Garitano writes off Alcoyano hopes

1 November 2012 17:55

Alcoyano coach Asier Garitano says his side's Copa del Rey tie is already over after Real Madrid ran out 4-1 winners in the first leg.

A Karim Benzema double, together with goals from Jose Rodriguez and Kaka allowed the Spanish champions to run out easy victors on Wednesday, and Garitano feels it is a shame the second leg at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu is now a mere formality.

"We were aware of Real Madrid's great attacking power, but it was something we couldn't control," he told Marca.

"It's a pity the tie is already solved after the first leg. Anyway, we made some mistakes in the first half and conceded goals when we could have competed better. You can't make any mistakes against Real Madrid."

The former Castellon boss has also admitted his team must now forget about their visit to the Spanish capital and should instead focus on gaining promotion to the Segunda Division after a good start to the season.

"We have to forget about Real Madrid now and focus on the league," he said.

"These kinds of games are like hurricanes for our players."

Mourinho taking Copa del Rey seriously

1 November 2012 06:37

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho insists that his team are not taking the Copa del Rey lightly after a much-changed side beat Alcoyano 4-1.

Karim Benzema scored twice in Valencia on Wednesday, while Kaka and Jose Rodriguez were also on the scoresheet for a Madrid team whose only survivors from Sunday's La Liga victory over Mallorca were Michael Essien and Raphael Varane.

"We are not in this competition to have a laugh," Mourinho said after the win.

"We like the Copa and we certainly did not want to make the history books for the wrong reasons, as has happened to Madrid in the past in this competition. We did our job and so did Alcoyano.

"They were up for the game and played with enthusiasm and they have some interesting players and it seems they have a good coach because they played as well as I thought they would."

The 49-year-old also responded to recent criticism in the Spanish press for allegedly not using enough academy graduates.

"I look for a balance between the first team and the academy," said the former Chelsea and Porto boss.

"Nacho is an option at left-back, but he will never play centre-back. He has a bright future as a left-back."

Mourinho added that he wanted players 'who will play for Real Madrid for the rest of their lives'.

Meanwhile, young midfielder Rodriguez was delighted at marking his Madrid debut with a goal, at the tender age of 17.

"The dream of all youth players is to play in the first-team," said the former Spain Under-17 international.

"My parents have recorded the game. The truth is, I didn't expect it, and I'm very happy. It made me very excited that Mourinho called me.

"It was a good goal but the most important thing was the team winning."

Mourinho defends feeder club policy

31 October 2012 18:25

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has defended his unwillingness to promote players from Castilla, the club's B team.

Mourinho believes Real and the feeder club are tactically different and it would be too difficult to promote players.

The Spanish champions are struggling with an injury crisis at left-back, but the Portuguese coach has opted to use midfielder Michael Essien as a makeshift defender rather than Nacho, who came through the ranks at the Bernebeu.

"We play with a different system, they have another model," he told reporters.

"There are Castilla players that play in positions that do not exist in the first team, like Jose (Rodriguez) who plays as a 'nine and a half'.

"Also, our wide players play further forward, and in Castilla they play a 4-4-2. There is limited common ground in terms of the style of play, and the kids are the ones who end up paying the price."

Mourinho has however, called up three youngsters, Jose Rodriguez, Alex and Ruben Yanez to the squad to face Alcoyano in Copa Del Rey on Wednesday, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil rested.

Callejon expresses love for Madrid

30 October 2012 10:34

Jose Callejon insists that he will always give his all for Real Madrid as the club have been his favourite team ever since he was a child.

The 25-year-old is a product of the Madrid youth academy, but lived in Barcelona for three years during his time at Espanyol.

However, Callejon never stopped supporting his boyhood club.

"I always say the same thing: I am a Madrid fan and I will defend this badge until the death because it's the club I love the most," Callejon said of the La Liga outfit.

"I have always been a Madrid supporter. Ever since I was little I have followed Madrid. I grew up in the youth team and I have been fortunate enough to be able to return to the first team.

"These colours mean a lot to me and I will always give everything to defend this badge."

Callejon, who scored in Real Madrid's 5-0 win over Real Mallorca at the weekend, dismissed rumours that the relationship between a number of his team-mates has turned sour.

"The dressing room is united and we all have a lot of faith in every player in the team. It's crucial that we all trust in ourselves and each other," he said.

Madrid are currently preparing for Wednesday's Copa del Rey clash against Alcoyano.

"We are playing for Real Madrid and our aim is to fight for every title that is available," Callejon said.

"In the Cup, just like in all the other competitions, we will give it everything we have."