Radamel Falcao started the Spanish season in spectacular goalscoring fashion for Atlético Madrid and was the centre of much transfer speculation. He was initially linked with a move to cross town rivals Real Madrid and even a big money move to Paris Saint-Germain. Recently, however, stories have emerged of a possible switch to the English Premiership and particularly with a move to current European Champions Chelsea, a side he scored a hat-trick against in the European Super Cup Final in Monaco, catching the eye of owner Roman Abramovich. … [Read more...]
Xabi Alonso Linked With Premiership Return
With his contract due to expire in June of 2014, Xabi Alonso could be one of the highest profile players to exit the Bernabeu should coach José Mourinho seek a new challenge elsewhere this summer. … [Read more...]
Who will be Mourinho’s successor at Real Madrid?
With José Mourinho reportedly confirming that he will leave his post at Real Madrid at the end of the season, there has been heavy speculation regarding who will replace The Special One. Here, I will take a look at 5 candidates who I believe have a chance to take over Los Blancos. … [Read more...]
Mourinho to remain at Madrid?
After a week of euphoria for Real Madrid, having beaten their greatest rivals F.C. Barcelona in the Cup and League and having progressed at the expense of Manchester United in the Champions League, the whole mood of their season would appear to have changed. … [Read more...]
Is Mourinho ignoring his own policy?
Iker Casillas' recent omission can be justified, according to the man responsible. Jose Mourinho believes that no man should be seen as bigger than the team and based on Casillas' irregular form over the first half of the season, Mourinho has reacted based on his performances. The severity of the switch cannot be thought of as merely rotation given Casillas' illustrious career as Mourinho further antagonised both the fans and directors above with his decision, perhaps confirming what Florentino Perez intends to do with Mourinho's contract in the summer. Yet by causing such mayhem that has made … [Read more...]
Mourinho expected to leave in June
Spanish newspaper Marca has been running extensive news stories and features about Jose Mourinho's exit from Real Madrid for the past week but there still remains much confusion about Mourinho's status within the Santiago Bernabeu. The tabloid first published rumours of Mourinho's departure on Monday, though lacking firm evidence, it stated that President Florentino Perez would negotiate a package for Mourinho in June 2013 as he'd had enough of the Portuguese boss trying to take control of the hierarchy. … [Read more...]
Mourinho frustrated by Madrid youth system
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has spoken out against recent criticism concerning the club's Castilla team. The Portuguese boss had come under scrutiny recently because of supposedly blocking aspiring players from the B team from playing in the first team. However, Mourinho has responded to these statements by blaming the club's youth system and Castilla head coach Alberto Toril. The Spanish soccer press had been stirring up accusations all last week accusing Mourinho of buying his way out of trouble and … [Read more...]
La Liga dominates Ballon d’Or shortlist as 7 Spaniards vie for title
FIFA has announced a 23 man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or award which will be announced at a gala on January 7th 2013. Included in the list are seven players from the victorious Euro 2012 Spanish squad whilst 12 of the 23 selected ply their trade in La Liga. 6 Real Madrid players are named and 5 from Barcelona with Atletico Madrid's Falcao being the sole candidate exempt from the big two teams. FIFA and a group of experts from France compiled the list for national team coaches, captains and various journalists to vote from. … [Read more...]
City win temporarily covers dressing room cracks
Major inconsistency has blighted a campaign which appeared destined to go one better than last season for Real Madrid. In spite of recent cup victories over Barcelona and Manchester City, Mourinho's squad remains divided, rarely performing to the pinnacle of their combined abilities, especially in La Liga. Damaging defeats to teams who were once dominated by Ronaldo and co has plagued the beginning to their title defence. Rumours of rows within the team appear on the front pages of Marca almost daily and post-match criticism from Mourinho fuels added animosity. Two weeks ago Cristiano Ronaldo … [Read more...]
Terrible start angers Mourinho
Real Madrid's woeful start to the new La Liga season continued last night as Getafe humbled Los Blancos and took a 2-1 victory at La Coliseum. Goals from Juan Valera and Abdelaziz Barrada turned the game around in the second half after Gonzalo Higuain had given Real the lead, which infuriated boss Jose Mourinho so much that he publicly blasted his star studded team. Having now lost two and drawn one of their three games so far it stands as one of the worst beginnings to a new campaign in decades for Madrid. … [Read more...]