Mariano took part in the final training before meeting Leganés tomorrow. He’s been given the number 7, so no pressure there or anything. Lord.
Training
Reguilón and Javi Sánchez of the academy joined the squad for the session. (Video)
Lukita, Keylor and Sese brought their trophy haul along to share with the team and had a little photo opp. (Video)
Presser
FROM REALMADRID.COM
Lopetegui: “We must have all five senses focused on the Leganés clash”
by Borja Miranda | Photographer: Pedro Castillo“We’re moving forward. We’ve been working together for a while now and that’s evident in our play”, said the madridista coach.
Julen Lopetegui spoke to the press in the media room at Real Madrid City ahead of this weekend’s clash with Leganés (Saturday, 8:45pm CEST): “They have just one point but could have six because they played well against Real Sociedad and Athletic. They’ve kicked off the season looking good. They’re sure to be tough opposition, well organised, with better players than last season and they’ll certainly make life difficult for us”.
“We’re moving forward. We’ve been working together for a while now and that’s evident in our play. We have to keep progressing and improving in many aspects, both in attack and defence. But I think the team is doing all they can to work for each other, which is exactly the kind of atmosphere we want to encourage”.
Definitive squad
“Mariano’s arrival will complete our squad. I don’t think there’ll be any last-minute deals and we’re satisfied and happy with the team we have. We’ll try and get the very best out of the players that are here and I believe the market could close earlier in future so that we could all focus a bit more on what we’re doing”.The UEFA gala
“It’s recognition for last year and for the fantastic performances on display, the fruits of that are found in these awards. We congratulate the players and we’re happy but we’re living in the present and that means Leganés. All we’re concerned with is getting three points on Saturday and we’ll have to work hard and properly in order to ensure we win. We’re pleased for the players and it’s always a good thing but the only prize we’re interested in now is three points against Leganés”.“I have no doubt at all that the fans will get behind the team, just as they always have done. The attendance figures for the first game were as a result of the date and nothing more. I wish everything else was as easy as counting on the support we know we’ve got from the fans”.
Mariano and Mayoral
“Borja is our player and he’s got options to go elsewhere so the most likely outcome is that he heads out on loan, and that could happen today. He’s a young lad who’s worked very well for us. He’s got the hunger and the eagerness to go out to play and we respect that. And the fact Mariano is coming in means we’re thrilled to have him here”.Award-winning Modric
“I’m happy for Luka. He’s our player and he’s done more than enough to be worthy of this award, although it’s true I’m not the biggest fan of individual awards. But he’s got it all, individual quality and a team ethic”.Keylor Navas in the sticks
“The line-up will be revealed tomorrow and we have the utmost confidence in our goalkeepers. We’ve got a wealth of options in goal and we’ll manage them according to what’s best for the team. We’ll do that as best we can, I won’t make a statement about who’s number one, we’ll assess the situation as we go”.
Interview
FROM REALMADRID.COM
Mariano: “I’m signing for the best club in the world and it’s the happiest day of my life”
“I’m coming back home to work hard and help the team“, said the forward.
After being unveiled in the presidential box and once again taking to the Santiago Bernabéu pitch, Mariano spoke to the press in the stadium’s media room: “It’s been an incredible day, the happiest day of my life. I’m coming home to fulfil a dream I had since I was young and my aim is to give it everything I’ve got. I hope we can win the very best trophies and continue to make history”.
“Today is a very special day. I’m signing for the best club in the world and I intend to train hard and fight in every game. It’s the club of my dreams. If Real Madrid are interested in me, I owe it to them, the club that has raised me. I’m very happy. If later on I get a call-up to the national team, I’ll be the happiest guy in the world”.
Number 7
“The number is not the most important thing for me. It’s a challenge and a source of pride to wear the same number as legends like Emilio Butragueño and other great players who have worn it. It’s exciting, it was available and I’m thrilled to be able to take the number 7”.“When you go away from home, you mature and improve in everything you do. I can still improve on a lot of things and I’m coming here to work hard and help my teammates. I’ll always hold Olympique Lyon dear in my heart. The game time I got there has helped me grow and earned me a return home”.
Signing
“I can only thank Sevilla for the interest they showed in me. Today is the best day of my life, signing for the greatest club in the world. Julen called me and he’s responsible for me coming here. He told me he was counting on me and he’d be thrilled if I decided to come back. When you go away from home, it’s sad. It’s hard to imagine you’d be coming back inside a year and when I picked up Julen’s call I was pleased but nervous too”.Competition
“I’m coming to work hard and be another member of the squad. We’re a family and that’s the most important thing. I’m coming to give the best possible account of myself, play alongside my fantastic teammates and fight in every training session, giving it my all for this shirt. The coach is the one who decides and I’m thrilled to be back at the Santiago Bernabéu to give it my best shot”.Butragueño: “It’s a pleasure to have you back with us”
“This dream has come true thanks to your hard work, talent and commitment. You were raised on the values of Real Madrid and today is the beginning of the toughest challenge of your career, and all of us at the club will do everything we can to make sure you’re happy here. It’s a pleasure to have you back here with us. Welcome, and good luck”.
On The Move
Borja Mayoral is off to Levante for a season-long loan. The arrival of Mariano put a move for Borjita on the table. I’m just excited that he’s going to get more playing time. He deserves that.
Fábio Coentrão (yes, he was still on our payroll!) showed up for solo training a couple of weeks ago, but today it was announced that both he and RM agreed to terminate his contract so that he could join Rio Ave. (Fabio is just 30 – for some reason, I always think he’s the same age as Cris).
We wish both of them luck with their new adventures.
– Lozil
Of Headbands and Heartbreak
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Of Headbands and Heartbreak... 
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