For anyone associated with Real Madrid CF it must be mystifying how Florentino Perez Rodriguez, their President controls the Los Merengues’ transfer policy, often to the chagrin or bemusement of the coaching staff. Ever since the controversial construction magnate first assumed control of the Real boardroom in 2000 with the unlikely-looking but tantalizing prospect of luring then Barcelona star Luis Figo to their playing staff, the autocratic Perez has established and stuck to his ‘Galactico’ policy, never mind the fact that this has often unbalanced the playing staff. … [Read more...]
Xabi Alonso heading to Bayern
Bayern Munich are in the process of signing Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, with the midfielder set to undergo a medical today. Alonso, who announced his retirement from the Spanish national team this week, will be allowed to leave after five seasons at the Bernabeu. The news comes just days after Manchester United completed a £59m move for Angel Di Maria, as another of Carlo Ancelotti's trusted players looks set to make way. Alonso and Di Maria were key players in Madrid's rejuvenation last season, as the club embarked on a long unbeaten run. Madrid have brought in Toni Kroos and James … [Read more...]
Xabi Alonso: Spain Have Not Valued Our Success
Ahead of the final World Cup match for several Spanish stars, Xabi Alonso says that Spain may have not valued their success as it should have been. Success came in abundance for Spain in the last six years, but the air of invincibility has been taken away from them after just two defeats. The Spanish team would have been experiencing a multitude of emotions in the past few days. Sadness will be inevitable, but that is likely to be accompanied by reminisce as well. Alonso appears to be going through it. He has been speaking a lot about the ‘end of the era’ aspect – especially because he is … [Read more...]
Promoted Eibar closer to relegation than La Liga
After beating local rivals Deportivo Alaves on Sunday evening, SD Eibar were promoted to La Liga following Las Palmas' defeat to Recreativo Huelva. The tiny club from the Basque Country has never featured in the top division against the likes of Barcelona, Real and Atletico Madrid in their 74 year history, but due to an absurd technicality, could be forced to wait even longer for their time at the top. Due to no fault of their own, the Basques could even find themselves demoted to the Segunda Division B if the rules stand. It is a rule which has sparked mass interest in Spain and across … [Read more...]
Champions League Final Preview
On the back of a historic week, Atletico Madrid must mount one final surge to cap off a season which has defied all expectations. Having won the La Liga title just seven days ago, Diego Simeone will lead his side out in a Champions League final against city rivals Real Madrid, who are gunning for their tenth European Cup. … [Read more...]
Alonso Denies Chelsea Rumours
Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has denied reports that Chelsea had approached him about a move to west London. The Madrid string-puller's contract was into its final six months, but he has ended speculation by signing a new contract that will keep the 32 year old at the Bernabeu for at least another two years. Alonso signed from Liverpool in 2009 for a fee of £30m and has since become a regular in a central midfied position, despite stiff competition. He has made 140 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring four goals in the process. His true value, however, lies in his ability to break up … [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...]
Suspicious in Sociedad
Real Sociedad have been improving of late with three wins from their last four games but have been rocked by allegations of match-fixing and doping. The team from the Basque Country currently occupy 8th position but have come under close scrutiny of late following an interview with the club's former President Inaki Badiola in Spanish newspaper AS last Monday. Badiola, President at La Anoeta for a 12 month spell in 2008, suggested that Sociedad players had used 'illegal medicine bought with dirty money from the black market' in a spell under former President Jose Luis Astiazaran, current head … [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...]