Training And Feeling Thoughtful

After yesterday’s victory, Los Blancos threw themselves right back into training for the upcoming Champions League match vs. Bayern.

So Arbeloa is hanging out with Pipita now? I’m so confused. Are things going towards Arbeloita instead of Albiolita? Double As, listen to me – CUT OUT THE MIDDLE MAN. Time to stop this nonsense and get back together. Double As, now and forever.

Xabi spoke to Bwin.com and gave his analysis of the upcoming Champions League match. Here are some excerpts.

Xabi Alonso: “Bayern Munchen have considerable potential in attack thanks to their quality and talented players
Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O’Donnell

“We’re where we want to be at this stage in the season, that is, fighting for a spot in the final and for the league title”

Xabi Alonso analysed Tuesday’s clash with Bayern Munchen in the Champions League for Bwin.com.

“I wish to play another Champions League final. Every season at Real Madrid is a challenge. We have different challenges this campaign both in La Liga and the UCL. We’re where we want to be at this stage, that is, fighting for a spot in the final and for the league title.”

“Both we and Bayern have considerable potential in attack. We know we must do the best we can to stop them and capitalise on our skills in attack. We are two very solid sides that play dinamic and fast football with fast transitions. Bayern’s football will not surprise us.”

“We know Bayern rather well and I think they have considerable potential in attack thanks to their quality and talented players that can break our defence line. We will try to keep them in check as best as we can. We expect a good result in the first leg and we obviously don’t want to lose. We want to score one goal on the road to have an advantage in the return leg. It would be good to win or draw with goals, but our objective is to win.”

“The battle in midfield in every match is essential. The team that keeps possession and reaches the box has the upper hand. We know Bayern’s players well. Sami Khedira and I have faced them several times and they are truly great. They are having a fantastic season.”

“Time will tell, and history has seen both Real Madrid and Bayern winning the Champions League after eliminating the other in the semifinals. That’s where we want to be and the tie will be thrilling, but who knows how the winner will fare in the final? The Champions League is always the most appealing of tournaments and winning a tenth for the club would be important, so we are focused on being a part of that.”

“I believe we are concentrating 100% on winning the tie. Every game is crucial at this stage of the season and every small detail is important. Each mistake could be fatal, so we’ll have to minimise the chances of making any as much as we can and play a strong game in attack. That will be one of the keys to being successful because there is a lot at stake for us in every game.”

“I remember the last final Real Madrid won very well. Zidane’s goal was elegant, aesthetic and complex, and even more important due to being scored in a final. That’s why all the fans remember it. It defines his style perfectly.”

“I think pressure comes from within and not being able to cope with the responsiblity that comes with playing these games would mean you’re not doing something right. You need a special dose of it to compete in every kind of match, not just important ones.”

I don’t know how you guys are doing today, but I’ve been feeling quiet and thoughtful. Perhaps it has to do with the shock of Piermario Morosini’s death or today being the anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy. But it’s got me thinking about life and how fragile it really is. I guess I’m not the only one. Xabi tweeted his own memorial to the 96 with a picture and this note: “They will never be forgotten #JFT96”

Iker also seemed in an introspective mood and posted a video that very much surprised me. It is one of Charles Aznavour’s most poignant songs – Hier Encore – saying “In a special moment, listen to this song.” It’s also one of my all time favorites.

The lyrics are so beautiful. Since my French is very rudimentary, I cannot say if the translation is exact, but I’d like to share the English lyrics with you. In English, the song is known as Yesterday When I Was Young

(Spoken Intro: Seems the love I’ve known has always the most destructive kind. Guess that’s why now I feel so old before my time.)

Yesterday when I was young
the taste of life was sweet as rain upon my tongue.
I teased at life as if it were a foolish game,
the way the evening breeze may tease a candle flame.
The thousand dreams I dreamed, the splendid things I planned
I always built alas on weak and shifting sand.
I lived by night and shunned the naked light of the day
and only now I see how the years ran away.

Yesterday when I was young
so many drinking songs were waiting to be sung,
so many wayward pleasures lay in store for me
and so much pain my dazzled eyes refused to see.
I ran so fast that time and youth at last ran out,
I never stopped to think what life was all about
and every conversation I can now recall
concerned itself with me and nothing else at all.

Yesterday the moon was blue
and every crazy day brought something new to do.
I used my magic age as if it were a wand
and never saw the waste and emptiness beyond.
The game of love I played with arrogance and pride
and every flame I lit too quickly quickly died.
The friends I made all seemed somehow to drift away
and only I am left on stage to end the play.
There are so many songs in me that won’t be sung,
I feel the bitter taste of tears upon my tongue.
The time has come for me to pay for yesterday when I was young.

It goes by so very fast, people – if you’re lucky enough to have time at all. As we’ve seen, not everyone does. So enjoy it, but also be aware of your impact in this world. As Socrates said “The unexamined life is not worth living”  Be kind and thoughtful. Being alive is a gift. Don’t waste it. Whatever you do today, do it with love.

– Lozil