Riquelme seals Real Madrid's first pre-season defeat
2006. augusztus 22., kedd 19:53
Football is as two-faced as a coin. Fridays match between Betis and Real Madrid had a faced-paced, eye-catching first half full of goals, but last nights Real Marid-Villarreal matchup for the third and fourth spots of the Ramón de Carranza competition was anything but spectacular. Villarreal took the pitch hoping to play a slow-paced game with the goal of stopping the Whites any way they could. They were not interested in displaying the wonderful football they are capable of, as demonstrated in their European matches of last season. Fabio Capellos team felt the effects of their adversary and played much in the same way. Both starting 11s anticipated an exciting match that ultimatley proved to be very disappointing.
Play was concentrated in the midfield, and neither side had many scoring opportunities. Villarreals first chance on goal only came in the 35th minute, while Real Madrid almost netted their first score in the 10th minute. Sergio Ramos, one of the Whites most prominent and consistent players, nearly finished off a spectacular play that has resulted in summersaults on previous ocassions. The defenders head connected with Beckhams corner kick, and missed the upper corner by mere inches.
The all-terrain machine
2006. augusztus 22., kedd 19:48
Mahamadou Diarra was born in Bamako, Mali on 18 May 1981. The six foot, 168 pound midfielder began his football career in the CSK Bamako youth system. After working his way up, he finally hit the big time in 1998 when he was called to play for the first team in the First Division. European football opened its doors soon thereafter.
OFI Crete was the first European team to give Diarra a try at the start of 1998/99 season. He made a great impression and signed his first professional contract. But, it was hard for the Mali native to shine in the small Cyprus League, and by the end of his first season, he signed with Holland’s SBV Vitesse Arnhem. Despite having difficulty adjusting to Dutch football, the Vitesse coach, and former Barcelona star, Ronald Koeman took Diarra under his wing and helped him improve his technical game. Thanks to Diarra’s strength, the usually mediocre team finished, sixth and fifth in the Dutch League in the two following seasons (2000/01 and 2001/02).
While still playing in Holland in 2001, Diarra signed with Frances Olympique Lyonnais for 3.8 million euros. His arrival coincided with Lyon’s explosion onto the French football scene, and the team won four consecutive League titles and started making a name for themselves in Europe by defeating heavyweights including Real Madrid. Diarra renewed his contract with Olympique Lyonnais throughout the 2009 season, but Real Madrid had other plans. Mahamadou Diarra will now show off his physical strength and more than noticeable technique at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
"Signing Diarra was Capello's main priority. He'll help create a solid midfield"
2006. augusztus 22., kedd 19:45
Diarra is finally a Real Madrid player
That's correct. It's who the coach asked for. We are happy we could
provide Capello with Diarra because the coach considers him essential
to the team. Signing Diarra was a main priority for Capello.
According to Capello, what can this player contribute to this team?
Capello thinks Diarra is a fundamental piece in creating a solid
midfield. He'll be a great support for Emerson, as well complete the
defensive scheme. Diarra will help overcome our weakness in that area
from season's passed. Capello has continued to say, “They are going to
score very few goals on us this year."
The coaches are responsible for chosing the players they want, but what's your personal opinion about Diarra?
I'm very excited because he's a great player. And I'm saying that from
a fan point of view. A lot of Clubs were interested in him, but Real
Madrid is an attractive option for any footballer. We were able to
convince him that he'd be best off here with us.
Capello delighted with Diarra
2006. augusztus 22., kedd 19:38
“Diarra is an important piece of the Real Madrid puzzle, primarily because he's only 25 years old," stated Real Madrid coach, Fabio Capello, who is very excited that Diarra will finally be playing at the White Coliseum. With the arrival of the Mali international, the Italian boss has put the finishing touches on a revamped midfield. “Emerson and Diarra are very important midfielders. Both are great players and have great personalities. They were two much-needed pieces and they will help us stabilize our midfield," highlighted Capello.
A rigorous tactical training session with the defense and attack working separately
2006. augusztus 22., kedd 19:29
Diarra is an important piece of the Real Madrid puzzle, primarily because hes only 25 years old, stated Real Madrid coach, Fabio Capello, who is very excited that Diarra will finally be playing at the White Coliseum. With the arrival of the Mali international, the Italian boss has put the finishing touches on a revamped midfield. “Emerson and Diarra are very important midfielders. Both are great players and have great personalities. They were two much-needed pieces and they will help us stabilize our midfield, highlighted Capello. Capello also commented on how pleased he is with the Clubs other summer signings, saying, “They are all great players, they have lots of experience, fantastic CVs, and they can all contribute to the team.
The Ministry of Sports of Madrid rejects the appeal filed by ten Club members
2006. augusztus 22., kedd 19:18
The Ministry has also noted that the appellants commit "excessive mistakes with the aim of justifying the reasoning for filing the appeal."
In the ruling, the Ministry of Culture and Sports agreed to “Declare the appeal inadmissible in order to resolve the claim proposed" by the 10 Madridista members “in relation to the proclamation of Mr. José Ramón Calderón Ramos as President of Real Madrid, by motives put forth by legal grounds."
