Monday, July 19, 2010
Casillas impressed by Mourinho approach
Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas admits he has been impressed by the approach of new coach Jose Mourinho ahead of their upcoming Primera Division campaign.
Spain captain Casillas lifted the World Cup just a week ago in South Africa, but his thoughts are already beginning to turn to the new domestic season.
Madrid's World Cup stars were originally due back at the club for pre-season training on August 9, but Mourinho has decided he wants his players to return a week earlier.
"I have spoken to him a couple of times and I like his way of thinking," Casillas told AS. "He wants the players to come back rested and ready to work. Being world champions makes you forget about everything.''
Casillas anticipates an intriguing battle with fierce rivals Barcelona next season, but believes Spain's World Cup triumph may have brought the supporters of the two clubs closer together.
"I think we have made the fans (of both clubs) feel more reflected,'' he said. "There are Madrid fans that appreciate (Barcelona midfielder) Xavi, for example, or Catalans who like the dedication of (Real full-back Sergio) Ramos.''
In the meantime, however, the Spain captain says he wants to keep on savouring his side's World Cup success.
"In South Africa it was a strange sensation. We were so far away and we didn't know what the atmosphere was like in Spain. We were desperate to get back and celebrate it here and what we have experienced has been unforgettable."
And Casillas says he is happy to see the triumph being celebrated by the whole country, despite the fact that some regions want independence from Spain.
"That was the best thing of all,'' he said. "We have given a lot of joy to the people. We don't get involved with politics. I respect the ideologies of everyone, but we have to be centred on our sport.''
source: http://soccernet.espn.go.com
Friday, July 16, 2010
Mourinho swoops for former Spain U21 Pedro Leon
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has bolstered his midfield by striking a deal to sign for former Spain Under-21 international Pedro Leon from Getafe.
Pedro Leon, 23, has agreed a six-year contract and will undergo physical tests on Friday morning before being confirmed as the club's latest acquisition at lunchtime.
Pedro Leon has been widely travelled during the early years of his career, playing for Murcia, Levante, Valladolid and Getafe. He has played on both flanks and is known for his free-kick ability.
"Thanks to Real Madrid I can fulfil a dream that I had as a child," Leon said. "I will give everything for this jersey and I hope I can win many titles."
