Finally, Schuster Is Listening
Wednesday, 01 October 08, 03:50 AM · Comments (8)
I have been talking about the idea of installing a fair and effective rotation system that would keep the players fresh and the team in top form for sometime now.
Relying on players like Rau'l, Guti, Salgado..etc all the time is never good, because, although they are among the world's best in their respective positions, they can't always give their best.
What I have been discussing specifically is the Rau'l - Higuan/Saviola thing. Rau'l is undoubtedly a legend, a player that compares to the likes of Zidane, Ronaldo and Rivaldo.
However, due to the fact he has been playing football for a long time and due to other factors, he can't play 60 matches every season. He must be rotated with other strikers so he himself regain his form and always stay fresh.
That would also help the other strikers to shine and serve the team. There is no point in benching Higuain or Saviola when either could score goals. There is no point in putting a lot of pressure on Rau'l and exhausting him to the state that he even forgets how to kick the ball properly.
Playing for Real Madrid is not easy especially when you are playing like crap. You have to accept a lot of criticism from the fans and the media. And trust me, the Spanish press is not easy, they really do hurt you.
I remember Arrigo Sacchi, the Italian coach, once talking about Capello's job at Madrid saying:
"Living in Madrid is like being in hell"
He tasted it and he knows what it is like - thats very true - especially during the dark ages (2003-2006) - our coaches were living in hell. Whenever the team lost, they would be pumped with a lot of harsh criticism from the media, and oh the fans, you don't want to hear the swearing and the other stuff around you in the stadium.
Thankfully, Schuster, seemingly, understands this. He started implementing the rotation system a few weeks ago and that paid off yesterday. Both of Ruud and Higuan were fresh. Rau'l was benched so he should be more than ready for Espanyol's match.
One thing I want to see happens is Saviola starting upfront. I do have faith in him and I'm sure, if he given the chance, he will take it - trust me.
What do you think of what I've just said?
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I was kind of worried about the match and thank god they've gotten away with a good result . I'd say Schuster's plan of rotation is very good and almost every team that puts down attractive football on the pitch does it . Coaching Real Madrid is like the presidency of the United States , it takes such effort and the coach is under so much media attention that it some time soul consuming .
Schuster is a master in my opinion!We dont have a leader player like Ronaldo or Messi but we have excellent players for the team work!I don,t say that Sneijder or someone else won,t become one day a World No1,but at this momment this Schuster,s rotation-playing is our strongest wappen!
This combination Calderon-Mijatovic-Schuster is doing well,very well so far!!
The club is in good hands! 
I think Schuster has learned the capabilities of the players he has. I think he has found a good rotation in the midfield and with the strikers. I want to see how he integrates Guti and Sneijder back into the squad. I am surprised how he has rotated between Robben and Drenthe. With more playing time and practice Drenthe may become the winger we were looking for. Raul and Higuain's rotation is working well I think we may need to rotate Ruud with Saviola. I would like to see Saviola and Higuain start a game.
I like this idea but not to the extent that Rafa did it at Liverpool. Raul can play the role Del Piero plays at Juventus helping him get rest and play well when he gets the call. BUT please please don't let salgado play he is no longer reliable back there that's why we have Ramos and Torres.
Reply to realfreak:
ICAM......I am a huge Saviola fan. He is a great player and if given the chance he can score lots....he should be given more than the 3-4 minutes Schuster hands out. He is also more experienced than Higuain. Raul needs to get accustomed with the bench. Give others a chance. Let him play against...
That's true, i'm surely a huge fan of Saviola too. i once read an article where he was told as the combination of Pele and Maradona, and i do believe that that was true. he just need more playtime, since his skill was never been used while he was sitting in the bench for Barca. he also made a brave decision to choose Madrid, and Schuster should go for the kid for all those bravery he showed and skill he has...
Well, I think it's pretty obvious that Raul needs to get rest and others need a chance and Schuster's learning well. This squad has tons of poential and with more cover in defense and with our scintillating and young midfield, we can be THE best. But as you say, this can't be accomplished with aging, slow players. But as you can see, it would be harsh to count someone like Raul out, Look at RVN, he's two-years older and he's a goal machine so we should still support Raul.I think we're going to reach atleast the semi-final of the CL this year or atleast we should. I can't wait for Sneijder, he thought of Sneijder, Robben AND VDV in one midifleld gives me gooesbumps. Hala Madrid!
8 Madridistas have commented on "Finally, Schuster Is Listening" · Add yours
ICAM......I am a huge Saviola fan. He is a great player and if given the chance he can score lots....he should be given more than the 3-4 minutes Schuster hands out. He is also more experienced than Higuain. Raul needs to get accustomed with the bench. Give others a chance. Let him play against teams like Sporting Gijon.
Reply to realfreak:
This is what I'm talking about