Good start, 6 out of 6

By El Maestro

Real Madrid traveled to Los Cármenes to take on Grananda in the Monday night match, where they continued their good start to the season winning 1-0 with Benzema scoring in the 10th minute. Ancelotti also confirmed he really has a pair starting Diego Lopez again in goal instead of Casilas (what will the ‘piperos’ say now). As well as starting the match without a defensive midfielder and going out with a full attacking lineup:

Midfield: Modric, Isco and Ozil.

Attack: Di Maria, Benzema and Ronaldo.

Unfortunately, that’s all I can really say about the game. Despite a good opening 20 minutes, the team took their foot completely off the gas pedal. In fact, excluding Diego Lopez (good performance) and Di Maria (just ran and ran), no one really stuck out. The team is still yet to display the great form they showed in preseason (then again it was preseason), and have only scored three goals. However, a win is win, and the team remains atop of the league table; tied with the other teams that have won their opening 2 fixtures. Plus we know the team is still in transition, and will get better as the weeks progress.

On Thursday, Madrid will play the Teresa Herrera Trophy against Deportivo in A Coruña (for free), and then will take on Athletic Bilbao in the Bernabeu on Sunday, which will be a noon kickoff (Spanish time). Also on Thursday, we’ll find out who Madrid will face in the Champions League group stage as the draw takes place.

“And they thought I was weak.”

Bale:

Before I finish this post, I wanted to touch on the possible signing of Gareth Bale. An on going saga that doesn’t reach its end. Just when it looked like it was done, a new twist comes in. However, I’m not going to talk about what he can bring (we all know that), but about the full squad. I’ve said this a thousand times and I will say it again, my only concern with this team is that I feel there is a bit of uncertainty with it.

For example, the transfer window is less than a week away from closing and we still have four keepers. Even though Adan doesn’t have an official first team number, he still continues to be paid by Real Madrid. Coentrao, who asked to leave and could be involved in the Bale deal, hasn’t left. Kaka’s still on the team, but I’ve given up hope since the “good” Kaka refuses to take a pay cut. Not to mention if Bale FINALLY does come, either Di Maria or Ozil will have to depart to make room.

Luckily, I don’t think Madrid will have many problems trying sell one or both. Already, PSG and Arsenal are looking into Di Maria, and Manchester United has offered a good amount for Ozil, but things are getting too close. Rumors also continue to circle that the club is still interested in signing a striker, which means Morata’s and Jese’s futures could be up in the air. If Florentino and Ancelotti want Bale and a striker, those deals have to be done now to give time to work on ‘La Operación Salida’.

Talk to me about “Disrespect”

By El Maestro

“Bale’s price is disrespectful to today’s economy. Despite the fact that we paid ’57 million?’ for Neymar and I make 5 million a year. Even though I had no prior European experience.”

On Saturday, new Barcelona manager Tata Martino made headlines during his pregame press conference when he was asked about Bale’s possible signing with Real Madrid. Saying he’s a great player, but his price shows a lack of respect to the world in general. Only a month in charge, and he’s already grasp the Barcelona way of thinking: short memory and throwing garage on whatever is Real Madrid. It’s ironic he would say this taking into consideration the club that pays his salaryjust spent between €60-€100 million for Neymar this summer (if anyone actually thought they paid €57 million, guess again). Although Tata has no contradictions in terms of signings (Neymar was already signed), he is representing a team that for years has claimed to use “cantera, no cartera”, but have spent more than €300 million in the past 4 or 5 years; which include some big price tags (as well as making the 3rd most expensive signing in history).

Ibrahimovic: €69 million (€49 million + Eto’o)

Neymar: €60-€100 million

Alexis Sanchez: €43 million

Villa: €40 million

Cesc: €40 million

Dani Alves: €35-€41 million

Chygrinskiy (from the Ukraine): €25 million

Not to mention if there is a club that has completely disrespected money, it’s FC Barcelona. Spending good amounts on players that didn’t pan out, and then selling them at prices no where near what they paid.

Ibra: Sold a year later for €24 million to AC Milan.

Chygrinskiy: Sold after one season back to Shakhtar Donetsk for €15 million.

Keirrison: Was bought for €14 million as a young promise and then immediately loaned out. He still remains a Barcelona player despite not playing a single minute.

Henrique: Bought for a fee between €8-€10 million. Wasn’t an expensive buy, but like Keirrison, never played an official game with Barcelona. Did the preseason in 2009 before being loaned out to several teams. He was then sold back to Brazil for a cheap amount in 2012.

Aliaksandr Hleb: Bought for €15 million from Arsenal. Played one season and then was loaned out to three different sides. In January 2012, he left the club by mutual consent.

Martin Canceres: Bought for €16.5 million. Barely played his first season and then was loaned out for two year before being sold to Sevilla for €3 million.

Villa (worst of them all): Bought for 40 million in the summer of 2010. Sold this past summer to Atletico Madrid for a measly €2.1 MILLION.

Despite this, Barcelona still thinks they can teach everyone about proper values, respect, financial management and how to run a football team correctly. Worst of all, they keep trying to convince everybody that the real “bad guy” is a team that wears white and plays in the Spanish capital.

Unfortunately, these fake values don’t stop with just money. They ask for respect for their beloved Cataluña, but then spit on anything that is España (removing Villa’s Spanish flag from his boot and whistling the Spanish anthem). They always claim not too complain about the referee, until they lose. As well as kicking Eric Abidal out the door and making him close it after a club director had publicly announced he would automatically be renewed once he stepped onto the field (after beating his disease).

Next time Rosell, Tata or Xavi want to explain “valors”, they should show these facts to prove morally how “good” a club Barcelona really is.

 

Carlo, welcome to the ‘REAL’ Madrid

By El Maestro

“All I did is pick who I thought was better.”

Well that was quick. I thought the good relationship between the press and Ancelotti would last longer, but already the ‘piperos’ are starting to turn their backs on the Italian manager. However, the straw that broke the camels was not what we all had previously thought. Originally, we thought it would be results, but it turned out to be the same thing that ran Mourinho out of the Spanish Capital: Iker Pajillas. Like many, I was in total shock when I heard Iker would start in the same position he ended last year (on the bench), and Diego Lopez would play in goal.

To begin, I couldn’t believe it. ANCELOTTI ACTUALLY HAS A PAIR. Amazing, to think I thought he was complete polar opposite to Mourinho and would fall to the demise of the ‘piperos’, but I was completely wrong. Well done Carlo, NOW DON’T LOSE THEM!

Of course, as expected, the majority of the Spanish press has gone against his decision despite being Ancelotti’s first official game in charge. If it was bad on Sunday, it was enhanced on Thursday during the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy when Carlo sent Diego Lopez to warm up minutes before the halftime break with Casillas in goal. A stadium that was divided the entire time between the two keepers. It’s incredible that Madrid won the opener with a last minute header from Isco, Raul returned to the Bernabeu (for a day), and all the press is talking about is Iker. Personally, I loved Carlo’s decision for 3 reasons.

1. Like I said earlier, it shows Ancelotti does what he feels is right.

2. He left the ‘piperos’, who labeled him ‘El Pacificador’, hanging and proved Mourinho right.

3. Most important, he showed that the Madrid press really doesn’t care about Real Madrid (proving my theory).

Since January, the press stated that Mou wouldn’t start Iker because of a person grudge, and not because Casillas got hurt and Diego took full advantage. Then in late June, Ancelotti arrives and the press sells that he’s a better manager because he was a player, won with big clubs, would improve the image and could relate to players on the field. First game of the season comes around, Iker doesn’t start and suddenly everyone goes mad. The problem is when Marca (and the press in general) called him ‘El Pacificador’, they said it was because he would calm the waters in the dressing room; when in reality they meant he would put Casillas back in goal.

‘El Pacificador’ no more.

Since the home opener, it’s been interesting hearing how those who said Mou’s problem was personal explain what happened on Sunday. Obviously, they’re not going to admit they were wrong and are going to make up more BS information. Some journalist say Ancelotti didn’t explain Casillas’ benching very well, while others comment that he isn’t treating Iker properly. Naturally, some blame Mourinho for portraying Iker as a “wild animal” to Ancelotti. Julio Pulido, from Tiki-Taka, called Ancelotti “Torpe” (clumsy) for warming up Diego Lopez on Thursday. Even Pedro Pablo San Martin (also from Tiki-Taka) insinuated that the decision to bench Casillas came from a “higher power” (Florentino).

All this without considering the possibility that it was a footballing decision, WHICH IT WAS! It also doesn’t matter that Ancelotti’s goalkeeper coach happens to be Villiam Vecchi. Regarded as one of the best and legendary goalkeeper coaches in the world. A man who’s worked with keepers like Buffon and Dida (before his huge decline), and turned into some of the best in the world. A person who Ancelotti actually turns to before deciding who plays in goal, SINCE HE WORKS WITH THEM!   

Look! Proof.

Ancelotti has just seen what it’s really like to be the coach of Real Madrid. A place where the managers decisions are not respected if it doesn’t go with the ideas of the press (Cadena Sur, Cope, Marca, As etc.). The honeymoon period has ended and now the pressure begins. Ancelotti’s shown he has what it takes to be in charge of Madrid, now the question is will he continue to do what he feels is right or crumble under the pressure? We’ll find out on Monday when Madrid travels to Granada.

My Opinion: I’m not going to say how Ancelotti should manage his team and who should play. All I want him to do is continue to make the decisions he feels are right for the club, and not feel pressure from outside forces to do something he doesn’t think is right. He’s the manager, he’s in charge and he should decide who plays and who doesn’t.

!Hala Madrid! 

MADRIDISMO IN A MILITANT FASHION HAS RETURNED

El Malcriado

This isn’t so much of a recap (although rest assured I will discuss the things I noticed from the game later) but more of a call to arms. This is a brand new era of MILITANT MADRIDISMO, and us here at the Real Madrid Social Club have our knuckles bleeding from rattling the cages. After another productive offseason we are here with the blood overflowing in our veins fueling the heart that is beating to the chant “HALA MADRID! HALA MADRID!” This season is ours, and although we have bid goodbye to a few members of our past that have left us some great memories (Higuain and super sub Jose Callejon), I believe we finally have a team with enough mix of youth and age that can reassure our status as the best in Spain, and that will allow us to compete at the highest level and hopefully we can finally climb over the obstacle that has been the Champion’s League semi-final.

Today our home opened to the screams of the faithful, the chants of the challenged and beloved Madridistas, we have surpassed the belief that one is either a believer in El Puto Amo Mou or Casillas, but rather we have defined the standard that we must surpass each week as one side. Ancelotti, although admittedly not my first choice for managing this team (here’s looking at you, Klopp) has shown that he is at the helm and can make decisions not for the benefit of his image, but instead one that can produce 3 points, and we hope that his production continues.  We need to stand united against Farselona, we need to carry each and every one of us over the hump and face, not run away, from all challenges.

10 THINGS I NOTICED FROM THE GAME

1. Ancelotti is in charge! Diego Lopez appeared to be the right decision to put between the posts as his form was spectacular demonstrated by the stops he produced.
2. Even though Xabi Aloso is injured, I believe ‘el Señor’ in midfield is essential for Madrid because he gives the team a very distinct dynamic and controls the pace of the game so well.
3. The youth is in abundance and looks promising. Isco won man of the match and looked brilliant throughout the entire game with an assist and game winning goal with minutes to spare. Carvajal wasn’t as impressive, but still pulled off a good performance.
4. WE DON’T NEED BALE. (Though it wouldn’t hurt).
5. Kaka didn’t get any minutes against Betis, but I do expect him to get more under Ancelotti.
6. Marcelo looks to be on terrific form, ever since he came down to Sun Life Stadium he looks more involved in the offense, quick, and still holds down his flank. He looks to have a promising year.
7. Benzema looks on form and we are happy Higuain went and not him. BENZECRACK IS BACK.
8. Ronaldo will be playing a more centralized role behind the striker from time to time this season, dropping Özil behind him.
9. This will be a competitive Liga this season, although Farselona has recently devoured its opponent in Levante. Real Madrid seemed to be taken by surprise from the outstanding attacking play from Betis, and it looks as though they will not be the only team to come out swinging at the Liga giants. Given that it’s the last campaign before the World Cup, we can all expect a physical season as players will be looking to prove their worth to their selection.
10. Ronaldo looked on form, and got shots off. He did not score, but that goal attitude has not changed, and we can expect another season of the best in the world pounding that ball into the back of the net. Let’s just say the post (and the keeper) got lucky this time.

Hala Madrid!

It’s Time

By El Maestro

Finally, the new Real Madrid of Carlo Ancelotti kicks off on Sunday with their first La Liga match against Betis in the Santiago Bernabeu. After seven seemingly good preseason games, which saw the team win six games and draw one, it’s now time to put those performances to the test.

My Opinion:

I haven’t been able to watch all the matches, but from what I’ve seen, the team looks very good. Ronaldo has had a fantastic preseason, Isco seems to be gelling, Modric has started the way he finished last season and many canteranos have impressed. For Xabi Alonso, Varane and new signing Illarramendi, it hasn’t exactly been the best of times since they’ve spent most of the preseason on the  injury list and will not be ready for Sunday’s opener. However, I’m not too worried about these injuries or Ramos’ stupid hair style (seriously). What concerns me is that I feel there is a pit of uncertainty with this team.

Even though the team’s played well, there are still things that aren’t clear. To begin, the squad has 25 official players, plus Cheryshev who doesn’t have a first team number yet. It’s still not clear what formation or tactics Ancelotti will use for the upcoming season. Not to mention four positions are still overbooked with the transfer window two weeks away from closing. 

Overbooking:

Keeper: Diego Lopez, Pajillas, Adan and Jesus Fernandez.

Midfield: Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Modric, Illarramendi and Casemiro.

Attacking Midfielder: Ozil, Isco and Kaka.

Wingers: Ronaldo, Di Maria, Jese and Cheryshev (officially not a first team player). 

Along with this, Bale’s name still continues to stir; Di Maria (who would probably have to leave if Bale comes) has said he has no intention of leaving the club and Kaka’s still on the team. All this is causing a great deal of confusion and must be sorted out before August 31st. Ancelotti has enough problems as it is picking the starting 11, he doesn’t need more trouble trying to figure out who will be the seven to sit on the bench.   

According to La Liga BBVA rulebook, no team can have more than 25 official players. Though in reality, it’s ideal to only have 23 players on the first team. That way you have two per position, three keepers, you don’t have to worry about giving extra players minutes and you have numbers available to make a signing or two in the winter in case a player picks up a long-term injury.

From the current squad, three or four must go and two may depart in the upcoming days: Coentrao and Adan. This afternoon, Ancelotti announced that Coentrao had asked to leave the club and Adan has not appeared on the team’s official website with a first team number. Obviously, the player that Madrid should get rid of because he clearly has no space on the team is Kaka. Unfortunately, it looks like another important first team player will have to leave to make room for the Brazilian because he simply refuses to make less than €9 million a year.

After this, Ancelotti has to decide whether he wants Bale or not, how to fit him into the team and what to do at left back if Coentrao does end up leaving. If Bale comes, one of two things will happen:

1. Di Maria will be sold and Bale will play on one of the sides.

2. Di Maria will stay and play on the right, Bale on the left and CR7 at striker.

At left back, Ancelotti can do many things. Sign a new left back, sign a center back and move Nacho to left back, bring up Mateos or another center back from the reserves, drop Cheryshev to that position (which was supposedly his original idea) or put Bale (which I highly doubt he’ll do).

Real Madrid has two weeks to figure this out. In the meantime, enjoy the opener and let’s see if we get off to a good start.

!Hala Madrid!

Why is Kaka still here?

By El Maestro

With Higuain’s big transfer fee, Isco’s good performances and Bale’s possible signing, the player that I’m more concerned about is Kaka. It’s already August and he’s still on the squad. I know Ancelotti has a fantastic relationship with the Brazilian, but he cannot allow Kaka to be on this team. I don’t know if no teams are interested, Florentino hasn’t tried or Ancelotti is convinced he can get him back to his old self, but Madrid has to do all they can to get rid of him because he’s both a economic and footballistic burden.

Economic: The longer he stays, the worse it is for Ronaldo’s contract renewal. Kaka makes €9 million NET a year, despite his low form. This also effects other players searching for new contracts and made it almost impossible to pay for Bale’s transfer. In fact, if Bale comes, it’s probably thanks in large part to Napoli for the €59 million they invested in Higuain (€37 million), Albiol (€12 million) and Callejon (€10 million).

Footballistic: However, the main reason why Kaka must go is simply because he has no room. With Ozil and Modric, the signings of Isco and Illarramendi, and the rumors circling Bale, where will Kaka play? His position (behind the striker) is covered, the midfield is loaded and the sides are well armed. If Ancelotti does give Kaka important minutes, he’ll hurt the progression of Isco and Illarra (big money signings), and canteranos like Cheryshev, Casemiro, Morata and Jese (who still hasn’t apologized for his comments). Not to mention he would have little or no impact of the field. Even last season, Madrid would play with 10 men instead of 11 every time he came on (like in Raul’s last 5 seasons). 

When Barcelona sold Villa for  €2 million, I didn’t think Madrid would drop to that level of desperation. Turns out, not just will Florentino have to do that, it could be worse than Villa. Since the “good” Kaka refuses to take a pay cut, Madrid will have to do whatever it takes to get him out. The problem is not getting a team to pay a good transfer fee, but finding one that will pay Kaka’s ridiculously high salary. Obviously, no team from any top European league is going to give him €9 million (not even in his dreams). At this point, Floren will probably have to do what he did with Raul and pay a portion of his salary to the team he goes to. Kaka claims he wants to play in the World Cup next year in Brazil, but knows only an Asian side will pay him what he wants.

I know this will cost Real Madrid a lot of money, but this has turned into an absolute joke. Actually, it’s already costing Madrid a huge amount of money with him on the team. Madrid will have to pay a portion of his salary and might not be able to even get €10 million for Kaka’s transfer, but it would be better than watching him ‘steal’ more money from the bench. 

I said this before and I will say it again: REAL MADRID HAS TO DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO GET RID OF KAKA! If he’s still on the team by September 1st, Madrid will begin the season losing.

GET HIM OUT!!!!!!!