The Press

By El Maestro

For years, I actually thought one of the reasons for the presses behavior was because of a player’s legendary status at Real Madrid and his Spanish nationality. I realize that is completely false since these ‘piperos’ still sell that Mourinho “mistreated” Pedro Leon and continue to ridicule Arbeloa just for defending his manager. Maybe in Italy it works somewhat like this, which would explain why Buffon is still playing for Juventus, but in Spain it’s all about contacts and information. The Spanish press doesn’t care about who’s the manager, who plays or what’s really the best for Real Madrid. All they want are news to sell.

Do people actually think that the press got on Mourinho because he “really” was bad for Madrid or praise Casillas every time he makes a save because he’s the best keeper in the world? It’s very simple, Mou locked the press out when he was in charge and Casillas was the one who leaked everything, and the famous interview his girlfriend gave in Mexico could only enhance it. Even today, many ‘priperos’ continue to criticize Florentino for letting Del Bosque go and some believe that Ramon Calderon did a better job with the club when he was President from 2006-2009. There are just a few things wrong with this.

1. The man who presented the idea to Florentino about not renewing Del Bosque’s contract was his Sporting Director at the time, Jorge Valdano. However, no one dares to mention his name because he’s a guest on El Larguero, which is a radio show on La Cadena Ser, and is very good friends with other fellow journalists, such as Santiago Segurola and Diego Torres.

2. Yes, there are people who actually defend Ramon Calderon. For them, Calderon was a good President, but the Ramon Calderon most of us madridistas remember is the one who couldn’t shut his mouth, was fooled by a ‘fake Nicolas Cage’, took secret commissions from signings and left in the most disgraceful way when it was discovered he manipulated accounts in the infamous December 2008 shareholders meeting (resigning a month later). Let’s also not forget he had his own Del Bosque moment when he fired Fabio Capello after winning the 2006/2007 La Liga trophy. The only difference is that Calderon really fired Capello.

These people don’t care about the fact that Madrid had to sell top players in 1999 to pay that current squad and is now the richest sports franchise in the world. Or that Madrid was able to spend more than €100 million in signings and get it all back with departures, sales and sponsorships. All this thanks to Florentino. There is just one thing he has not done well at: keeping the press out of Real Madrid. 

However, let me get back to what I exactly mean when I say contacts and information. The ‘piperos’ from the Spanish press will say good things about players, coaches or Presidents who give them access, information or get along well with them. Florentino is mistreated because he doesn’t have a good relationship with them. Iker is the one who leaks everything, Calderon had a better relationship with the press and Raul had a very good agent.

Lets take another example: Michel, former Real Madrid player and now coach of Olympiacos. During the 2011/2012 season, there were many coaching vacancies. Every single time a coach was sacked and the press began with their usual speculations, a name that would always be mentioned was Michel’s. What had me scratching my head was why would a coach, whose only prior success had been qualifying Getafe for the Europa League in 2010 (fired in May 2011), constantly be appearing? After that, his experiences include taking charge of Rayo Vallecano in 2005 and not promoting them to Second Division, relegating a very good Real Madrid Castilla side to Second Division B (included Ruben de la Red, Javi Garcia, Borja Valero, Mata and Negredo) and just barely saving Getafe from relegation in 2009 by one goal. Like I said before, along with having worked in El Larguero, he has a very good agent who knows a lot of people in the press. Eventually, all that paid off when he was appointed new manager of Sevilla in March 2012, and then fired in January 2013.

I know many of you think this is nonsense and that no press in the world would stoop to this level, but sadly it really is. In fact, if you analyze just the front covers of Marca and As for the last 2 or 3 years, it would tell you a lot. Mourinho would only be on the center of the page if Madrid lost, Casillas for the easiest save and Diego Lopez would barely be mentioned even if his performances saved the team. The only player who’s actually being praised for his incredible performances on the field is Cristiano, but even at times I think is the Spanish press doing this to recognize his incredible form or would it have been different if he hadn’t “betrayed” Mourinho. Obviously, you can’t change the Spanish press, but you can do things to help protect the club.

• Eliminating the ‘Topos’ from the club (players, coaches or staff).
• Sanctions for players who leak information to the press without the clubs consent.
• Prohibiting players and coaches from giving interviews.
• Lawsuits for any journalist who steps his boundary.

Real Madrid cannot allow players and coaches to leave the club just because the Spanish press makes it unbearable to play in the Santiago Bernabeu. The President is responsible for what happens at the club and the manager for making sure his players are ready to play, not the press.

Juventus and Real Sociedad: 

Just a brief summary. Real Madrid took a valuable point from Turin with a 2-2 draw and almost sealed the 1st place position in the group. Against the Basque side, Madrid played a fantastic 45 minutes of football and finished them early with four unanswered goals in the 1st half. They took their foot off the peddle and allowed Real Sociedad to score, but at least CR7 would give us something to cheer about in the second half with a fabulous free kick. Bit by bit it seems as if the team is finally finding its form and style of play. Lets just hope they don’t lose it after the international break.

The Anti-Diego Campaign

By El Maestro

Every time someone asks me why Spain is in this huge sh*thole, my response is always “just follow the Spanish sporting press” (I mean it). In reality, I always knew the Spanish press was one of the worst in the Europe, but I at least thought they were better than Italian journalist since they were one of the reasons that Mourinho left Inter Milan. Not just was I completely wrong, there is a whole world just between Spanish and Italian journalist.

What these people from Marca, As, Copa, Cadena Ser, Cuatro and several others did to Mourinho these last three years was a disgrace and could only be done by individuals with no conscious whatsoever, but what is now happening to Diego Lopez this season is ridiculous and out of line. I’ve heard many comments this past week, such as Diego Lopez has been a bust of a keeper, all 17 league goals conceded this season were his fault (Really?) and that he’s a “terrible” keeper in terms of areal play. What’s sad is that they are trying use his “terrible areal play” to get Iker his job back. So they want Iker back in goal because Diego is bad in the air?

Example: That’s like a guy saying he’s going to stop drinking Diet Coca Cola because it has too much sugar and starts drinking regular Coca Cola instead.

Of course, the match in Turin on Tuesday only doubles the pressure. In my opinion, Iker had a good game and made one important save, but nothing special. However, leave it to the Spanish press to blow it out of proportion. The very next day, As does a survey asking their viewers who should be the starting keeper for Real Madrid, which Casillas won (naturally) with 84% of the votes. I wonder if the people from As actually realize that madridistas aren’t the only ones who read their website.

What has Diego Lopez done to deserve this? Accepting an offer to play for his dream club when they were in search of a keeper at a very crucial moment. Being put in goal, exceeding expectations and making world class saves in important matches. Or simply because of the fact that he took his opportunity.

If there is anything these last 10 months have shown, it’s that Diego Lopez is as good a keeper as Iker Casillas. Like Iker in years past, Diego has made incredible saves, has been huge in big games and has saved the team in a few occasions. This season, with this horrific defending, he’s been our second best player behind CR7. He’s made mistakes like everyone, but at least he’s been consistent with his form. Regardless, the Spanish press doesn’t care. Diego Lopez is ridiculed even for the slightest mistake and Casillas is praised as the “best keeper in the world” just for making a simple stop against Finland (FINLAND!!!). For the Spanish press, it seems unexplainable and idiotic to why Iker is not the full starter. It also appears as if most of the footballing world is asking this exact question except two people: Mourinho and Capello.

Yes, Capello, who had to come out to defend Diego Lopez’s performance last week, believed that the young Diego he had back in the 2006/2007 season was better than Iker Casillas. In fact, he was a pencil print away from benching the 26-year old Casillas for Diego, but backed off after discovering what was to come his way if he made that decision. Then again, that Iker Casillas was an actual world class keeper. Not this irregular, weak, cry baby, leaking, sad excuse for a captain we have right not.

Just to make it clear, I’m not saying that no one is allowed to give his or her own opinion. Everyone has the same right to say that they feel Iker or Diego is better than the other. All I’m saying is that Diego Lopez shouldn’t be disrespected just because he left Casillas on the bench. In January, Diego signed as the keeper for Real Madrid, what was he suppose to do? Play at an average level and not make big saves so that Iker could get his job back when he returned from injury. What the press and many Real Madrid fans are forgetting are the basics of football. It doesn’t matter the name that’s on the field, but whether that name can do his job for Real Madrid. Diego Lopez came in at an important time and not just did his job; he played at a world-class level. Like the saying goes, if something’s not broken, don’t fix it. If Diego is still playing at that world-class level, then he should be the starter by all means. However, Diego Lopez must be fairly criticized when he makes a mistake and be given the same respect all these ‘piperos’ from the Spanish press ask for Iker Casillas.

Recovery and Continued Uncertainty

By El Maestro

It seems as if Real Madrid have quickly forgotten about the lost to Barcelona a week ago. Four days after the Clasico, Madrid took their frustration out on Sevilla by crushing the side from Andalusia 7-3 in the Bernabeu. Then getting an important win against Rayo Vallecano last night 3-2 in Vallecas, which is always a complicated stadium to play in. Yes, it seems the team has recovered very well; or the offense I should say.

For both matches, Ancelotti came out with two very attacking lineups, which further enhances my theory that he had a little too much alcohol in his body before picking the squad. Not just that, Madrid played with the exact same formation (4-2-3-1) and style as last season, which resulted in playing our best game of the season against Sevilla. On the attacking side of the ball, it was a very good week. Bale played the full 90 minutes in both games, scored 2 goals in the Sevilla match and provided 4 assists (Sevilla: 2, Rayo: 2)). Benzema answered his critics with great performances and scoring 3 goals (Sevilla: 2, Rayo:1). Xabi Alonso played his first minutes since May and started the match against Rayo (looked very good). Lastly, CR7 shut Blatter’s mouth with a hat trick against Sevilla and 2 goals in the Mini Derby. However, the same can’t be said on the defensive side of the ball.

Despite being up 3-0 at one point in both games, Real Madrid conceded two goals in less than two minutes in each match, which included committing two penalties in about 1:50 against Rayo. Luckily, Madrid was able to add another four goals and put the game out of reach, but Rayo on the other hand made it difficult. Fortunately, thanks to Diego Lopez (AGAIN!) and some bad finishing from Rayo, Real Madrid managed to get all three points, but once again with the defense being a huge concern. This is something Ancelotti really has to figure out and quick with the Champions League match against Juventus IN TURIN on Tuesday. If Sevilla and Rayo can score a total of five goals against this defense, Juventus with quality players such as Pirlo, Tevez and Llorente can have a field day. In fact, they almost took a point from the Bernabeu playing with only 10 men and having Pirlo substituted early in the 2nd half. Right now, our best defender by far is Varane. The only difference from last year is that Varane is about 80% this season with his injury problems, and yet he continues to own attackers.

Still, the match away at Juventus will be very interesting and will tell a lot about this team. A draw in Turin would almost qualify Madrid for the 2nd round and put Juventus in a very tough spot if Galatasaray beat Copenhagen, but Real Madrid cannot go with that kind of mentality. A draw is a good result, but they should be going with the idea of winning. Not just will a win virtually qualify Madrid, it will send a strong message throughout Europe that this team is a serious contender for the Champions League (even though they already are a serious contender). Also, it wouldn’t hurt to kick Juventus while they’re down. Meaning, if Madrid striker first, don’t let up: go for the second, third and fourth goal. Defeating Juventus 2-1 is great, but beating them by more than 2,3 or 4 goals would send shock waves all around the world. What will Ancelotti and this side have in store for us on Tuesday?

Sepp Blatter:

Before I end this post, I wanted to quickly talk about this man. Personally, I cannot believe this clown is still the President of FIFA. Blatter’s comments about Cristiano Ronaldo are a complete and utter disgrace, and clearly show the conspiracy that exists in FIFA. Never should a FIFA President or Representative give his opinion about which player or team is better. The President of FIFA represents the entire game of football all over the world, not one player or team. Not just does he give his opinion, he insults CR7 as a personal. What’s worse is that Sepp Blatter is an honorary member of Real Madrid, which was given to him in 2006 by the former President Ramon Calderon (what a surprise). Real Madrid should immediately expel Sepp Blatter as honorary member of Real Madrid. This man, who is not even worthy of being a footballing representative (let alone FIFA President), should never have been made honorary member of Real Madrid. No professional footballing organization in the world should invite or be involved with Sepp Blatter. He’s a disgrace of a President and is only known around the world as a ‘JOKE’. 

For all we know, he probably sold his Real Madrid insignia a day after receiving, but I’m sure he can buy it back with all the money he got from Qatar after selling them the 2022 World Cup.

!Dimita Ya Payaso!

Back to Uncertainty

By El Maestro

I know I’m a week late with this post and Madrid played Sevilla on Wednesdays (best game on the season), but I haven’t had time to write and I really want to voice my opinion about last weekends Clásico defeat.

A week that had so much promise ended with a terrible 2-1 lost in the Camp Nou. Since the beginning of the season, my biggest criticism of Ancelotti has been his uncertainty with this squad by constantly switching formations and lineups. However, against Malaga and Juventus, it finally looked like the Italian was finally getting his ideas straight as the team appeared to be coming together at the most critical time. Especially after the 2-1 win over the Italian champions in the Champions League. As Madrid looked to be on the rise, Barcelona seemed to be going the opposite way. They had drawn in their league and Champions League fixtures against Osasuna and Milan, many had concerns over their style of play and certain players were struggling with injuries. Along with this, Atletico had lost to Espanyol, which meant Madrid was within striking distance of the 1st place position (Atletico: 2, Barcelona: 3). The game was going to be difficult either way, but it seemed very winnable if Ancelotti put out a proper 11 and played the way we had played in the previous Clásicos.

However, that confidence we all had before the game turned into nerves when we saw Ramos in midfield and Bale at the 9 position. A lineup so absurd and ridiculous, not even the biggest footballing expert could explain. In fact, I had to surf through different websites, channels and even switch televisions to make sure the lineup I was seeing was correct. At one point, I couldn’t help to think Mourinho was laughing when he saw this.

Diego Lopez

Carvajal        Varane        Pepe        Marcelo

Khedira        Ramos        Modric

Di Maria        Bale        Ronaldo

“Yet they thought I was crazy for putting Pepe in midfield.”

As expected, the 1st half was a complete and utter disaster. Barcelona took the lead inside 20 minutes through Neymar and Madrid could not get anything going. It wouldn’t be until before the hour mark (60th minute) that Real Madrid would start to get their ideas straight and take control of the game. Finally, the opportunities began to present themselves, but Madrid could not take advantage of them. Valdes’ good hand stopped a powerful shot from Ronaldo and then Benzema’s long-range effort hit the crossbar. Then came the most controversial moment of the game when Ronaldo was clearly pushed from behind inside the penalty area by Mascherano. It was very clear to everyone, except to the referee.

Sadly, the error would prove costly minutes later when Alexis Sanchez made it 2-0, after capitalizing on some poor defending and Diego Lopez’s bad position to chip it into the back of the net. A wonderful goal that put Madrid in a lot of trouble. As club policy, Real Madrid didn’t back down and continued to fight until the final whistle. At last, Madrid would at least make it 2-1 in 91st minute after a great counter attack put the young canterano Jese clear on goal to score, but it was a little to late. Real Madrid now finds themselves 6 points back of Barcelona and 5 of Atletico with their 5-0 win over Betis.

Carletto:

Despite everything that happened (even with the no penalty call), the game solely came down to Ancelotti. If many called Mou “defensive” against Barcelona, then Carletto took it to a completely different level. As I said earlier, I’m sure no one could explain why he started Sergio Ramos in midfield and Bale at 9. Either he really thought it would work or he had too much to drink in the hours before the match. Ancelotti pretty much threw the first half and didn’t make any changes until ten minutes into the 2nd half when he took out Ramos for Illarramendi.

My question is why resort to such a defensive formation when there was no need. Real Madrid already had it’s own attacking style built under Mourinho, which led to winning 4 of the last 7 Clásicos (with only one lost). They had completely lost that enormous pressure when playing Barcelona and it almost seemed as if that pressure was starting to get to the culés. Not to mention, he didn’t take advantage of the fact that Barcelona was a wounded warrior. They had just dropped their first league points of the season, their style of play was inconsistent, Messi and Pique were struggling with injuries, Mascherano was not on good form, Neymar was playing his first Clásico, they didn’t have a pure 9 striker and Jordi Alba was out. For all we know, the game could have been very different if Ancelotti had told Carvajal and Marcelo to attack from the beginning, started Isco for Pepe, pushed Ramos to center back and started Benzema (or at least CR7) at striker. However, Carletto had a different opinion and it didn’t go the way he had planned it. Nothing else we can do. I’m sure he will take note of this and know what to do and what not to do the next time.

In terms of La Liga, it’s only early November and there is plenty of time to regain that lost ground. A lot can happen from now until May.