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losblancos · 03-07-08, 01:36 PM

(Translated in English)

Capello gets the sack
28 June, 2007

In the cold: Real have decided Fabio Capello is not the man to lead them to future glory

Real Madrid have sacked coach Fabio Capello, just 11 days after he led them to their first Primera Liga title in four years.

"We have taken the decision not to continue with Fabio Capello next season," said Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic.

"It was a difficult decision, but it was a unanimous decision based on an exhaustive report I made to the board.

"We don't think Fabio Capello is the right person to lead Real Madrid into the future given what we want this club to achieve.

"Now we have time to think over who will be the next coach of the club.

"I haven't managed to talk it over with him personally because he is on holiday at the moment, but I did manage to speak to his son who is also his lawyer."

61-year old Capello had two years left in his contract and had earlier stated that he would retire from management after his spell at Real Madrid.

losblancos · 03-07-08, 01:46 PM

La Sexta 8pm News – Sports segment

(Translated in English)

Mamen Mendizabal: “And in sports, Real Madrid’s decision to sack title winning coach Fabio Capello has been received with mixed responses from the fans and experts. Most Madristas seem content with sporting director Predrag Mijatovic’s explanation that Capello was sacked because his style of football wasn’t good enough. Our football expert, Julen Lopetegui, gives his views on the matter.”

Julen Lopetegui: “As cruel and rude Capello’s sacking might appear, you cant really say it was unexpected. I think at the start of the season, the main objective of the club chiefs, Mijatovic and Calderon, was to sort out the mess and get the team playing as a unit. For this Capello, who is a strict disciplinarian, was a perfect choice.

“And to be honest, he did what was asked of him, got the team to work together, got them to work on the fundamentals and basics of football, and most importantly made decisions based on player’s performances than reputations.

“Real obviously then ended up winning the title on a superior head-to-head record for Barcelona, now the club chiefs are looking ahead. And although I think this is largely Mijatovic’s decision, what they are saying now is – Okay we’ve achieved the first step that is to get the team back in shape, now we want to play football the way the great Real Madrid sides of the past have done – with flair, skill and brilliance. Last seasons, working hard to win matches was the motto, now they want to win by playing entertaining football, something what Barcelona have been doing in recent years.

“Capello isn’t particularly known for this, and his Real Madrid side have produced some really dull and boring performances this season, where they have had to grind out the results than win with style and poise. So Mijatovic doesn’t believe Capello can get the team to play the way he and the fans want, and hence the sacking.

“It could backfire if the man coming in next is not able to control the squad as well as Capello did, and to get the team to play exciting football and get results at the same time is never an easy job especially in your first season.

“Another thing that dint help Capello was his unpopularity with some of the players in the dressing room. Robinho has repeatedly spoken against the man throughout last season, and even Guti and Reyes had expressed their disapproval of the manager’s tactics, calling it “negative” and “frustrating”.

“So end of the day, it might have been a good move by the club, although like I said before, it could still backfire. But now obviously we have to wait and see who they make their new manager, and I think it will indeed be Getafe’s Bernd Schuster.

Mamen Mendizabal: “That was our football expert, Julen Lopetegui talking about the sacking of Fabio Capello as coach of Real Madrid.”

“And in the meantime their rivals, Barcelona have continued their summer spending with the signing of Lyon and French defender, Eric Abidal, for a reported transfer fee of £10m.

“The 27-year-old full-back, who has been capped 24 times for his country, has signed a four-year contract with Barca.

“Abidal is Barcelona's third signing of the week following the arrival of striker Thierry Henry from Arsenal and midfielder Yaya Toure from Monaco.

“Abidal, who joined Lyon from Lille in 2004 and went on to win three Ligue 1 titles, said, and I quote: "I believe I have the right characteristics to succeed here.".

**Jonners71** · 03-07-08, 02:16 PM

This is awesome - brilliant work

losblancos · 03-07-08, 09:48 PM

(Translated in English)

Argentine duo bound for Madrid?

30/06/2007

Saviola and Tevez could be strike partners again

MADRID - They might be without a manager, but Real Madrid's presence in the transfer market seems to be unaffected, an indication that it is indeed the club's administrators who are responsible for the signings.

The clubs representatives are apparently very close to landing Carlos Tevez from West Ham United and Javier Saviola from Barcelona, the latter on a free transfer.

A source close to the club said:"Both Tevez and Saviola are serious targets and the club is trying its best to sign them."

Javier Saviola's contract at Barcelona expires today and El Conejo's agent said that Real Madrid had tabled a tempting offer. The 25-year old had been a fringe player for the Blaugrana last season.

Fellow Argentine, Carlos Tevez, expressed his desire to play for Real Madrid last week when he told Radio Punto:"They are a big club and I would love to play for them soon."

The ownership row regarding Tevez between Kia Joorabchian and West Ham United still remains unresolved making his move a lot more complicated. Real are expected to pay a transfer fee of €30million for the striker.

In the meantime, Jose Antonio Reyes' hopes of staying at the Bernabeu were given a big boost when sporting director Predrag Mijatovic told the club's official website that they were trying to work out a deal with Arsenal to make the midfielder's move permanent. Arsenal were rumoured to be looking for a transfer fee of around €10million for the former Sevilla player.

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(Translated in English)

2 July 2007| MADRID | AS PRESS

Calderon: We have spoken to Ferreira and Wenger

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon revealed the club held talks with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and Portu boss Manuel Jesualdo Ferreira regarding the possibility of taking over at the Bernabeu.

"Once we decided that Capello would not continue, [Madrid sporting director Predrag] Mijatovic underwent talks with Schuster, [Manuel Jesualdo] Ferreira, and [Arsene] Wenger," Calderon told the club's official website.

Schuster who was the early favourite for the job seems to be out of contention now after Real Madrid refused to offer compensation to Getafe for his services.

Mijatovic is known to be a big admirer of Arsene Wenger, but Arsenal are unlikely to want to part with the Frenchman.

**liveru** · 03-07-08, 10:30 PM

Great story mate.

Brilliant work. Nice idea by adding the pictures in.

losblancos · 03-07-08, 11:21 PM

(Translated in English)

6 July 2007| MADRID | AS PRESS

Gago: I would like to play with Saviola, Tevez

Real Madrid midfielder Gago has urged his club to 'try their best' to sign Javier Saviola and Carlos Tevez and has said that he will be able to linkup well with them on the pitch.

"I want the club to try their best to get Saviola and Tevez because they are great players. Both have different styles but together are a dangerous combination. I know them well and understand their game well so it would be easier for me to play with them on the field," said the 21-year old.

When asked about who he thought would replace Fabio Capello as manager, the former Boca man said:"Thats for the president and the board to decide. But I am confident they will get a good manager and I will do my best for him and the team."

Gago himself joined the club in the summer along with yet another Argentine, Gonzalo Higuain.

Real Madrid are said to be in advanced talks over both Saviola and Tevez.

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(Translated in English)

7 July 2007| MADRID | EUROPA PRESS

Portugal confident of working well with Mijatovic

Real Madrid have appointed Miguel Angel Portugal as new technical secretary.

Portugal will work alongside sporting director Pedja Mijatovic at Real and declared: "This is a life-long dream fulfilled and I arrive tremendously excited. Here, I have been a player, a coach and now a technical secretary.

"This club has given a lot to me and I will do everything possible to repay this confidence with my work. I want that they feel satisfied with my work."

On his working relationship with Mijatovic, Portugal added: "I am convinced we will work great together for the good of the club.

"We are both interested in doing our best for the success of the club."

**liveru** · 03-07-08, 11:25 PM

I hope that Madrid get their men in Saviola and Tevez.

Should be a couple of interesting signings.

**Hartynips** · 03-07-08, 11:35 PM

Looking great so far mate nice reading

losblancos · 04-07-08, 10:37 AM

Official Club Statement
July 8, 2007

Arsenal Football Club would like to inform that team manager Arsene Wenger was never approached by any other club regarding possible employment, neither is Mr. Wenger seeking employment elsewhere.

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Last Updated: Sunday, 8 July 2007, 13:50 GMT

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Manchester United win Tevez race

West Ham have revealed they have reached agreement for Carlos Tevez to leave Upton Park and join fellow Premiership side Manchester United in a £25m deal

West Ham's Carlos Tevez moves to Old Trafford

The defending champions have beaten the likes of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid to get the signature of the highly rated Argentine striker.

West Ham will receive a £2m fee for Tevez's registration, while his commercial owner, Kia Joorabchian will receive most of the remaining £23m.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson appeared delighted with the signing.

"Carlos is a fantastic player and just the sort of option we were looking at to bolster our striking options. He was incredible for West Ham last season and his contribution will no doubt be vital in United's domestic and european campaigns this season and beyond," said Ferguson.

The 23-year old looked to be on his way to Real Madrid a few days back but apparently the Spanish champions were reluctant to get involved in the legal saga involving West Ham and Kia Joorabchian's MSI Group.

T.H · 04-07-08, 11:02 AM

This is absolutely fantastic so far.

Love the way you're starting from last season, almost like a time machine

Pics looking good too!

Keep it up!!!!

**Hartynips** · 04-07-08, 11:09 AM

Looks great and the pics and reports are setting this apart

KUTGW

**Jonners71** · 04-07-08, 12:09 PM

Looks amazing - loving this

losblancos · 04-07-08, 03:07 PM

Special Interview with President Ramon Calderon

(Translated in English)

Hello and welcome to a very special edition of Cara a cara here on Real Madrid TV. I am Camparo Martinez and today we speak with none other than the President of Real Madrid Club de Futbol, Senor Ramon Calderon.

CM: Good evening Senor and thank you for talking to us.

RC: Nothing to thank. I am very much looking forward to this, as it allows me to interact more with the club and the all important fans.

CM: So Senor, how was it for you as president when Real Madrid won their 30th title, and their first since 2003?

RC: I dont think you need to mention that 2003 part. We cant do anything about the past but can work for the future. And that was our motto at the beginning of last season. We dint look at it as a case of winning after so many years but the case of playing the upcoming season to do our best and try and win the La Liga trophy. And full credit to Fabio Capello and the team for getting the job done. It was a great feeling for me and the club as the domestic league means so much to everyone at Real Madrid.

CM: So you were happy with Fabio Capello?

RC: Yes, like I said before. He deserves a lot of credit for building a good team, that played with confidence and determination. I can only thank Capello for all his efforts and see that as the first step in the future of Real Madrid. And now have to look ahead at the future Real Madrid.

CM: Capello is gone now, and we are right now without a proper head coach. Any updates on this?

RC: Like I've said before, we have considered a few options and trying to find out the best possible solution. There a lot of things to take into account because we are looking for someone who can take the club forward. But I think we will name our coach before the end of this week.

CM: What happened with Getafe's coach, Bernd Schuster?

RC: Well, Schuster is under contract at Getafe, and the club is looking for a compensation. As a policy, we dont usually pay for the compensation, but we are still very much considering him. It is a bit tricky though and we have other options as well.

CM: Okay Senor, pre-season stars in a few days, and that obviously means the season proper is right around the corner. What are your comments about the upcoming season for Real Madrid?

RC: I am looking forward to the start of the new season just as every player, staff, board member and fan is. We are obviously going to have to deal with the pressure of being defending champions, but I believe we have a strong squad and some really good players to do well not only in La Liga but also in the Copa del Rey and Europe.

CM: Are you happy with the squad then or do you want to strengthen it?

RC: You will never be satisfied with what you have and at a club like Real Madrid you always want to improve no matter how well you have performed in the previous season. Yes I am very happy with what we have here, but it is normal to have a few changes at the end of a season. We are looking at various possibilities, but nothing to mention just as yet. It would be better if we took the advise of the new coach, so most probably any new signings will only be made after we appoint the manager.

CM: And what is situation with Jose Antonio Reyes?

RC: We are trying to work out a deal with Arsenal. Reyes is a very good player, and we want to keep him here. At the moment we are still negotiating, but I am confident about reaching an agreement soon.

CM: Miguel Angel Portugal has become the club's new technical secretary. Can you tell us something about him?

RC: Yes, we were looking at someone to work with Mijatovic on basically making future signings for both the first team and Castilla. Miguel has been a manager at a number of clubs and was also an excellent scout, so he was the perfect candidate for the job.

CM: Okay Senor, and before we end this interview I must mention that its great to hear the Santiago Bernabeu is being considered as possible venue for 2010 UEFA Champions League final. What a fitting occasion that would be should the stadium get selected by UEFA in March.

RC: Yes, I am really excited about that. We have a fantastic stadium and some of the best fans in the world. It would be an honour to host the Champions League final and we will do our best to get it here in 2010. It would be perfect if we were playing in that game and defending the title.

CM: Indeed Senor. On behalf of everyone here at Real Madrid TV, thank you so much for talking to us.

RC: It's been an absolute pleasure. Good bye.

**Jonners71** · 04-07-08, 04:41 PM

brilliant stuff again - love it

losblancos · 04-07-08, 07:18 PM

(Translated in English)

Marca.com Exclusive: Real Madrid appoint Bernd Schuster as new manager
10 July, 2007

German Bernd Schuster joined Getafe in 2005

Marca.com has exclusive inside information that Getafe manager Bernd Schuster is set to become Fabio Capello's successor at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid's board of directors made their decision today after a two hour long meeting. Schuster is expected to hand his resignation to the Getafe board later today and will be unveiled as the new Madrid boss at the Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow.

It is still unknown if Real Madrid have accepted to pay Getafe compensation for landing the German.

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A couple of hours later

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Announcement

New signing tomorrow
July 10, 2007

Real Madrid club de Futbol will be unveiling a new signing tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium followed by a press conference.

Realmadrid.com

**WozzaWolves** · 04-07-08, 08:06 PM

This is an awesome story! Really getting into this!

losblancos · 04-07-08, 09:33 PM

Fixtures

Pre-season schedule

Real Madrid's 2007-08 pre-season begins on July 14, 2007 with the squad expected to gather for the first time at the club's training facility.

Real Madrid will play its first friendly on July 21 against Bundesliga's Hannover 96 at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

Following this the team will leave for a pre-season tour of Argentina, where they will play the following three matches:

July 26 - vs Racing Club de Avellaneda at the Presidente Peron
July 30 - vs Independiente at the Libertadores de America
Aug 3 - vs Boca Juniors at the Albero J. Armando

After returning from Argentina the club will undergo a three day training and conditioning camp at Salzburg, Austria.

losblancos · 05-07-08, 08:24 AM

Alicia Nunez: Welcome back. Well its time now to go over to Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium, where Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon will be unveiling a new signing.

Ramon Calderon: “Good afternoon everyone and thank you for coming today. We will be unveiling two important signings today for the Real Madrid first team. Our honorary member, Senor Alberto Di Stefano will be presenting them with their Real Madrid kit. So lets get on with it then.

“Introducing first, our new team manager, Mr. Bernd Schuster!
(claps, applauses)

“And our other signing is Argentina striker, Javier Saviola, who joins us from Futbol Club de Barcelona.
(claps, applauses)

“Thank you, that’s all that we have for now. But in a while we will be holding a press conference at the club conference room, where Mr. Schuster and Mr. Saviola will be answering to the media. See you there then.”

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After a while

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Alicia Nunez: For those who have joined us now, Real Madrid have appointed Bernd Schuster as their new manager. The 48-year old German, who was managing Getafe for the past two seasons, was unveiled a while earlier by President Ramon Calderon and Honorary vice-president, Senor Alberto Di Stefano. Also unveiled was Argentine striker Javier Saviola who joins the club on a free from rivals Futbol Club de Barcelona. And we are now ready to go back to Madrid for the press conference.

Ramon Calderon: “Good afternoon to all present here. We are ready to commence this press conference. If you have any questions to ask Mr. Bernd Schuster or Mr. Javier Saviola, please go ahead.”

Victor Munez, Marca: “There was a problem regarding your contract at Getafe, so how did you handle that?”

Bernd Schuster: “Yes there was the issue of having to pay Getafe a compensation as I would be leaving prior to the expiry of my contract with the club. But I’ve taken care of it.

Victor Munez, Marca: “How exactly?”

Ramon Calderon: “Mr. Bernd Schuster has bought out the rest of his contract and we will not be revealing the amount. Next question please.”

Guillermo Gonzalez, Terra: “My question is for Bernd Schuster again. You are making a big move now to manage a club as big as Real Madrid after having been at Getafe and Levante in previous seasons. Do you feel you can make the jump of managing such a big club?”

Bernd Schuster: “Yes obviously otherwise I wouldn’t have taken the job in the first place. Look, its an honour to manage a club as great as Real Madrid. But the basics of management remain the same. I will be working the same way I did at Getafe, Levante, and all the other previous clubs that I have managed. The only thing is I have to adapt my style to suit all that we have here. There is no substitute to hardwork, so no matter where I am, I will be giving my best to the team and expect the same from the players and staff who work under me.”

Luis Sanchez, La Sexta: “Question for Mr. Schuster. The president has said that he wants the club to move forward, and as we saw Mr. Capello’s case, winning the title might not be enough. So what exactly are your plans for this club?”

Bernd Schuster: “Like I said hardwork is most important. Capello did a good job last season with this club but I feel I