Karim Benzema Signs for Real Madrid
Thursday, 02 July 09, 04:11 AM · Comments (220)
Real Madrid has signed their fourth player this summer with none other than the most promising, Karim Benzema. The deal was announced by the media hours before the official confirmation came from Lyon followed by a confirmation from Real Madrid. I understand some of the unsatisfied voices that wanted David Villa instead but consider this; people always criticized Señor Perez for not signing youth promising players and this deal shows that he has learned from his mistakes (not all of them, he still should sign some defenders :OP)
The deal is set at €39 million which may rise to €41 million after bonuses. Karim Benzema will sign a six year contract.
Player Bio & Statistics:
Born 19 December 1987, Lyon's Karim Benzema, the Fench international is considered by pundits a start of the future. Often compared to ex-Real Madrid player Brazilian Ronaldo, Benzema is known for his killer instincts on goal, off the ball movement and dribbling. Before joining Real Madrid, Benzema was one of the highest paid French players in Ligue 1.
As of 27 May 2009
Written by: Hamdi Al-Haddad (Thedangerzolo)
Hala Madrid!
If you've enjoyed this article, you may want to subscribe to RealmadridTalk either via RSS or E-mail. You can also follow me on Twitter for further Real Madrid news and discussions throughout the day.
Like this blog? Help spread the word: 
-
Madridfan_India said:let alonso regain his form it'll deadly like never before,,
btw any links for...On On Guti, Pellegrini & International Games | RealmadridTalk Podcast Episode 8
MadridPrince said:I totally agree with you about giving pellegrini time. Just because we have the...
On On Guti, Pellegrini & International Games | RealmadridTalk Podcast Episode 8
bonjourjb said:Good episode. Guti is actually divorced and I agree that perhaps he WAS the mis...
On On Guti, Pellegrini & International Games | RealmadridTalk Podcast Episode 8
Madrid4Life said:I think its safe to say that Perez and Valdano are giving Pellegrini his freedo...
On On Guti, Pellegrini & International Games | RealmadridTalk Podcast Episode 8
220 Madridistas have commented on "Karim Benzema Signs for Real Madrid" · Add yours
Is this official?
Reply to Riken:
yes it is !
dude... we aren't gonna play with 1 DMF...
You need 2 good DMF's if you want a champions league quality team
Reply to Madrids_Martyr:
That's why reports are linking us with Xabi Alonso .. and if he doesnt come gago,the two Diarra's will do
Ribery would be soon joining us...
LINK
The three other players we are after are David Silva, Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa..
Starting XI
Casillas
Serge Ramos , Pepe, Raol Abidol, Arbeloa
Xabi Alonso, David Silva
Ronaldo, Kaka, Ribery
Benezema...
The treble is On ...
انا اخوق نضال بدر حل
I struggle nithalBadrsolution
my starting formation 2009/2010
udek
-------------- Iker ------------
---Ramos----Pepe---Albiol---???--
-----------Lass-----Alonso---------
----Ronaldo-----Kaka-----Ribery-----
--------------Benzema------------
sub
Sub:Torres, Metzeldeer, Marcelo
Sub: Gago, Guti, Parejo, Robben, Sneijder.
Sub: Higuain, Raul.
Sell the rest: VDV, RVN, huntelaar, drenthe, Heinze, M.diarra,Salgado, Javi garcia.
but who should be VB?
Pellegrini has quoted that he would employ a 4-4-2 formation. In such a case i don't think there would be two DMF. Kaka is not a winger too. I think Madrid have made a good amount of signings now. Alonso is not required. If they still need someone it has to be a winger like Ribery or some spaniard. Probably Silva can fit the bill. They should buy a LB rather than convert Arbeloa as a LB.
Why dont we go for Maicon he is great in RB,better than Ramos,i think Ramos can also play as a LB,he played that role in the first Clasico in the Camp Nou and he did great or we can go for Lahm
Why dont we go for Maicon he is better than Ramos on RB,Ramos can play as LB role he did against Barcelona at the Camp Nou and he did great or we can go for Lahm
This is really hard,so sad to hear this
LINK sorry bout the double comments my internet is bad.
one left back to go...
this is the 5 signing we have alsosingen negredo, and de la red cant play no more football thnx 4 everything
------------- Casillas------------
---Maicon----Pepe---Albiol---Ramos--
-----------Lass-----Alonso---------
----Ronaldo-----Kaka-----Robben-----
--------------Benzema------------
or if we only include those who are with us now:
------------- Casillas------------
---Ramos----Pepe---Albiol---Marcelo--
---------------Lass--------------
----Ronaldo-----Kaka-----Robben-----
----------Benzema----Higuain------
Reply to anayth:
that formations a joke, way to attakin, need a defencive midfeilder like diarra. plus thers no way we can sign both ribery and silva
Hey BAdr, please put a post for De la red thing
He will be missed..
Good signing but i dont know if Villa would of been a better signing! I love all the formations stated above! It seems you guys forgot that we have Madrid's GOLDEN BOY, RAUL, who is not shown in the formation. You think it is possible for him to be benched?
Reply to Madrid4Ever:
"You think it is possible for him to be benched?"
If an African American man can become President of The United States of America, have Real Madrid welcome back Florentino Perez as President and so far have Kaka, Ronaldo and Benzema with Ribery demanding a madrid move all in a month's time, get the shock of the music world with MJ's passing and have Whitney Houston divorce Bobby fricking Brown and about to make a huge comeback....Grandpa can suck fucking bench! and he better do!!!!!
I think the whole point of Benzema is to bench Raul
Well i'll be lying if i said im not happy wit the new signing but i would hav perfered villa (cant always get want u want
) and i still think its unfair to bench higuain he deserves to be a starter! Thats why i perfer the formations that includes 2 strikers! AS for ribery that'll be a dream come true but i wont lose any sleep over him if he dont show up. All i know is that i cant wait for the SEASON to start!!!! Madrid rules!
LINK
i get upset when i read crap like this...esp. the Raul part....cause I know it's true
LINK
Reply to radar:
dude, this 2 alternative formation is good.. i like it!
Makes me laugh that youall seem to think youve already got trophies in the bag. All I see is a pitch full of ego's that cant gel as a team. They will have to rename the Europa Cup the millionaires misfits cup next season.
Hahahahahahah
Reply to nickynicknick:
We'll just have to wait and see mate.
Do any of you think that we really don't need Benzema considering we have Higuain? I mean they are exactly the same player. They can play up front, wide, support, etc. Ruud and Raul are more than likely on the bench. As for Klaas, I vote to keep him and pair either Benzema or Higuain with him. Big and support striker. or play Klaas as a lone striker when we play 4-5-1. What do you guys think.
do you think valdano had never thought of thAt before signign benzema.u all guys were dying for villa and why is that if u think benzema is surplus than this makes villa a surplus.people say benzema plays in french league so he aint that good let me remind u ronaldinho also played in french league and when he joined barca he fucked our galacticos
Reply to trooper:
The point is he wanted Real to look more Spanish, don't know why cause Spanish people can identify with it? Well he's not succeeding, the only Spanish he is getting are second rate rate, not the best. Yet he is spending all this money on foreigners, what a hypocrite. Also his main focus seems to be set on attacking, Real is totally lacking defensive skills. The team is totally out of balance, leaving it in the hands of a person whom is rather inexperienced with big ego's. And don't forget Pepe was banned for 10 games. Let's see how this works, you have almost an entire new squad, a new coach and a defense that is lacking. Pepe missing the first 10 games so the defense will even have more holes in it, La Liga season for Real may have ended before it even started. The pressure will be immense, spending so much and failing? Of course this is just a scenario, but it's not an unlikely one.
It would be more concerning if Benzema benches Higuain instead of Raul. Higuain deserves to cement his name at real Madrid and we must'nt lose him. He's a winner.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO,do not bench Raul NOOOOOOOOO
he wants to join Spain national team for the world cup so he will do his best i am sure next season he will do something big! 
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO,do not bench Raul NOOOOOOOOO
he wants to join Spain national team for the world cup so he will do his best i am sure next season he will do something big! 
I wonder how many people are gonna turn up for Albiol tonight- maybe 100-200??
Reply to EvoLtc:
Totally agree! 2 strikers maybe.., Benzema and Higuain could be like Raul and Morientes. If so, Madrid have to play with 1 DMF.
Reply to Trunks:
Pepe will only miss 4 matches
Reply to MadridistAli:
Raul can kiss my royal .......!!!!1
Reply to MadridistAli:
You seriously think Raul is gonna usurp Villa and Torres for spot in the national team??
Dream on......!!
Reply to themadridguy:
If your all saying to bench Raul and play Higuain then let Higuain kiss your royal man fuck this Higuain,you can not compare him with Raul and if Pellegrin benches Raul then he will face some insane fans on his way home
Reply to themadridguy:
as a substitute? yes he can
look i am not obssesed with spanish player because i believ they can only perform under a specific style of la furia roja besides villa is 28 who want to spend 55 million on 28 years old player especialy if he si a stiker who might loose his goal scoring form in two years and then we have to pay 80 million for benz to fetch him from manu jus tlike we did with roanldo>...had we not signed beckahm and isntead signed kaka and roanldo we would not have to pay these supernormal ammounts...for those who dont know it was madrid who first found out kaka and c.ronaldo.kaka himslef said that madrdi opened the doors of europe for him but what happened perez didnt have th emoney to buy them cause the palyboy becks was brought..i feel sorry for perez
Reply to themadridguy:
Show some respect to the capetano .. please .. he is still our team's captain
Reply to thedangerzolo:
Do I have to?? I'm sorry, I can't do that!
Reply to themadridguy:
This is the type of fans you get when you attract players like Ronaldo.
Reply to thedangerzolo:
He'll probably get no more than two call-ups from today to his retirement but he is still Il Capitano.
Reply to Trunks:
I think I'm not the only Madrid fan in the world who thinks Raul is killing our team, so I stand by my opinion whatever anyone says!!
i respect raul but his position within the club looked suspecios and th einfamous quate by his agent that raul regained his power in madrid during calderon era!!!this speaks a lot about raul....
Reply to MadridistAli:
what? have u seen raul play? he doesnt do much...al due respect to him he has been a legind but sumtimes even legind have to sit on the side and let the future stars take over..so YES i think raul should be benched todays football game is all about speed! every player has to have speed and raul has non of it...he was spose to show real madrid thru when we faced liverpool but he went missing? in big games when we needed him the most the captian..so i think he should be benched..Spain dropped raul and look they won the euro champ! so i think real madrid should do the same raul isnt what he use to be!
Reply to Weezy:
Raul didnt do anything vs Liverpool,as well as Higuain he was just a spectator,yes Higuain has speed but sometimes he think himself like Pele or Maradona trying to win the game all by himself he is as selfish as Robben,we dont need him anymore after we brought Benzima,thats my opinion
u fools do you know the goal ratio of karim benzema in champions league???it is 0.70 goal per game and it is only second of ruud va nistelrooy whose ratio is 0.75 while messi is 0.55 who is argubaly the best playe on the planet
Reply to trooper:
please be polite or you will be reported to the mods
Reply to Trunks:
mate i think u got some point wrong.During calderon era no spanish national team player was signed in so Voldano n perez wanted to give real more spanish look that doesn't mean it has to be spanish striker.Secondly Real Madrid plays attacking football, I think like me most of the madridista will like to see madrid attacking football. So to have best attack Perez is spending more on best attacking players like kaka n ronaldo.U can't compare ny spanish players in their position.
lol i am scared please dont tell my dad about this
Reply to themadridguy:
Its not that you have to .. but it is the least expected by a madridista!
Reply to Trunks:
What do u mean by second rated spanish players ?
albiol is good he plays for spain startin XI, arbeloa is also good, n alonso is obviously not second rated player. except them he only focused on villa. Maybe villa is a proven world class striker but paying 50 m for 28 yrs striker wasn't a perfect decision. Benzema is only 21, he already had consecutive 2 gud season in league 1, he has very gud potential. So he is not a bad signing at all.
Now except albiol or arbeloa whom do u suggest we should go for ? puyol n pique will never join us. capdevilla n marchena is old(30+). So tell me if u have any other better spanish option.
Reply to Trunks:
Pepe will only miss 4 match...and our defense is not lacking. its getting far better dan last year.
n if perez gets an opportuinity to sign ny big defender he will try his best but obviously not for exaggerated price.
Reply to trooper:
Speaking about champions league,Higuain spent three years in Europe and still he didnt score a goal in the Cl and he is playing at the biggest club in the world,while Benzima as you said his ratio is 0.70 and he is playing with Lyon (no disrespect) so bench Higuain not Raul Pellegrini!
Reply to MadridistAli:
That would be a god damn big mistake .. Raul is 32 and Higuain is 21 still young and the lad is on fire
Reply to thedangerzolo:
We will see about that next season,anyway R.Albiol signed the contract and he took the 18 number for his kit
DO not bench anyone.
and, Pepe, Ramos and Albiol in defence.
Play with 5 strikers up front Raul, Higuain, Huntelarr, Benzema, Nistelrooy.
Kaka and Ronaldo in the midle just to pass the ball
At the goal the best keeper in the world Casillas.
I`m sure that we are going to score more goal that the opponents.
HAHAHAHA
Reply to nickynicknick:
Nobody said the trophies were in the bag numskull - but we gonna enjoy watchnig football next season, whatever happens!
As for those who wanted Villa - think about it. Villa is 28 (29 next season) and while he is an excellent player he's only about 3 years at top form. Benzema has his whole future ahead of him. SO it's the right move.
Well done Florentino. An attack with Higuain, Huntelaar + Benzema is nearly perfect. It's as good as it gets. All young, hungry and talented.
Now we just need a left back. And I'm not big on Arbeloa...
Reply to thedangerzolo:
guys i don't understand why u r keep fighting cuz..
higuain n benzema both will play......raul will be a sub not starting XI.
Is it possible if this season we use a super offensive formula and actually make it work:
Iker
Ramos, Pepe, Albiol
Lass, Alonso
Ronaldo, Kaka, Robben/ribery
Higuain, Benzema
this might work because the 3CBs will all stay back as they are not fullbacks who need to go up and down the pitch, also lass is there to cover on either side and alonso is also a good tackler. this way we can have higuain in attack with all the superstars.
Reply to Caracoleo:
Me neither. I can only think of Lahm or Grosso. Let's see If Perez has concerns over that position -- he might be a fan of Marcelo or Heinze!
Benzema is totally unnecessary. They've already got Higuain, Huntelaar, Raul and Van Nistelrooy. Is Benzema really better than any of them? No.
Reply to 13JOE13:
I kind of agree that we were not in a DESPERATE NEED for a striker, but I think bringing Benzema or even Villa was a good move. Rau'l and Ruud can't play in every single game let alone be in good form.
Ok. Let's set the straight the front line starting with Mr. Real Madrid Raul
1. He is getting on in the years department but always seems to pop up when needed. Although some consider a hinderance, he has shown slight hints that he still has something left in tank. His role would obviously be an impact sub next season.
Ruud
1. He has been injured for most of last season. Despite this he is a prolific goal scorer. Also like Raul he is past his prime. The Best thing to do is probably for him to leave because he wont get playing time with the following three fighting for a spot.
Huntelaar
1. Like Ruud he is Prolific goal scorer. Unlike Rudd he tracks back has a excellent ball movement and for a big lad that he is quite fexible. He had some great moments kepping in mind that he was injured before he came to madrid. I vote keep him and let him fight for a place. There are not that many striker that can replace him.
Higuain
1. I don't care what you guys think Gonzalo has proven himself not by scoring in the CL because let's face it the last few campaigns were a disaster. He has saved our backs from many potential ties and losses in the league.
2. Not a great first touch and sometimes makes the wrong choices. But he is versatile, he is young, he is the future and I still say the heir to the No. 7 here at Madrid if they don't retire it.
3. If Kaka plays the way he did for Brazil int the Confederations Cup Higuain will be supplyed with more chances to score and prove his worth. Role starter or compete with Benzema depending on formation
Benzema
1. Again prolific scorer in Ligue 1. Although he has not stepped up in the national stage for france. He has talent and with madrid he will showcase that talent. He is essentially the same type of player as Higuain/Villa/Aguero/Del Piero/Tevez They are not the tallest, they play with the ball at their feet. Again his role will be a starter or compete with Higuain depending on the formation.
Reply to 13JOE13:
Don't count RVN , Raul...probabely madrid will sell huntelaar, n also trying to sell RVN. Raul would retire within couple of season. So we need strikers....benzema n higuain would be perfect if they can perform upon their potentiality.They are both 21 . both has scored 20+ last season. N benzema was really good for last 2 season in league 1.and please don't underestimate league 1, players like ronaldinho,zidane. and you should also take it in concern that , fergie has interest in him.....this boy will shine for sure.
Reply to 13JOE13:
YES. Y-E-S... and YYYYYYYEEEEEEESSSSSSS
Better than all of them and all of them put together (well, nearly!)
Van Nistlerooy's time is up. Shame about the injury last season, but that's the way it goes. Raul is dogmeat as far as I'm concerned. I will not stand for another season of watching Raul's ineptitude on the field. I won't.
So Benzema is more than welcome in my view. I'm so glad he chose us ahead of Manchester United. Us instead of the much vaunted Fergie! Wow. What an honour!
But Florentino really needs to think carefully about the left back position. Zhirkov has finally signed for Chelsea. They got to that one ahead of us. I doubt Bayern would let Lahm even think about joining Real Madrid. Our relations with Bayern are really bad.
But Arbeloa? He's a useful player. But not really ideal.
Reply to melbournemadridista:
We are not underestamating Ligue 1 but its of course not better than La Liga plus Benzima has a good record in the Champions League unlike HIGUAIN!
Reply to helmet_09:
I think benzema already played for france national team n scored 6 goals as well.
Reply to MadridistAli:
mate why u want to compare higuain CL record with benzi CL record... higuain played for a club who had, one of the worst performance of their club history last year. Even without CL record i would prefer benzema over higuain. But as we don't have ny other option, so both should play.
Reply to melbournemadridista:
Yes, but ever since the Euros France has not looked good. They step it up, then they lose, then they pick up a win. They are a shadow of what they were considering that most of their players play really well for their clubs.
Why are you guys dissing Higuain and Benzema? You want to continue with Raul Van N? That's your loss.
Bring on the new blood I say. Benzema is a fantastic signing. Speed, control, shooting ability, one-twos with his strike partner... This guy has got it all. Next to Higuain's technical abilities, and his link play and not forgetting Huntelaar's predatory skills - WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR?
I simply can't wait for the first game to start.
Reply to helmet_09:
The dutch destroyed both France and Italy last Euros. In midfield and attacking range. And most of their key players are now with Real, if you don't include Kuyt, V. Persie and some others. Cause of injuries and lack of good management Real missed the opportunity to make good use of the Dutch players. Writing off the Dutchies might be a thing Real will regret later, not sure any of them ever want to join Real again (even though they claim to like it here now), the way Perez and Valdano are taking a piss at them. I think Perez and Valdano are bad advertisement for Real all over the world.
Reply to MadridistAli:
Are you joking? Raul is starting to look like a disease despite how much I may respect him. He's not at the same level he used to be but he's our captain and will get playing time. Raul is seriously nowhere near Higuain or RVN/Huntelaar for that matter. He can't run anymore, he hunches and gets way too much credit for others' hard-work. He is Raul, Il Capitano but everyone gets old, a lot of people will develop extreme hatred for him if he manages to play ahead of Higuain, Benzema, Negredo, Huntelaar etc. Raul is old and he's no longer at a fitness or technical level to be playing consistently.
Reply to Raziel:
mate i think for u and anti mardid fans , perez & voldano are bad advertisement...not for all over real madrid fans all over the world.
It is an irony that b4 we signed Klaas-Jan, he was the more rated and more respected striker in Europe than Benzema. Now that we already have Hunter, suddenly Benzema has become a better player than him and everybody is talking about him. I feel sorry for Klaas-Jan, he deserves better treatment from Real Madrid. IMO Huntelaar is better striker than Benzema and already at his peak form.
And in terms of goal scoring records, Benzema can't even touch Klaas-Jan! I think it would be a step backward if we opt for Karim and sell Hunter.
Perez plz don't sell Klaas, it will be a mistake u'll regret for years!
VALDANO AND PEREZ OPEN UR EYES AND SEE THE TALENT OF KLAAS! HE IS TRULY A CLASS ACT AND IS ALSO A SHIRT-SELLING PLAYER, LIKE U WANT!
Reply to melbournemadridista:
To some extent Raziel is right. But that's the way business is conducted. And as players they are already aware that they are in a sense comodities. If it were up to me or any of use we would keep certain players but that is not the way Florentino thinks. There is no way to please everyone. I honestly think we are spending too much and over inflating the transfer market. But I also want to see these players play for Madrid. We can't get everything we want.
Reply to themadridguy:
but perez has to sell some one who can give him some money....now perez needs money too
Reply to Sriram:
Pellegrini likes 4-4-2 but also doesn't like to play with typical wingers. And regarding to what we've got now. There is no way u can play only 1 DM. Especially kaka and CR, we gotta have a creative holding midfielder like Xabi who can turn defensive onto attack, distribute the ball equally, controlling the rhythm, and maintaining the bond of the team, otherwise, the attackers and backline will be disconnected.
Reply to DynastyofRealMadrid:
That's why he had relied on Marcos Senna so much on such a cm role.
Reply to DynastyofRealMadrid:
and unlike Sneijder and VDV, kaka will be comfortable to shift to the left a little bit like Zidane. He showed that he's capable on doing so in the confederation cup final with brazil.
Reply to helmet_09:
They are similar but not exactly the same. benzema reminds me of Ronaldo while Higuain reminds me of Diego forlan.
Guys i heard Voldano just told to a radio station, there would be 3 more signings , and 1 more if team want to be ambitious.He also added 3 new signings will be spanish players. so are they : alonso,arbeloa , ???? ..who would be the ambitious one ????
Reply to Singh12:
You win games by scoring goals . Remember 300 MM pounds was the budget..
Reply to trooper:
totally agreed. whore victoria ruins real madrid's reputation outside of the stadium why her "hollywood movie star" husband beckham destroyed our team's balanace inside the stadium.
Reply to DynastyofRealMadrid:
funniest comment ever
Reply to realmadrid_a10:
this might work out in a seperate sheet of paper u flattly put the starting XI on it but it must not work out if it comes to REAL football match. Although there are 3 CBs, there is side full back at all which means these 3 CBs have to extend the distance bw each other in cover to cup up the blanks. Lass can cover up but he must be overwhelmed when he is also given the ball winner task. nothing offensive but this is too abstract.
Reply to Caracoleo:
i totally agree!! Benzema, Higuain, and Huntelaar are representing a generational takeover!! i also appreciate the analysis made by helmet09. Huntelaar is a one-touch box striker, a target man insdie the box, he is the only one who is irreplaciable in our roster in tactically aspect.(if RVN leaves) he should be kept.
Reply to anayth:
but don't forget how galantico I ended up after they sold makelele and Cambiasso with the resignation of Fernando Hierro. Football is won by socring goals but the most important thing is the keep the balance. U still can score goals while having good balance. that's why the reason why no one plays 10 strikers + 1 goaly. That's oomman sense.
ribery said he wants to join madrid! we should get him...i dont know about silva he does get injurd alot he could be a onther robben? ...arbaloa is rubbish ..we should get some other left back a quick one....alonso is alrite but CESC FAB would be a better choice for me hes younger
Ribery has said he wants to join Real Madrid but bayern are still refusing and it will be difficult however David Silva would be a great buy if things dont work out for Ribery.. Im loving the Karim Benzema signing I think he is fantastic and Im happy for Raul Albiol and telling us that he wants to give back to De La Red with the #18 jersey.. also is there any new updates on Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa deals.. also any updates on who is leaving us and to where
Reply to Adambader:
Guys, beside the 5 strikers mentioned, nobody seems to notice that we actually have another striker..Negredo!! Bench Raul, sell RVN & Hunter, play higuin & Benzi, make Negredo a super sub. In these way it might work.
Okay so, as of today, our squad consists of 30 players as Ruben de la Red has been ruled out for the next season, Jordi Codina has left on a free transfer and Saviola has joined Benfica. So, just in case we sign 3 more players, we'll have a squad of 34. Question is, out of these 33, who's being sacrificed. At least 8 players must be as La liga laws state no more than 25 players can be registered from the first team.
So here's whoi I think should be sold. First off, get rid of that pig Gabriel Heinze, he's the world's worst left-back and never deserves to play for Real Madrid.
Next up is the pretty much gone, Royston Drenthe. He has potential but never quite lived up to it, maybe he can change that at Fiorentina.
The next one to go should be Michel Salgado, he's a legend but that move to Qatar could benefit all of us.
Fourth on the list should be Daniel Parejo. We've done these youngsters no good by the holding them back and making them rot on our bench, insert buy-back clauses if you have to, but let them develop.
Javi Garcia should also leave as he knows he will get no playing time at all and he's better off developing at a club like Getafe.
Number six is none other than Van der Vaart. How long are we going to hold back such a talented individual. Truth is, we never needed him. He was just a last-ditch attempt to make something of last summer.
Seventh should be RVN. He's getting old and bound to not get much playing time. He's a class-act though and I have no problem with him staying but sadly, Higuain, Benzema, Negredo and Huntelaar are younger, fitter and exactly what we need.
Number eight was tough and I had to make a descision over whether I want to keep hold of Mahamadou Diarra or the young Fernando Gago and based on many factors such as age, playing time and potential, Gago should be sold. Diarra is reaching his prime and won't demand much playing time, Gago can still develop though and one of them must get the boot, my pick is Gago.
Hala Madrid!
Reply to TheAngelOfMadrid:
Pardon my math, that's 33 players in the squad
If we sell the players I listed, we get to keep Robben and Sneijder 
Reply to TheAngelOfMadrid:
Since Codina is most likely leaving for getafe and Dudek will be given a new contract did you add the goalkeeper that will be promoted in Adan from Castilla to the First Team
Reply to Madridista4:
Adan is still young enough to play for Castilla and can be registered as third-choice from the second-team. The case was different for Codina as he crossed 25 which is the limit for Castilla.
Reply to TheAngelOfMadrid:
I agree with u on most of the part,but i think it could be slide different on depending of player's arrivals as well.
like if we get alonso n ribery(may be too much ambitious part of project) , there wouldn't be place for robben and gago. some may choose diara instead of gago as well. Now the main reason that can make perez to sell about all 7/8 players is money. After all this spending we need to recover some. i think only two players which can make maximum money for perez are robben and huntelaar
When Raul retires i want Higuain to wear the #7. Not CR or Kaka. Higuain...If he stays this season...
I didnt see a point on buying Benzema when we had Higuain! I mean it will possibly slow his progression. Higuain saved our ass for the past two seasons and this is how we are treating Higuain? BS.... If Higuain leaves i understand and Perez would regret it more then selling Makelele.
Also ytf are we going after Maicon? Does Perez also want Ramos to be benched or be sold? We need a left back not a right back!
Sell:
Metzelder
Heinze
M.Diarra/Gago
Van Nistelrooy
Huntelaar or Negredo
We will need subs for Lass and Xabi. So Javi and Gago/Diarra can be those subs. BTW also subs for Kaka/C Ron.
I like dani parejo he can be something special. But yet again we dont play the promising youngsters.
After all we let David Moreno go...
I don't care if Real Madrid fail to win anything this season. All I want to see is Real play attacking football like back in the Galactico era- football that is beutiful
, not the football of 2nd tier teams we played under Juande.. 
There is only so much U can expect from a new team especially when Barcelona has a team of demonic players! 
I think we should be realistic! 
So many times last season the quality of football played by us was so bad that nobody would like to watch it frankly. Even I was frustrated with the crap,uncreative,uncoordinated football we played. Maybe we can become Arsenal of Spain this season in terms of attacking mentality.
So if we finish 2nd in La Liga and reach at least semi-finals of the Champions League, I will be satisfied.
I'll be happy with such an outcome.
What do U guys think??
Reply to melbournemadridista:
Perez confuses me sometimes. One day, he's like "We'll end up earning twice the amount we spend." And now he wants to sell players to make money. I mean WTF!? I rate Robben on the same level as Ribery, then why sell him? Robben is younger than Ribery too. Instead of spending double the amount we earn on Ribery, why not keep the just as talented Robben. You can say he's glass all you want, but we have Marcelo and Higuain who can cover for his position in his absence. It's not like we rely on him much anymore. Have any of you seen Robben with no pressure? Do you people remember Robben shredding France to pieces at the Euros?
Why sell Huntelaar when you can sell the aging RVN or the probable bench-warmer Negredo. If he wants to win the treble, he needs good back-up, and Huntelaar is good cover and one of the only genuine predators left in the game. I say, we only need a left-back now and if possible Alonso, otherwise we're all set to go. Ribery is better off going to Chelsea and I hope he does as we possess Ronaldo and Robben, two of the best players in the world on the wings.
What has Sneijder done to leave too, but he's a tough cookie and he truly loves the team, it's an honour to see players like him, wanting to fight for a spot on our team and I think, he's earned another shot. We're probably going to take time to mould into a team anyways, we'll probably win just a title next season but can't we just skip the signing of Ribery to give Robben and Sneijder one more chance. Heck, we can sign Ribery for 10m next season anyways since his contract will have only a year left. Hala Madrid!
Reply to TheAngelOfMadrid:
I agree with the players you chose....except for the 8th...I think BOTH Gago & Diarra should be kept.
Instead just add Metzeder...we already have 3 good centre backs...+ Ramos.
Also, I would sell Guti too...we can get alot of money from him and unlike Raul...he hasn't been acting like an appropriate vice-captain, and this year will simply make it worse as he will get even less playing time so I don't see any reason for Guti to be kept.
Reply to themadridguy:
Completely wrong. Huntelaar was never rated higher than Benzema. Huntelaar was just easier to sign than Benzema.
Also, Huntelaar has shown excellent touches inside the box - but he largely disappeared when things were going badly. He's just a box player - albeit a very good one.
Benzema is the real deal!
Reply to Caracoleo:
Benzema has not matured yet and he can't score as many goals as Hunter or even Villa!
Reply to themadridguy:
Over 8000 people turned up to see Albiol.
I have to say - he really comes across as being a bit dense! I mean, couldn't he even prepare a 30 second speech for the fans?
"I'm here ... you know ... to .. err ... give it my best ... and I hope ... like... err... to win ... you know ... lots of ... errr ... trophies ... like ... "
Kaka doesn't speak Spanish and gave a much better, more coherent speech!
Reply to MadridistAli:
Yeh, they probably are insane to expect Raul to play in this team.
Reply to TheAngelOfMadrid:
great analysis!! for no.8, i prefer Mahamadou Diarra to F.Gago. If Xabi alonso is signed, there is no need to have gago on the bench. he isn't in real madrid level yet. we should loan him to some EPL in where he can learn how to speed himself up a little bit. he is way to slow and is a terrible passer. no doubt he had 8 assists last season. So what?? how many wrong passes he had made in return of this 8 assists???? he is such a boom since we tend to play more offensively this season. we can suffer so badly whenever he dispossesses. furthermore, there is no point to keep him in a bench. He is not that bad but just below real madrid level.
Reply to Raziel:
I think you got this completely wrong. Perez and Valdano are SAVING the image of Real Madrid all over the world. When you think of the clown who occupied the hot seat previously, you can see they have to undo a lot of damage done to the club.
As for the Dutch players, the fact is they simply failed to prove their worth. They are talented - but you need more than talent to play for Madrid. You also need a big pair of balls hanging between your legs.
Noone with a sane mind could argue against the need to sell some of the Dutch contingent.
the problem with this formation is that it doesn't have any wing backs in the flank. let's take Sevilla types of wingers playing team as an example. if we put 3 CBs but without LWB and RWB, two or our CBs have to reach out the flanks to mark their penetrating wingers and it remains only 1 CB in the box against 2 strikers. If lass fails to cover up on time. it could be a disaster unless Robben and CR drop back to do the wing backs' jobs. i mean this is worth it to try but kind of risky. IMO, 4-5-1(which is capable to change to 4-3-3) is more effective to lure attacks.
Guti and Raul should be kept in Real Madrid till they retire,and if we dint start selling players Perez will be force to offload them with very low prices
Reply to Caracoleo:
Exactly, i am personally against to offload them all. But we gotta accpet the fact that they don't suit to play possession football--- which is our traditional style of football and also the style of our new coach. they can be great in EPL and Bundesliga. BUt hard to find their way to survive in La Liga. we gotta know that this generation fo dutch players are way different with the "beckamp and Seedorf" era in style.
Reply to TheAngelOfMadrid:
I agree that Ribery and Robben are in the same level but i think are slightly different in playing style. Robben is a typical winger who can either dribble down to the flank to cross or cut in to strike; Ribery is more like an attacking midfielder playing in the flank. He often drive to the flank but he also has the ability to cut in and provide some "SHORT PASS", indeed, the french is also capable to striker too.(with both feet) Ribery will be better on possession football since he tends to pass more. But Robben will be more threathened when playing 4-3-3 in which the winners tend to bear more scoring responsibility.
Reply to themadridguy:
Very short term view of things...
Reply to MadridistAli:
They should be kept rotting on the bench till they mummify - never mind retire! What a disgrace and these embarrassement these two have become.
Even Scolari said a few days ago - Real Madrid's main problem is Raul.
Reply to DynastyofRealMadrid:
Yeh, but we are not going to play 4-3-3. So Robben should be sold really.
It's not right keeping talented players like this if they are not going to be allowed to fulfill their potential. It's not fair on them.
It's still to early to see what else we can get, so there is no point to sell robben now b4 we can get some better replacement.
I would also like to applaud Jorge Valdano's response to Platini's absurd accusation of Madrid's 'indecency' in the transfer market.
He said that Madrid aspires to be No1 in the world. For other teams the youth side is a necessity, for Madrid it's a complement. We aim to have the best players in the world playing at our club. That's how it has always been, and that's how it should always be.
Well done Valdano. People like Platini (great player who earned a fortune at Juventus ironically) and Ferguson should not be allowed to get away with bad mouthing Real Madrid. I hope Valdano continues this approach.
Reply to Caracoleo:
Yeah listen to Scolari...who ended up in Uzbekistan and never coached R.Madrid
Everybody else (even Perez himself) admires Raul and doesn't think he shouldn't retire for now. He's 32...he isn' young (and shouln't be a strter) but he certainly shouldn't retire for now!!
If Robben is actually sold....why don't we use the 4-2-2-2 formation?
-----------------Casillas
Ramos-----Albiol----------Pepe/Garay----??/Torres
---------Lass/Diarra---Alonso/Gago
Ronaldo--------------------Kaka/Marcelo
-------Higuain/Raul
------------------Benzema/Huntelaar
my fav 4-3-3
-----------------Casillas
Albiol--------------Pepe-------------Metz
---------Lass/Diarra---Alonso/Gago
Ronaldo/Ribery--------------------Kaka/Robben
Higuain----RVN/Huntelaar----Benzema
i agree that robben is a massiv talent but he does get injurd alot so i dont know...have any of you seen ribery play? hes awsome!! for france and bayern...he is nearly on the same level as kaka and ronaldo... i think hunterlaar will be sold and so will van der vaart.heinze who is rubbish! metzelder becuz he pretty much dissed perez! by saying its wrong to buy players for that much... and depenz on what madrid get robben might be sold aswell...we should get FLIPE from deporrr! hes quite a good left back!
Valdano said that we will sign 3 or 4 more players most likely Xabi Alonso,Arbeloa,Ribery and maybe Silva
This is bad:
LINK
Reply to Caracoleo:
standing ovation for Jorge, great man and writer (better than football player
)
Bad Ribery! hahaha...whatever Zidane said is working
LINK
Codina is officially gone he is not on the squad anymore and this gives a chance for Adan to be promoted to the first team ..LINK
Just a thought....
Anyone notice something about this Galacticos Era?
Every new signing ... It is a childhood dream for them to join Madrid...
This is gonna be really interesting.... Every Player is gonna give his heart out... I just hope they don't have problems with each other which I doubt.
But yeah... The problem with the last Galicticos Ziziou Becks Figo Ronaldo... was that they didn't always give 100% apart from Zizou...
2009/2010 is gonna be very very interesting...
If I had 1 more dream to fullfill other than having these players in Madrid... It would be to smash Barca home and away(la liga)... and Smash them 6-0 in CL final in Bernebue...
real madrid should go for Vargas from Fiorentina hes a good left back or get Lukavic from Udenise hes a good left back.... to be honest i wouldnt pay 40 mill for alonso...to much
Juan Manual Vargas Check Em out..LINK
Reply to Caracoleo:
You're a disgrace for calling raul that.
Scolari? lmao
Reply to Madridistas:
That will not work at all.
Reply to Madridista09:
No offense, but thats a ridiculous formation
Reply to Weezy:
this Vargas seams like an good left back player, but how are his defensive skills...?? nevermind that he is good ofensivly if he can not perform at the same level defensivly...
i was gone for a while so i have to say that bringing Kaka, Ronaldo, Negredo, Albiol and Benzema is fantastic for the club despite that we have already Higuain.... in good rotation sistem they will all play...
Reply to Rireal:
yeah hes pretty much solid at the back aswell av seen him play a couple of times for fiorentina and i saw him playing for peru aswell ...hes problly the best left back avalible for madrid right now apart from clichy..vargas wouldnt cost that much aswell
Reply to Danniel:
i personly wouldn't touch Guti because he still has impact in the dressing room, just like Raul and they bouth could be used as a good substitute...
Reply to Weezy:
if that's the case then he can be good adition to Real squad... we need someone who can play good offensivly and defensivly. and if it comes with the right price even better...
Reply to melbournemadridista:
I stand by my point. I think Perez and Valdano are bad advertisement for Real all over the world. It's funny how 'so called Real supporters' here are allowed to talk shit about players, those who are legends (for instance raul, regardless if he should play or not, people are badmouthing a legend and a club icon) and yet I am anti-Madrid cause I think Perez is sleazy (he's a club president, not a club icon). I understand your thankful to perez for getting you your beloved Ronaldo so now you can change your tremendous Ronaldo avatars each and every week. Your the biggest fan, really!
And by the way that's the person who I am, just because I support a team doesn't mean I look at only the positive of that team and for me this overspending, dirty politics is disgusting and I think it's destroying the football market (also it won't make Real better necessarily).
Reply to Caracoleo:
Please scolari .. he hasn't coached in spain forget real madrid and how does he know about raul.. we all saw what happened at chelsea before and after he left..
Reply to kramer:
Hold on - he was a pretty damn good football player as well! Crikey! I would say he was better than Higuain, and was definitely as good as Crespo.
Reply to Madridista09:
Have you watched Raul play? It's a bloody horror show!
Like watching a zombie roaming around a football pitch. Eventually, you know he's going to get hold of the ball, but boy does it send shivers down my spine watching him try.
Legends belong in the past. They belong in sticker albums and things like that.
Raul and Guti have no business on a football pitch.
Reply to anayth:
You might diss Scolari, but he's a World Cup winner and a big name in football management.
If he's says the problem with Madrid is Raul then he's onto something.
And he said it to warn Kaka. Don't get on the wrong side of Raul because that means that your Real Madrid career is going to be very short lived.
Heed the words of Scolari. He's got no axe to grind.
Reply to Raziel:
This is really wrong. What's sleazy about Perez? The fact that he can sign big names? That makes him sleazy?
What do you call signing young unproven talents at extortionate rates as Calderon did then?
So what exactly is your problem with Perez?
Talking shit about club legends? Mate, what parallel universe are you in? If a player plays shit, like Raul for instance, then what is actually wrong with saying that he is SHIT?
It is completely wrong to put legends on a pedestal as you obviously do because IT GOES TO THEIR HEADS. Then people like Raul start thinking that they OWN the club, as he thinks he does.
Legends need to keep their feet on the ground, like Zidane. They need to remember that at one point they were top players but noone is bigger than the club.
At the moment Raul definitely thinks he is bigger than the club.
So you are wrong in nearly everything you say. And I am struggling to find true Madridistas on this board day after day.
Reply to Madrids_Martyr:
REAL V BARCA UCL FINAL WUD BE THE BEST MATCH EVER!!! IT WUD BE MY DREAM CUM TRUE TO SEE REAL LIFT THERE TENTH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AT THE BERNABEU BY BEATING BARCELONA
HALA MADRID
Scolari is trying to discredit a lot of people, he just wants his head in the news after his failure at Chelsea. Why the hell would you listen to what he has to say? He's talking shit about Drogba, Ballack and Lampard, they were the reason for his failure, YEAH RIGHT. After Hiddink took over Chelsea was a top team again within a few months, they were much better then Barca but Barca won with luck. Why does he seek media to talk about teams that don't even concern him?
Reply to Raziel:
Well that doesn't make sense. Scolari can hardly blame Raul for his lack of success at Chelsea as you say he is trying to do.
Scolari sent out a warning to Kaka, who used to play under him, to watch out for Raul. Don't get in his bad books because he wields alot of power.
And when you think about it there is nothing inaccurate about what he is saying. Aging, mummified, ex striker still believes he has a chance at glory and will stop at nothing to make sure others don't get in his way.
I only hope that Perez puts him in his place as he did with Hierro. Another one who got too big for his boots.
Look what success Hierro is having with the national team now!
No, I said Scolari is blaming Ballack, Drogba and Peter Cech (not Lampard) for his lack of success at Chelsea. Scolaria is media horny, wants the attention. If badmouthing his old players isn't enough if starts commenting on other teams/clubs that have no relation with him? It's none of his business to talk about Real Madrid or its players.
So I didn't say Raul was to blame for his unsuccessful Chelsea display, where are you getting this from? He himself is to blame, he's a bad peoples manager and yet he blames the players he benched for his poor results (apart from cech of course).
Don't get me wrong I agree Raul shouldn't make anymore minutes for Real, his time is up. But that doesn't mean I have to badmouth him. And after that talking about being a true Madridista? You are wrong in nearly every way? What kind of subjective comments are those then? I can accuse you of the same but that wouldn't make any sense since there is no objectivity.
Reply to Riken:
hey i from mexico i love Real madrid i hope this year we take the coup and do you remember the name NECAXA in the histori of Real madrid well i love Rayos del Necaxa
Reply to Caracoleo:
I don't agree with u mate....guti is very gud in his days, i do agree, his days don't come that often but still he is a loyal madridista and can use as sub.
same as raul. he is captain and leader of the team.
And one more thing you should understand, voldano already gave statement : guti and raul will get proper respect by let them retiring from the club. so that means both of them will stay and retire .
Reply to NECmiLIFE:
yes i remember that
but is old times
Reply to Caracoleo:
I dont know why all of you blaming Raul for his crapy play,there are other players in Real Madrid worse than SHIT! in fact they are just taking salaries for warming the bench e.g:Heinze,Sneijder,Drenthe,VDV,Parejo,Faubert (by the way where's Faubert?) etc............
so Raul isn't the problem,i dont know why are we crying about it its Pellegrini's choice not ours!
Reply to Caracoleo:
Btw it may also be a warning to Ronaldo,
the kid played under him when Scolari coached Portugal in World Cup 2006. He was talking about both Kaka and C. Ron !
Reply to iker casillas:
LINK
well i think necaxa is the best team in mexico just for that but no more now they play en 2divition 
Reply to MadridistAli:
As Raul is now becoming a divider instead of uniter of Madridistas, it is the ripe time for him to hang up his boots IMO!
Reply to Raziel:
mate if i am not wrong , you are basically a dutch supporter. who was supporting madrid for their dutch players specially RVN. I am supporting real madrid for the club. and i do support one more policy: if someone is not in real madrid level,we shouldn't get him and if he can't perform we don't need him either.Real madrid buys best players not from 2000...they tried to do the same during santiago bernabu's presidential era as well. Perez is trying to do the same like him, buying best players of the world to make best team which worked for us before(not in perez 1st galacticos era but santiago's era). What claderon did ? he bought one bunch of your favorite dutch players , where RVN performed 1 season properly . I do agree robben is gud , but he is injury prone, so its better not to rely on him. derenthe is not at all madrid level. so what our present president is trying : getting rid of players who didn't perform at the expectation level, and bringing players at world class level. Ronaldo,kaka is better than any of your dutch player. its proven. I would admire any world class player in madrid, even if messi comes up, but not them who couldn't perform. And please don't compare your players with loyal madridista like guti,raul.
Reply to melbournemadridista:
Loyalty? Guti doesn't know the meaning of the word.
How many matches did he drop out of due to dubious injuries? I'll tell you.
Nearly of all of the big ones.
When we 'needed' him, he was sunning himself. Then had the gall to BLAME the coach for not seeing eye to eye with him?
Is that loyalty?
Reply to Raziel:
and one more thing i don't change my ronaldo avatar...i admire ronaldo's skills , i like to watch him play...now i like him more because he plays for my team....i used to like robben when he used to play for chelsea...but i really didn't like the way he turned into a injury prone.so i rather preferred buying ramos n higuain jersey rather than ny dutch player jersey
Reply to MadridistAli:
I don't know if it is possible to play worse than Raul. But anyway, those players aren't as encrusted into the flesh of Real Madrid as Raul. It is certainly easier to find a team for them than to get rid of the living mummy.
I have no problem with Raul's past. A fine player. But I hate it when they get too big for their boots and think they run the place. They don't. The fans do. And players like Raul would do well to remember that.
He plays not because of his current form - which is woeful, but because fans respect his PAST.
Clearly Real Madrid cannot operate like this.
It is why Fernando Hierro had to go. History has shown that that was the right decision.
Raul is basically treading the same line. His ego has taken over the club, and I for one will not have it.
Reply to themadridguy:
Of course. Scolari was simply giving honest advice to 2 former players: Stay clear of Raul.
It is sad that things have come to this. But basically under Calderon, Raul's influence was allowed to spread unchecked. It is a damning indictment of one of the worst presidents in Real Madrid's history. He basically let 1 player takeover the club because he was a fans' favourite.
How pathetic does that make us look!
Reply to Raziel:
You still haven't said why Perez is a bad advert for Madrid!
Is it because you don't like other teams the world over looking enviously at the squad he is building?
Is it because all the world's greatest players want to come to Madrid after shunning it previously?
Maybe it is because some of your precious Dutch players are on the way out!
If I say you are wrong in everything you say, it is because you ARE wrong on the points you make. They are groundless.
Reply to Caracoleo:
You're right, Perez is doing a great job and everybody complaining about transfer fees, disrespect etc are just jealous that we bloody-well have the resources to pull off mammoth transfers. Plus, unlike all the billionaires that make up the Premier League, we are spending from the club's money which is earned by the hard work of many individuals. It sickens me to see clubs like Chelsea and Man City who expect to buy trophies over-night. It's a disgrace to see people compare our spending to theirs. We have history and we have earned the money we spend not asked our filthy-rich owner to bloody-well fund us. We take loans from banks and pay them off, WTF is so wrong with that. At least we'll be paying them off.
Perez is being unfair in selling a few of the Dutchies though, especially Huntelaar, Robben and Sneijder. I'm glad to see Drenthe and VDV leave. I would've gladly supported RVN but he's no longer the same lad who practically won us the 06/07 La liga.
Reply to Caracoleo:
Can you come up with any kind of propper evidence that Raul is a dictator in the dressing room?(You're either with me or you R.Madrid career is over)
About Guti I agree with you...infact I earlier said he should be sold...but some proof that Raul is "dictating" the dressing room I have not seen.
I have proof that this is not the case...
1)All Castilla players look up to Raul as their role-model...they would not do so if he's what you say he is.
2)Perez himself said Raul is part of his plans and that he's a great example as a player (I don't have the link though)...Perez definately would not say so if this was not the case
Reply to Caracoleo:
Not sure there is any point to it since everybody here just goes against everything I say with no self-criticism whatsoever, but I’ll try anyways.
Personally most of the time I don’t like Robben, he’s too selfish and made out of glass. However he is amongst the best in the world, when in form and without an injury he can outplay anyone. When he played for Chelsea no squad in England could stop him. So saying shit like we are going to exclude you from the squad if you don’t find another team is just stupid. This type of policy will work players against you also bad advertisement for other players will see how easy Madrid is with disregarding players. No respect at all. 
. 
I think Perez is more of a business man a politician then a man of the club, a person that loves football. His present policy shows the same flaws as his past policy. He is totally focused on marketing the real brand and not so much on the football. Sleazy cause I don’t like the way politicians act talk and hide facts in general. Having debs and in days of crisis all this money coming from bank loans? Apparently in Spain it’s easy to get away with it even during the crisis and even after having admitted to a have huge debts you get big loans. However that’s not just Real, the combined debt of Spain's 20 top league clubs was some 3.5 billion Euros in 2008 alone.
Also Valdano threatening players like Robben who was arguable amongst the best last year.
At the moment it looks like the worlds best players join Real for the money not the white jersey, regardless if that’s their true motive or not that’s what it will look like to people all over the world. The Beckham era has returned. They hang more weight on the marketing product Real, Asia will be full of white jerseys
It’s good the Dutch players are on their way out cause indeed they don’t belong there. Better for them to build a career somewhere else and in RvN’s case he can get some sun in Spain, sit on the bench and collect money.
Reply to Raziel:
A lot of what you are saying is factually innacurate, and it seems that it is YOU who are acting like a politician by spinning the truth.
1) Florentino - no love for the club? Very hard to justify this point. He's already famous due to his last stint as president and doesn't need this second stint at all. He is risking a lot by coming back for another tour of duty.
2) The Real Madrid brand: Yes he is focussed on marketing Real Madrid - because that is football today. A fact of life. You need to make money in this game. There is nothing wrong with this at all, quite the contrary. It would be wrong not to exploit Real Madrid's potential and let lesser clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea corner the market. Real Madrid HAD 100 million Euros in the bank! That's good business.
3) Understanding football: Florentino has always admitted that he is no football expert. If only MORE club presidents would do the same! But he is not alone. Valdano, Pardeza and Butragueño know a thing or two about football. Which football club currently has a 'football person' as chairman? Chelsea? Liverpool? It's silly to expect a club to be run by someone who claims to be a football expert. What about business in that case? Florentino is a businessman, not a politician and he ha brought a sense of decorum back to the club. Other presidents will criticise because they feel threatened. Their look out.
4) Loyalty: Every player plays for money. You need to get over that. But there is no doubt that those players could earn top dollar at ANY football club. Yet the world's best are practically screaming to join Real Madrid. It is NOT just about the money. It is the idea that you are joining the best club in the world and are part of something unique.
5) Rejects: Valdano never asked Robben, or threatened Robben to find a team. That would devalue him, and Madrid could easily find a tam for him without resorting to those tactics. So I think that is inaccurate.
I don't know why most of u guys are not giving RVN a chance, he just turned 33 he still has a good year or two left. Before he got injured he scored 10 goals and 12 games, at least Madrid shuld give him until winter to prove his fitness and form, if ruud gets his fitness back he is the best goal scorer in football, especially with supply from kaka and cr9. i still think RVN is better than hunter, also this year we will have a lot of games, so we need a lot of strikers.
Reply to Daniel:
You don't have any proof at all. Castilla players constantly fawning over Raul could be evidence of his dictator like approach to dressing room relationships. Higuain is another who constantly praises Raul's professionalism - a little bit too much perhaps?
Robinho and Baptista have already come out saying that during their time, even if they scored 2 goals in match they were never guaranteed a starting place the following week. However, other 'elements' always started - no matter how bad they were playing. This is a veiled attack on Raul, and his influence over the coach.
last summer's attempt to sign Villa at the last minute was scuppered by... Raul if reports are to be believed. calderon had a meeting at Raul's HOUSE where the striker vetoed the signing.
Reports about Robinho arriving to training drunk (unfounded) were leaked by one of the CAPTAINS. There was clearly foul play at work here.
Raul did not stay to give cannavaro an ovation at his last game in the Bernabeu (which we lost) despite most of the team staying behind on the pitch and giving the defender an honourable send off. What does that tell you about our beloved captain? Is that someone you really look up to?
His form was absolutely shocking. Yet he played more minutes than any other attacking player. Again, how is that possible? Especially when we are losing matches on the trot.
A lot of what I said is hearsay. But even you must admit that there is no smoke without fire, Daniel. And if you still harbour no suspicions that Raul is a bad influence in the dressing room, and throughout the club as a whole - then you are simply blind to the truth.
Players need to know their place. There is always the danger that their heads swell too much, especially given the adoration he receives from the crowd. It is a part of human nature. Unfortunately Calderon milked it, and let the infection spread. But the club MUST build structures to prevent players from taking over. Everyone must serve the CLUB!
Reply to realmadrid_a10:
We need a lot of strikers. But is Ruud prepared to sit out a lot of the games? Will he quietly accept a minor role?
A youth player could be brought in to fill in for 4- 5 matches if need be. But someone like Ruud needs to play regularly.
Reply to Danniel:
good formation, except for gago.
The bad news is Madrid want to sell Huntelaar to Milan. They are currently having a meeting to decide on the price. Milan have been good to us, so we will have to return the favour.
Shame. You can't have everything I guess.
Would have loved to see a Huntelaar + Benzema combination.
Happy Birthday to the true legend---Don Di Stefano turns 83. It's so true that we should not live in the history but look for the future, but among madridistas, i believe that no one doubts this legend's contribution to our first 5 CL trophies.
Reply to Caracoleo:
1. Maybe he is a man of the club, after all he was the only candidate able to provide the €57.000.000 guarantee to run for presidency.
2. So you agree with me that Real Madrid is more a brand then a team, that’s good. But just because offensive players are better brand sellers does it mean the defense has to be lacking? Real’s limit to spend was what? 300 million Euros. If they get Ribery they can’t get a proper defense, team totally out of balance.
3. Understanding football: Florentino has always admitted that he is no football expert? Perez infamously poured scorn on Makélélé's footballing abilities and proclaimed that Makélélé would not be missed, saying: "We will not miss Makélélé. His technique is average, he lacks the speed and skill to take the ball past opponents, and ninety percent of his distribution either goes backwards or sideways." After letting him go to Chelsea (where he became 1 of the best defensive midfielders in the world) he bought offensive players for crazy amounts of money totally forgetting about the defense. Several years after leaving Real, McManaman and Morientes stated that Makélélé was the most important and least appreciated midfielder, the latter saying "The loss of Makélélé was the beginning of the end for Los Galácticos.
4. That’s what I think and what I said, however I included to the rest of the world it looks like they are joining Madrid for the money.
5. Rejects: Valdano never asked Robben, or threatened Robben to find a team? Check this then: LINK
Conclusion: You were right about the first issue, we sort of agreed on point 2 and 4. I think you are wrong about point 3 and 5 and there are articles to back that up. So calling me a politician or being inaccurate is silly.
Reply to Caracoleo:
It's not just Higuain that praises Raul...but everyone...(once again...even Perez himself)
so no I don't beleive this is done because they're "scared" of Raul...Perez is certainly not.
As fo the Robinho and Baptista thing...this (unfortately) happens everywhere.At Man U tevez smetimes scored 4 goals in a match...and still didn't start the following matches...does that mean Giggs is a dictator too?
About the Villa thing...Villa himself stated that they DID make an offer...but it was 4m less than Valencia's asking price...and Calderon did not want to increase it.
His form is not Real Madrid's level...but it's not as bad as you picture it to be.I remind you that he scored over 20 goals last season.Also, under Jurade we were not losing matches on a trot...untill the league was really lost.
As for Cannavaro's ovation I can't really say because to tell you the truth I did not see it.
Also, as for "taking over the club" I think Raul is not taking over...there is a BIG difference between being a leader and taking over. In terms of serving the club Raul throughout his career has done precisely that...I can't think of a pesent player who has served the club bter tan Raul.
Lastly...I want to remind you what happend to Maldini..."fans" booed him off the pitch and in that sense...the Milan fans were a disgrace in everybody's eyes (however te following game they chhered him off the pitch).I think the same will happen to Raul....and supporters like these will give a bad reputation to all the supporters at the club.
2) So? What's wrong about Madrid being a brand? Aren't Manchester United or Chelsea? Florentino's major error was being dogmatic about his policies, i.e. Zidanes and Pavones. He took it to expremes and should have been more flexible about it. But this is a FAR CRY from your initial accusation of sleaze, and political manipulations. He made bad mistakes - of course I do recognise that.
3) Makelele was a sore loss. Agreed. Madrid made him an offer and he didn't take it, preferring more more money at Chelsea. Florentino preferred not to break the wage structure rather than pander to players demands.
4) To the rest of the world? Of course that's how they fob it off. But they know as well as you do that it is NOT just about the money. Ribery said he wanted to Madrid, NOT get an increase in salary. Benzema, the same. We are not here to please other club chairmen.
In any case our reputation is MUCH higher than it was under Calderon. He was labelled a mafioso by Galliani, and we were a 'mob' to Alex Ferguson. So I still think you are wrong on this point.
5) You got me here. Thanks for the link. It's dangerous because it could lower his value if teams know you want to sell him. On the other hand, it's good that a player knows where he stands. Robinho last year didn't know whether he was coming or going - and in the end left out of frustration.
You may not agree with the signings Florentino has made. I'd like to know which one you'd give back! However, your accusation of sleaze was below the belt. As was the criticism of Real Madrid's sinking reputation.
Reply to Danniel:
In a way, it's not really Raul's fault; praise has been lavished on him since he was 17. It's hard to tell the wood from trees.
But the club should have structures in place. It should delimit a players obligations and responsibilities. But under Calderon, all that went to pot. Calderon tried to bask in the reflected glory of Raul, elevating the player to myth status. A lifetime contract? What the hell is that?
Because of this, Raul has done a lot of harm to the club. Because he BELIEVES the hype. He has fractured the dressing room. He actually has a say on signings (under Calderon).
But it will end badly. It will end in boos at some stage unless he gets a dose of reality. Stop harming the club and retire. It's simple. THEN you could become a legend - although I think it is too late for that now.
Reply to Caracoleo:
At least there is the Higuain and Benzema combination.
Not sure how its going to turn out though with both of them having the same style of play.
Reply to realfanatic:
No that was my PES formation,off course it's easier to defend there with only 3 defender n many striker to finish the pass.
Anyway thanks for the response
Cant wait to see real madrid play
Casillas
Ramos -- Pepe -- Albiol -- ?
Diarra -- Guti
Ronaldo -- Kaka -- Benzema
Raul
Reply to vaan69:
Now why in the god damn hell would u have Raul in that starting formation over Higuain, Negredo and Benzema???
Reply to themadridguy:
Sorry I missed Benzema as winger there
, but that is not right, it should be Robben,Silva or Ribery if he comes.
are you blind???????????? benzema is in. and for the other 2. raul is a god of football for both of them
So what is the time for Ronaldo's presentation on Monday? Anybody know here??
Reply to vaan69:
Yeah man, I saw it later!
Reply to themadridguy:
I will let you know as soon as I get it.
Reply to themadridguy:
I'm not too sure but I think it will be on 22:00 Spanish time .. I'll look into it
I just don't get real i mean why are there spending so much money out on players while they have already worldclass players. i mean for instance why does real wants ribery while they have robben who is just as good maby better. And don't say because robben is to selfisch ore to injury prone cause he wasn't much injured this season and they just bought the most selfisch person/player on the whole world ( ronaldo ). I hope real isn't gonna win prizes at all this year then they wil see that buying stars isn't the way to winn things.
Reply to a real footbal fan:
Robben is injury prone and he aint on the same planet as ribery, plus its always been Real Madrid's philosophy to bring the best of the best to the club.. money aint a problem for us.Ronaldo is just way too good to not be selfish !
Reply to a real footbal fan:
are you blind? robben is not better then RIBERY ribery is a better passer better finsher both footed not greedy doesnt get injurd as much robben! i would keep robben only if we dont get ribery...defo keep sniejder thoo i think hes amazing altho he was injurd most of the season and juande played gaga instead of him....haah i forgot we had faubert? on loan lol he has to be the worst signing real madrid have ever made!!!
Reply to thedangerzolo:
I got a bad feeling about him i think he will be a big flop
Have you all seen the new Mestalla,its awesome
Reply to themadridguy:
Its 21:00 spain's time, 19:00 GMT
Reply to thedangerzolo:
I read its Monday 21.00 KSA,
Negredo:Tuesday 21.00 KSA
Garay:Wednesday 21.00 KSA
Benzima:Thursday 21.00 KSA
Reply to MadridistAli:
How can U be so pessimistic about him??
If last year's Ballon 'd Or winner can't make u confident, then I don't know what will??? 
- he has never managed big superstars or a big European club! I am scared for our club becuz of him!
The only signing I think will flop out of all we have made so far is our coach Pellegrini
Reply to themadridguy:
i am waiting for him to prove me wrong
Reply to MadridistAli:
where are u getting this from??
Reply to MadridistAli:
I am certain he will win over the hearts of all the Madridistas by his play! EAT my words!!!
Reply to themadridguy:
NAH never,i prefer to die than to love this ego punk,even if he win CL,La Liga,Copa Del Rey 10 times i would still hate him
Reply to themadridguy:
Goal.com
Reply to MadridistAli:
Can u give me the link?? I can't find the article!
casillas
maicon---pepe---albiol---ramos
lass---alonso
ronaldo---kaka---ribery
benzema
this is the best possible formation next seasonl. ramos can definetly still be a brilliant defender at left back. and maicon is probably the best right back in the world. WE HAVE TO GET MAICON AND NOT GET ARBELOA!!!
Reply to Singh12:
dont get maicon though if there is a possibilty of sighning a.cole, even though that is very unlikely
can't wait to see the classico!! however, i do think these great signings just gave us some hope. But we are just having our team started to rebuild while Barca is still in the best form with the their best system. i just hope the Classico can be schedule at december in which we might have a more mature system and style built up. this year's classico will be very intense.
tactically, i am pretty optimistic if we are able to form a solid back line supporting with 2 holding midfielders. the key to stop barca is still the same----to eliminate their space in the midfield and tryna cut off xavi, iniesta, and messi to force each of them in an isolation.(this is extremely hard) it is so depending on how our WHOLE team perform, especially in Nou Camp. the speed will Kaka, CR, Hiugain, or maybe Robben can easily thrust into their throat in counterattack. It's kind of sad that Spain was beaten by USA in Conf. Cup cuz i really wanna see the collison between brazil and spain. If brazil won spain, we could have gotten some clue about how to play against barca type of possession football(spain) with players with great individual ability(brazil), just like us.
Reply to vaan69:
i see who' s blind now. Raul, the god of football??? i guess u didn't watch any real madrid game in the last 5 years. if real madrid wants to win back what they have lost, no way they should start raul anymore. if raul is not a dictator like some rumors said he is, he must not be in the starting XI cuz his form doesn't deserve it. people, don't just blindly look at those goofy statistics. COunt on the overall performances. yes, he's scored 20 goals, but how many chances he's missed throughout the year?? how many times he lost the ball with sick first touches?? how many times he dispossesed with his inaccurate pass in simly give & go?? how many times did he fail to catch the ball because he's too slow??? Huntelaar 'd already scored 8 goals in a few games, this number is much better than raul's in average. Higuain is the one who saved our ass last year. he was the only attacker who stepped up when we played shit against some 3rd rank la liga team. where was raul?? he was completely disappeared. God ?? maybe 10 years ago, but not now.
Reply to DynastyofRealMadrid:
*simple give & go
Reply to a real footbal fan:
u are such an ignorance about football if u really think robben is better than ribery. They could be in the same level, but they are different type of players. A winger and an attacking midfielder, or even a playmaker.
Reply to Danniel:
*Applause*
Thanks man..
Raul is a legend.. He had to have that influence in the club wen Calderon and his staff were messing things up..
Raul never would frown because he was benched and even he's most rival, Luis Aragones, said that..
Hala Madrid..
totally agreed, especially when we've got two more big men(garray and albiol) and CR's header is not bad!! i guess we have to at least wait until august to see the schedule for next season!!! i don't know.
Reply to themadridguy:
Its not in the english version however if you know Arabic i can give it to you
Reply to DynastyofRealMadrid:
If Barcelona play like they did last season i think theres no hope for us even after we brought Kaka,C.Ronaldo,Benzima and Albiol
Reply to MadridistAli:
i think that will be hard but not impossibe. with the squad of last year, that's definitely impossible even if they play bad. the most important for us to do in order to fight them is to build up a "team" with these best players. we gotta the best out of them tactically.
Reply to DynastyofRealMadrid:
I hope so
Reply to MadridistAli:
Last year barcelona did very good, but their is no guarantee that this year they will perform the same. Remember arsenal 2003/04 , unbeaten whole season, next season they fuked up still they had same team. So i hope same will happen to barcelona
. But we still have chance. after signing albiol, our centre defense would be solid. ramos is gud, we need a left back. I don't expect that much from arbeloa nyway 
) 
In my football sense Kaka has better vision than any of our squad last year. so he would be able to create more chance than last year we did.May be last CL final he didn't perform but still, CR has ability to thrash any team.I think benzema n higuain playing together will give us more chance to score.(last year we missed so many chances, specially most of the 50/50 chances n specially for raul
So if perez can bring a left back(should bring a proper one) and player like alonso/rossi ,i would say we would have better chance to win on el classico
Reply to SaramiR:
Oh My God!
You would have the players running the club!?!
What next? The lunatics running the asylum?
Sorry to give U the bad news guys, but looks like we have given up on signing Alonso!
, even more than the 40 million Villa was valued at! Now that is WRONG!!!!! 
) and focus only on defenders instead??? 
Those bastards at Liverpool want 50 million Euros for him
Further, those bastards are not willing for a player+cash deal either, that's why we had to end it! Now who do U guys recommend we go after in midfield??? Or should we give up on a holding midfielder altogether (as we have Lass and Diarra and Parejo
We've got 2 decent Diarras to hold midfield already. And Javi Garcia can't play worse than he did last year. It's just that Alonso has excellent distribution.
There is always De Rossi at Roma. But he would cost a lot as well, because he is the star player of that team, Roma, born and bred.
Huntelaar off for Manchester United or Milan. And is it looks now Sneijder might be going to Chelsea: LINK
Last time Real send a midfielder to Chelsea it didn't work out so well for Perez or Madrid for that matter.
Perez will hit his 300 million limit if he buys Ribery and Real will still lack a proper defense.
Other news: Perez calls for a European Super League: LINK
i dont like alonso eather....we should realyy keep sneijder!! he could become a key player...i think we should go for ashley cole or Lahm or Lukovic or Vargas or Clichy....maybe we could get CESC FAB#? insted of alonso
Reply to DynastyofRealMadrid:
Don't forget that Barcelona still has to go to UAE for the Club World Cup, not to mention the super cups and the fact their players may not have the same hunger anymore since they already proved themselves. But even if somehow they do manage to still keep up the pace and play like they did last season, then it's going to be very, very, very hard.
Reply to Ultra Sur:
yes, it is.
No they wont play the same motivational way. Only we do that (back to back la liga). However if they did, then the goal will flood from our side. The day they beat us big was the day we're without Kaka, Kid Ronaldo, Albiol and a whole heap of new players. Next time El Classico will be different.