║ La Liga Season 2014-15 ║

[Casillas]

Navas: I want to oust Casillas as Real Madrid No.1

By Stefan Coerts
Mar 27, 2015 10:38:33

The goalkeeper has made it clear that he will not settle for a position on the bench and will continue to try to win over head coach Carlo Ancelotti

Keylor Navas has stressed that he will do everything within his power to displace Iker Casillas as Real Madrid's first-choice goalkeeper.

The Costa Rica international, 28, joined Madrid from Levante ahead of the 2014-15 campaign, but he has so far been unable to win over head coach Carlo Ancelotti despite Casillas' inconsistent form.

Nevertheless, Navas remains determined to succeed at the Santiago Bernabeu side and will continue to give his all to become the club's No.1.

"I'm not somebody who just accepts his situation. I don't give up easily," Navas was quoted as saying by AS.

"I know the situation might not be what I wanted, but it's here that I need to bring out the best in myself, be stronger and commit myself completely like I have done up to now.

"It's not the first time I've been in this situation. I'm very relaxed, although it's true I want more.

"I know the path to follow to achieve results and I try to learn. I think that for me it's a privilege to be at Real Madrid and I try to show every day why they brought me to the club."

Navas has made eight appearances in all competitions for Madrid so far, keeping three clean sheets.

 

[AtleticoMadrid]

Barcelona were blighted by internal issues, admits Mascherano

By Stefan Coerts
Mar 27, 2015 10:08:45

The Argentine has acknowledged the mood in the camp was poor at the start of the year and warns Real Madrid are still in the title race

Javier Mascherano has admitted that Barcelona were damaged by internal issues at the start of 2015.

The Catalans were beaten by Real Sociedad in their first game after the winter break and star player Lionel Messi's relationship with head coach Luis Enrique seemed to have broken down after an argument on the training pitch.

However, Barcelona have since managed to turn things around and now sit atop the Liga table once more following their Clasico win over Real Madrid.

"We started the year with difficulties, with the defeat at Anoeta, which left us four points behind Real Madrid," Mascherano told TyC Sports.

"Things weren't so good behind the scenes. The team seemed to have doubts.

"But this situation has now disappeared. This is the situation we live in. The demands at Barcelona are massive and it's not easy to meet them."

The Argentina international also maintains Real Madrid cannot be ruled out of the title race despite their indifferent recent form leaving them trailing the Catalans at the top of the table.

"Now we're four points ahead of Real Madrid. But this could always be turned on its head. The best thing is to always focus on the next game," he said.

"Clasicos are difficult games, against opponents that push you to the limit, that are as good as our team. You need to try your hardest for every minute of the game, and that's what helped us to win. That's why we got the result we did.

"We're aware that we didn't beat Real Madrid with our best football. Barcelona always like to win, and especially to be better in a footballing sense, over and above the result."

 

[Suarez]

Bale and Jese attackers face fines and suspensions

By Miles Chambers
Mar 27, 2015 01:15:00

The duo were among the Real Madrid stars to face abuse while returning home on Monday and those responsible could be made to pay €3,001

The supporters who attacked the cars of a number of Real Madrid players including Gareth Bale and Jese Rodriguez are facing potential fines of €3,001.

Three fans, infuriated at Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat by La Liga leaders Barcelona, waited for players to leave the club's training ground in the early hours of Monday and proceeded to punch and kick their vehicles as they drove away.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti also suffered a barrage of verbal abuse upon his exit from the Valdebabas after the Clasico and, after footage of the fans' hostility emerged, the European champions responded by banning a club member and encouraged the Anti-Violence Commission "to implement the sanctions deemed appropriate".

Jese is confronted by a furious fan as he leaves the training complex

The supporters could now face further action after the National Sports Council (CSD) revealed some of the proposed punishments on Thursday.

The CSD have suggested fines of €3,001 for three of the fans and banning orders that would see them denied access to sporting facilities, such as stadiums or training grounds, for up to six months.

Fans try to strike Bale's car as he pulls away promptly

Relevant Spanish government representatives will have the final say over whether such sanctions are carried out.

Real Madrid will be hoping to appease fans - many of whom have become frustrated with losing their lead in La Liga to Barcelona - when the international window ends next weekend.

The Blancos have matches against Granada, Rayo Vallecano and Eibar to look forward to in the coming weeks.

 

[Suarez]

There's no jealousy between Messi, Suarez and Neymar - Pique

By Joe Wright
Mar 27, 2015 00:31:35

The defender says his attacking team-mates have a perfect understanding and feels Luis Enrique has added an extra edge to their usual style

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar play so well together because they are not affected by jealousy.

The Blaugrana front three have been in devastating form in 2015 as Luis Enrique's side have surged to the top of La Liga and reached the last eight of the Champions League.

Suarez, who scored the winning goal in the Clasico against Real Madrid, came out in defence of Neymar after the match after the Brazilian was accused in some quarters of being selfish in front of goal.

And Pique believes this camaraderie is key to the understanding they have built up in recent months.

He told Uefa: "We're talking about the best players in the world and they have a special relationship. They understand each other perfectly. There's no kind of jealousy and they show that on the pitch, through their performances.

"Leo knows how to read the game perfectly, because he's very intelligent. He feels comfortable starting the play from the wing and this gives Suarez the opportunity to play as a centre forward, his best position.

"I think it was a wise move, because the team has got better; Messi shines just as before and Suarez is getting us a lot of goals."

Pique went on to praise the impact of Luis Enrique, claiming the current head coach has imbued the team with a certain steel to accompany their traditional stylistic values.

"Luis Enrique has a clear idea and the team has understood it perfectly," he said. "He asks us to press high up the pitch, to counter quickly when the opposition attacks and try to maximise the space between the lines with the speed we have.

"The style is always the same, but it's true we have perfected things a little and learned to play games that cost us in the past.

"I've never seen a Barca without control of the game. I've never seen a Barca that doesn't have the ball and lets the opposition attack all the time. The style is still there."

 

[moneytalk]

Biz as usual for M/V Leisure World, the casino ship will open 29/03 during the farewell parade for our beloved founding father's Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Leisure World accept illegal Singapore 4D betting and also provide loanshark services to their players.
Albert Ng Cheow Leng, the boss of New Century Tours is making more more money since RWS, MBS and Singapore Turf Club are close to mark the respect of Mr Lee.
Hope the authority could stop Leisure World operation for a day otherwise Leisure World will be seen above the law.

 

[Casillas]

PSV agree permament Guardado deal

27 March 2015

Eredivisie leaders PSV have announced the permanent capture of Valencia midfielder Andres Guardado on a three-year contract.

The Mexico international has spent this season on loan in the Netherlands after a similar spell at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga during the previous campaign.

Finding a regular place at Valencia proved difficult, though, and he has opted to move permanently to PSV to secure first-team football.

"We are pleased that after the loan period this season he will belong to PSV," said sporting director Marcel Brands.

"Andres is good business for PSV and the entire Eredivisie. We hope to enjoy the years ahead of him as a player of PSV."

Since arriving at Philips Stadion in August, Guardado has made 29 appearances in all competitions and helped Phillip Cocu's side open up an eight-point cushion at the top of the table.

 

[DavidMoyes]

Barca fears over Alba eased

28 March 2015

Jordi Alba should be fine for Barcelona's run-in, despite limping out of Spain duty with a groin injury on Friday.

The left-back was withdrawn with 11 minutes to play in Spain's 1-0 Euro 2016 qualifying victory over Ukraine in Seville and subsequently sent back to his club for medical checks.

Barca face crucial games in the coming weeks, with tough La Liga fixtures against Sevilla and Valencia sandwiching their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg away to Paris Saint-Germain.

And Luis Enrique can breathe a sigh of relief, with starting left-back Alba only set to spend 10 days or so on the sidelines.

 

[MarceloVieira]

Miranda not contemplating Atletico exit

28 March 2015

Miranda does not want to leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, having come close to an exit from Vicente Calderon in the close-season.

The Brazil international was on the verge of leaving the Spanish champions prior to the start of the season, with Manchester United among those heavily linked with his signature.

However, with another season to run on his current deal, Miranda maintains the current campaign will not be his last in the Spanish capital.

"I am comfortable. I have a contract for this year and one more," the centre-back told AS.

"I must only think about playing football, enjoying my minutes at Atletico and making my team fight, always, for titles.

"I want to finish well, and enjoy each moment that there is at Atletico because it’s a great team. I have another year and I am going to endeavour to fulfil my contract."

Atletico were given a boost last week with the news that coach Diego Simeone had agreed a new deal, which will keep him under contract until 2020.

Miranda paid tribute to Simeone and explained the move bodes well for the club.

"For the players, it is something that leaves us happy," he added. "He is an extraordinary coach. His renewal will make Atletico great for a long time.

"For many more years we will have Atletico fighting for important things."

 

[Suarez]

Al Sadd say talks with Xavi ongoing

28 March 2015

Al Sadd say they are still in negotiations to sign Barcelona great Xavi, although a deal for the former Spain playmaker has yet to be formally concluded.

Speculation in the Spanish media on Saturday suggested that Barca's record appearance holder had already agreed a contract with Qatari side, rumours that intensified when he was pictured on Instagram apparently with the club's sporting director, Muhammed Ghoulam.

But while Al Sadd did confirm in a statement later in the day that Xavi is in Doha weighing up his options, they insisted a contract is yet to be signed.

"Al Sadd confirms the latest news about the club's interest in signing the Spanish star Xavi Hernandez to the club is still under negotiation," read the statement on the club's official website.

"On the same matter, the FC Barcelona player is currently in Doha with his family to know more about the country he would live in if he were to decide to join the club.

"The club would make any further and official announcements only if further developments take place."

Xavi has played his whole career at Camp Nou and is one of Barca's most decorated midfielders, having won the Liga title on seven occasions, the UEFA Champions League three times and the Cop del Rey twice.

The 35-year-old, a World Cup and two-time European Championship winner with Spain, was reportedly in talks with Qatari side Al Arabi and MLS franchise New York City FC before the start of the season but he opted to remain with Luis Enrique's side.

 

[Ochoa]

I have nothing to prove - Bale

29 March 2015

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale insists he pays no attention to his critics and stated he has nothing to prove.

The forward has been the main focus of scorn from the Spanish media and Real supporters following the capital club's difficult start to 2015, with the former Tottenham man's car damaged after the 2-1 Clasico defeat against Barcelona.

However, Bale gave a timely reminder of the talent that saw Real shell out a club-record fee for his services in September 2013 with a starring role in Wales' 3-0 victory against Israel in Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifying contest.

The 25-year-old set up Aaron Ramsey for the first, before scoring twice in the second half in Haifa.

"I don't need to answer the critics," Bale said.

"I know, and everyone around me knows, what I can do.

"There are ups and downs in football. You have to take it with a pinch of salt and all you can do is respond with your performances on the pitch, like that.

"I don't feel I need to prove anyone wrong or right, I just need to play my football."

 

[MarceloVieira]

Hernandez frustrated by lack of Real opportunities

30 March 2015

Javier Hernandez is keen for people to show belief in him following a frustrating start to his time at Real Madrid.

Hernandez joined Real on loan from Manchester United in September last year but has made just five starts in his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring three goals.

The Mexico forward, who scored the only goal in his country's 1-0 win over Ecuador on Sunday, appears unlikely to earn a permanent deal at Real, despite the European champions having an option to sign him.

And Hernandez told Fox Sports: "My situation is frustrating. I participate, give my all in training, but as far as for playing in matches, the opportunities are minimal. I belong to a team, but am not part of the important bit, the actual games.

"Sometimes my confidence is right down on the ground, even though I am trying for it to be up there, with the help of the people who are always at my side and who support me.

"The most important thing is to get chances, and to feel that they believe in you. Whenever they have entrusted me to do something it comes out positively, but I've been through two rather frustrating years.

"There needs to be people who believe in me, at least so I can prove if I am any good or not."

 

[Casillas]

Zidane would accept Real job

30 March 2015

Zinedine Zidane has revealed he would accept the Real Madrid coach's job if the offer came along but has reiterated his support for under-pressure Carlo Ancelotti.

The Frenchman, who won La Liga and the UEFA Champions League in a five-year spell at Real from 2001 to 2006, is coach of the club's reserve Castilla outfit.

Zidane has taken measures to boost his coaching knowledge, observing training at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich last week.

Speculation over the future of Ancelotti has only intensified following Real's 2-1 Clasico defeat to Barcelona last weekend, with Zidane one of the men mooted to be in contention to replace the Italian should he leave his post.

And Zidane told Canal Plus: "If the role of coach at Real Madrid was offered to me I would certainly agree to it.

"However, there is a coach there right now who is doing a very good job. I am part of the club's structure and still learning.

"Am I ready for the job? You are never ready, but even if you're not you still have to say yes. When I was a player I didn't build my career over two years because things happen gradually. It's the same in coaching.

"I've learned a lot from Carlo Ancelotti and he knows how highly I regard him. He's the perfect coach for Real Madrid, despite what people are saying."

Meanwhile, France coach Didier Deschamps, who won the World Cup alongside Zidane, has talked him up as a potential national team boss in the future.

Deschamps said: "I do not know what he'll [Zidane] do next. But he has all the qualities to be [coach]."

 

[Jorge]

Atletico able to call on Saul again

30 March 2015

Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez is to return to training following a kidney problem.

Saul picked up the injury in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League last-16 tie with Bayer Leverkusen last month.

But Saul - who has three goals to his name this season - could be in line to make his comeback against Cordoba on Saturday.

A statement on Atletico's website read: "Saul Niguez was given the green light to rejoin team work with a medical discharge.

"The medical report confirms that the young red and white footballer "has received a medical and sports discharge after the left renal trauma with peri-renal haematoma" suffered in that match, [versus Leverkusen].

"And this afternoon, at 17:00 [local time], at Majadahonda's Sports City, Diego Pablo Simeone will have the player at his disposal in the first training session of the week to prepare for the next league commitment with Cordoba."

 

[DavidVilla]

Loren hails Moyes for Sociedad surge

30 March 2015

Real Sociedad sporting director Loren has heaped praise on coach David Moyes for turning their fortunes around since taking over in November.

Moyes - sacked by Manchester United in April last year - was appointed by Sociedad as Jagoba Arrasate's replacement with the Basque club fourth bottom of La Liga.

The Scot has since masterminded a resurgence that has seen Sociedad move into ninth in the table with 10 games remaining.

And Loren told Marca: "It was hard for us to replace Jagoba. But the team needed to react and it certainly has done so. Our immediate aim has been achieved.

"I think the first thing that David did when he arrived was to try to give the team more solidness and consistency, and you can see that he has achieved that. The team is improving.

"We were fortunate that a man that initially appeared inaccessible to Real Sociedad, ended up coming here. I believe he [Moyes] is giving a big contribution."

Loren feels that Moyes' presence at the club could allow Sociedad to tap into the English market in order to add to their squad.

He added: "It's difficult to bring players from England, unless you have something that can attract the players. With Moyes here, the task of bringing players from there [England] can be made easier."

 

[Suarez]

Liverpool the only English club I could play for - Suarez

29 March 2015

Luis Suarez has refused to rule out one day returning to Liverpool - and says there is no other Premier League club he would consider representing.

Suarez, who left Liverpool in July to join Barcelona in a reported £75m deal, was back at Anfield on Sunday for a charity match pitting a Steven Gerrard XI against a side led by Jamie Carragher.

After the game, Suarez was asked by Liverpool's official website if he may play for the club again.

The Uruguay forward responded: "You never know in football, but if in the future I play in England again, I play with the Liverpool shirt on and not another shirt."

Suarez, who scored 82 goals in 133 appearances for Liverpool, welcomed the opportunity to partner Fernando Torres in attack for the Gerrard XI.

"It was great for me," he added.

"Four years ago when I arrived here for Liverpool, I crossed my fingers to play with Fernando and he left three days after I signed.

"Today was a great day for all the players, but for me and Fernando it was a great chance to play together."

Gerrard scored two penalties as his side came from behind to draw 2-2 in Sunday's match.

 

[Ochoa]

Xavi denies Al Sadd link

31 March 2015 03:35

Barcelona veteran Xavi played down suggestions on Monday that he is on track to announce a contract with Qatar Stars League club Al Sadd, insisting his trip to West Asia was "just a visit".

Xavi spent four days of the international window in Qatar and was photographed with Al Sadd president Mohammad Al Ali, who told Marca "we hope to sign him".

But upon his return to Spain, Xavi insisted he had simply visited the Gulf nation with his family for a vacation.

"It was just a visit, nothing more, just a visit," the 35-year-old midfielder said at Barcelona's El Prat airport, according to AS.

Xavi has been widely expected to leave his boyhood club at the end of the season, bringing to an end his 24-year association with Barcelona that started in the club's academy La Masia, with the MLS and Stars League considered the two most likely destinations.

But although there have been reports Xavi will sign a three-year deal with Al Sadd - a former home of ex-Real Madrid striker Raul - the Barcelona captain denied anything has happened.

"When I've some news, I'll let you know," he said.

Xavi has also been linked with New York City in MLS, where he would join ex-Barcelona team-mate David Villa.

 

[MarceloVieira]

Manchester United move would be an ´honour´ for Coentrao

31 March 2015 11:39

Having long been the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United, Fabio Coentrao says it would be an "honour" to play at Old Trafford.

Reports resurfaced on Tuesday that Coentrao could be a target for the Premier League club, with the full-back having struggled for games at Real this term.

With Marcelo a preferred option for Carlo Ancelotti at left-back, Coentrao talked up the prospect of playing for United.

"I already showed that interest in playing there [at Manchester United]," the 27-year-old told O Jogo.

"It’s one of the best clubs in the world, a club that I admire a lot. It would be an honour to play there."

On his inability to become a regular at the Santiago Bernabeu of late, the former Benfica defender added: "I hope to have more minutes at Real Madrid and that the coach trusts me more.

"[That is] something that has not been happened so far."

 

[Jorge]

Leno ´knows nothing´ of Real interest

31 March 2015 17:08

Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno says he knows nothing of apparent transfer interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Reports on Monday linked the Germany Under-21 international with a move to Santiago Bernabeu after a string of impressive performances for the Bundesliga club.

Manchester United keeper David de Gea has also been strongly linked with Real, as they look to begin the process of replacing club captain Iker Casillas.

Leno was also in strong form during Leverkusen's penalty shootout exit to Atletico in the UEFA Champions League but the 23-year-old maintains he is content at the BayArena.

"I feel comfortable in Leverkusen and know nothing of any interest from Real," he told Kicker.

"And I give no attention to the rumours."

 

[Simeone]

Real agree to sign Danilo

1 April 2015 00:24

European champions Real Madrid have announced the signing of Porto right-back Danilo, with the Brazil international to complete his transfer ahead of the 2015-16 season.

Real made the announcement on Tuesday, confirming Danilo's contract will see him remain in Madrid until at least June 30, 2021, ending weeks of speculation after coach Carlo Ancelotti was forced to deny a deal was already in place at the start of March.

Porto released a statement to the Portuguese stock exchange stating the transfer fee for the 23-year-old is €31.5 million.

Danilo is expected to assume right-back responsibilities ahead of Dani Carvajal next season.

The 11-time Brazil international has made over 130 appearances in all competitions for Porto following his arrival from Brazilian outfit Santos in 2012.

Danilo won back-to-back Primeira Liga titles at Estadio Dragao between 2011 and 2013.

 

[Ancelotti]

Real´s Pepe suffers thigh injury

1 April 2015 17:04

Real Madrid are sweating on the fitness of Pepe after confirming that the centre-back has sustained a thigh injury.

The centre-back was absent for Portugal's 2-1 victory against Serbia in UEFA 2016 qualifying last Sunday.

Pepe subsequently returned to Madrid after being excused from the nation's friendly against Cape Verde, which ended in a surprise 2-0 defeat.

European champions Real announced Pepe's injury on Twitter and are set to monitor his progress.