral into doubt verging on almost certain departure.

Both Gazzetta dello Sport and the Spanish press have confirmed with sources that Ronaldinho is up for a January sale, though the club have yet to make it official.

It has also been revealed the player once considered the best in the world but now blamed for poor fitness and motivation, as well as being disruptive to the squad, has been dubbed "the Black Sheep" by teammate Edmilson.

AC Milan and Chelsea remain the top - and probably only - contenders for what is bound to be an expensive signing even by Roman Abramovich's standards.

Fans call for Mourinho to rescue ailing Barcelona

2007-11-13T15:35:00.000+01:00

By Pete Jenson
sport.independent.co.uk

Jose Mourinho's chances of walking back into Barcelona as the club's new coach became a little less far-fetched last night as the club's supporters gave Frank Rijkaard a massive vote of no confidence and named Mourinho as someone who could sort out a demotivated and under-achieving dressing room.

Mourinho assumed the role of public enemy No 1 with Barcelona fans in his time as Chelsea manager – labelling Leo Messi an actor and famously sliding along the Nou Camp touchline in celebration. But at a club where presidents are elected and so fan opinion carries major weight, 66 per cent of supporters said they did not believe Rijkaard was capable of changing Barça's fortunes, in a poll organised by Catalonia's No 1 football paper, Sport.

In Sport's rival paper, El Mundo Deportivo, fans went further by calling for Mourinho to come in and arrest the slump in away form that has seen them pick up just six points from a possible 18 losing ground on Real Madrid in the process.

Among the selection of messages that El Mundo Deportivo published on its front page were several calling for Mourinho. "Sign Mourinho and let's make the rest of the league fear us again," was one example, while another supporter said: "Let's sign Mourinho to sort out the mess".

Rijkaard has an embarrassment of riches in attack but they have not delivered on the road so far this season. In three games the combined forces of Messi, Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho have failed to score and at humble Getafe at the weekend they managed just one shot between them with both the Brazilian and the Argentine taken off in the second half.

Mourinho's aggressive approach is seen by a growing number of fans as the perfect antidote to Rijkaard's laid-back style of management although his reputation for occasionally winning with brawn as opposed to beautiful football would leave plenty of opposition to his appointment should Rijkaard leave.

Barcelona's next away match is in three weeks when they play local rivals Espanyol. Defeat there would increase pressure on Rijkaard who has not been helped by free-scoring Real Madrid topping La Liga.

Last night Rijkaard was uncharacteristically open in criticism of his players. He said: "The forwards have to work just as much as the rest of the team. There are players who are underperforming away from home. When we lose the ball not all the players are working equally to get it back."

Meanwhile, the Real Sociedad coach, Chris Coleman, received a vote of confidence from his sporting director, Salva Iriarte, after his "washing machine" problems on Friday.

Coleman blamed his plumbing for turning up 90 minutes late to a press conference only to admit it had been an "excuse" after being out until the early hours. Yesterday, Iriarte confirmed that he and the club president, Maria de la Peña, had met with Coleman and that the board were "investigating the matter" but would only take it further if there were more revelations.

Iriarte said: "We are all human and we all make mistakes. He has said he is sorry and explained himself to me. As far as I am concerned the matter is closed."

Liverpool's Benitez Happy For Torres

2007-11-13T15:33:00.000+01:00

By Angel Fernandez, premiershiplatest.com

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is happy that Fernando Torres will be able to stay and work with him after being excluded from the Spain squad due to fitness concerns.

The 23-year-old striker has only recently made a remarkable recovery from a thigh injury and was an unused substitue in the 8-0 rout of Besiktas, but played a crucial part coming on in the second half against Fulham.

"I'm not surprised he isn't in the squad because he has been injured," said Benitez.

"I'm pleased with the decision because it means he can stay with us and train and be ready for the next game. After a month without playing it's important he can work with us."

Chris Coleman's future in balance

2007-11-13T15:31:00.000+01:00

by Lee Reynolds, mirror.co.uk

Chris Coleman's future at Real Sociedad is in doubt amid claims he turned up late to a press conference because he had been out clubbing until the early hours.

Journalists at the weekly briefing were kept waiting for 90 minutes by the former Fulham boss, who apologised and blamed the delay on a flood at his flat.

Coleman was appointed coach at Sociedad in the summer and sporting director Salva Iriarte said: "No one likes these matters, that's why an investigation has been opened.

"The coach has 10 days to respond and then it is the board who will take a decision, but we're all human and everyone is allowed to make a mistake every now and then.

"This doesn't affect our confidence and I'm happy with his work. For me the matter is closed."

Sociedad were relegated from the Primera Liga last season and are 13th in the 22-team second division.