Doesn’t Altintop look nice in this shot? This is going to be a quick and dirty round up of today’s news. It’s after 10 PM and I still have work to do tonight. Bleurgh. First up, a bit of video and training photos.
Oh and you’ve gotta love Sergio being a big ol’ dorkweed and trying on Albiol’s face mask. It just seems like such a Sergio thing to do, doesn’t it?
Aitor Karanka spoke to the press today.
Karanka: “We must continue playing like we did against Olympique Lyonnais and Malaga”
“Villarreal will make it harder for us than it may seem at first; they are better than what the table seems to show”
Alberto Navarro / Translation by Michael J. O’Donnell
RealMadrid.com
Assistant Coach Aitor Karanka addressed the media the day before facing Villarreal at the Bernabeu.
“We must continue to play like we did against Olympique Lyonnais and Malaga. We won’t have to worry about anything if we perform at that level. Nevertheless, Villarreal will make it harder for us than may seem at first. They are better than what the table seems to show. They caused trouble for us last season.”
“Levante are the strongest side in La Liga right now. They are currently topping the table and the championship started a few weeks ago already. They continue to earn solid victories and they play rather well. They should be congratulated and praised for their attitude.”
“We’re happy because Sahin’s injury is coming to an end. We must be patient. These things take time and we have to be patient.”
“Everyone who knows Ramos knows he can play well in many positions. It’s an advantage for a coachh to have players like that. Granero is not thinking about leaving Real Madrid. He is an exceptional kid and we’re delighted with him both as a player and as a person.”
“The Ballon d’Or is an individual trophy and what matters is the team. We have a great team and an excellent squad. If it were up to us, we would hand out 24 Ballons d’Or, one for each of our players. Iker has deserved it for years.”
“The players are getting to know each other and the manager even better. Results speak for themselves and for the style of the team. Every game is different, but it’s great to have players you know will perform at a high level whenever they have to play.”
SQUAD LIST FOR TOMORROW’S MATCH AGAINST VILLAREAL
Goalkeepers: Iker, Adán, Mejías
Defenders: Arbeloa, Coentrão, Marcelo, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Varane
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Altintop, Callejón, Angel Di María, Kaká, Sami Khedira, Özil
Forwards: Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuaín
Injured: Albiol, Carvalho, Granero (plantar fasciitis), Lass, Sahin
A super duper extra big mazel tov to the 5 Real Madrid players who made the list for the Ballon D’Or:
Xabi Alonso
Iker Casillas
Sami Khedira
Mesut Özil
Cristiano Ronaldo
I’m especially thrilled to see Sami on that list – I expected Mesut to make it, but I’m so glad that Sami is getting recognition. I think that all of the men on this list deserve to be there and there’s a few who were left off who should be on there, IMHO. The shortlist will be announced on November 1st.
Finally, a leetle update on our baby Jailbait! The surgery is set for Friday. Animo Muppet! May your recovery be quick and easy. We’ll miss you!
-Lozil
headbandsandheartbreak
Altintop has some nice cheekbones! So excited to see Xabi on the D’or list
Is Xabi trying to kill us? Not only is his ass on full display, he’s caressing the back of his thighs!
“Granero is not thinking about leaving Real Madrid. He is an exceptional kid and we’re delighted with him both as a player and as a person.”
Hope he stays for a long time in Madrid and gets a little more playing time!!