Manuel Pellegrini Admits He Did Not See Kaka’s Real Madrid Presentation

The Merengues coach wasn’t afraid to admit he was too busy with his holidays to watch Kaka’s royal welcome at the Bernabeu.
2 Jul 2009 01:59:25

As thousands crammed into the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening and millions more tuned in on television to witness Kaka’s first appearance in the illustrious white shirt of Real Madrid, the team’s new coach, Manuel Pellegrini, decided to give the extravagant show a miss.

The ex-Villarreal tactician, currently still on holidays back in Chile, admitted that he did not watch the Brazilian playmaker’s induction fiesta, although he affirmed that it would have been an occasion “worthy” of the player.

He assured, however, that missing the presentation doesn’t mean he’s not committed to the club’s cause as he looked ahead to what will be, by a country mile, his biggest managerial challenge yet.

“I have the same desire at all the clubs I’ve coached,” he was quoted as saying by AS.

“Real Madrid start their season next Friday and they are a club who are more important than any other.

“We have the possibility of doing something massive with all the big players that we have and that has made me highly motivated.”

Pellegrini will fly back to Madrid on Sunday before kicking off pre-season preparations on July 10. Their first tour will be in Dublin from July 13 to 22, and Shamrock Rovers will have the privilege of becoming the first side to take on the star-studded Blancos.

KS Leong, Goal.com

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Raul Albiol To Be Presented As A Real Madrid Player Tomorrow Evening

The Bernabeu will be open to the fans again this Thursday evening...
1 Jul 2009 14:45:07

Real Madrid have confirmed that new signing Raul Albiol will be officially presented at the Bernabeu tomorrow.

The presentation is due to start at 21:00 CET and the stadium will yet again be open for fans to come and watch as the defender puts on a Madrid shirt for the first time.

Only last night the Bernabeu had 50,000 fans inside as Kaka was presented as a Real Madrid player and given his No. 8 top.

It is not yet known what number Albiol will wear, but it should be revealed at the presentation tomorrow evening.

As well as the defender, Cristiano Ronaldo will also be presented as a Madrid player soon, and Florentino Perez hinted last night that another new signing will be made this week.

Rumours this morning were that Karim Benzema has already joined Madrid, but Olympique Lyonnais have denied that a deal has been done.

Nevertheless, it looks set to be a busy summer at the Bernabeu and the fans are sure to turn up in their numbers tomorrow evening to show their support for Albiol.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com

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"Kaka's presentation was incredible"

Pepe: "Other teams have reasons to be afraid"

In an interview with Realmadrid Radio, Pepe commented on Kaka's impressive presentation and shared his views on the team's new signings.

Kaka's presentation
It was incredible. Kaka had a great reception and I think he's realised where he is. He is a great footballer and we will also give him a warm welcome on the squad.

We weren't surprised by the magnitude of the event because we are aware of the greatness of Real Madrid. This crowd is unique and capable of doing such things for a player. I believe Kaka wants to prove his worth on the pitch.

He had a great run in the Confederations Cup with Brazil. A new season is about to start and he is going to do his best to help the team. Real Madrid will also help Kaka.

Other teams have reasons to be afraid. Kaka is an incredible player, like Cristiano. I think the squad is well-balanced. They are two extraordinary, professional footballers that are ready to help the team. We must show them affection on the squad. The rest is up to them.

I watched the presentation and I was slightly envious. I am very happy at this club.

Cristiano Ronaldo
I am impressed by the image people have of him because he really is a hard worker that loves football. People sometimes say things about him that aren't true. He is a spectacular guy.

Both players know what they are getting into. They will do their best to prove how great they are.

Next season
I think we have to do a good job and play well. Our new coach has great vision. We must adapt to him as quick as possible. All of us, especially those of us in defence, must learn how to make precise passes to forwards like Ronaldo, Raul or Kaka. They must keep possession throughout most of the game, so we must always be concentrated.

I am very happy because people love me over here. I am dying to train again. I am working hard right now to be in top form during the pre-season.

Albiol
He is a great centre back who's done a good job at Valencia and on the Spanish national team. I wish him to adapt to us quickly.

Albiol has a very interesting feature; he likes to keep possession and play with the midfielders. That's important in a centre back. He is also rather strong. He has sufficient quality to play on this team and I think he has a bright future ahead of him at Real Madrid.

RealMadrid.com

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Real Madrid sign Lyon’s Benzema

MADRID: Lyon announced on Wednesday the transfer of their France international Karim Benzema to Real Madrid for between ‚35mil and ‚41mil.

The deal was reached after Real agreed to up its offer from ‚32mil, the sports newspaper Marca said on its Internet site.

Radio Cadena Ser said Benzema will sign a six-year contract with the Spanish giants.

This is the fourth signing by Real under the new presidency of “Galacticos” president Florentino Perez, after Brazilian midfielder Kaka, Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Spanish defender Raul Albiol.

After Kaka was presented to fans at the Bernabeu stadium on Tuesday evening, Perez told Spanish radio that the next signing would be announced “today or tomorrow.”

Real are looking for a striker and have been keen on Benzema since negotiations broke down with Valencia for Spanish international David Villa.

Real also has its eye on another France international, Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery. — AFP

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