Post by maxell on Aug 26, 2006 10:00:19 GMT -5
Steely Capello makes Madrid contenders
The galacticos have become the pragmaticos. Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello has assembled a squad of hard-nosed players intent on seizing back domestic domination in Spain.
While the club's spending remains as lavish as ever, this summer's arrivals place effectiveness ahead of extravagance.
Gone are the days of simply signing the most famous player available - in successive summers between 2000 and 2003 they bought Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham - the Italian has in a few short months plugged the gaps in his side with (slightly) more affordable quality.
A leaky defence has been plugged with the brilliant Fabio Cannavaro, while Emerson and Mahamadou Diarra add plenty of steel to a midfield whose only 'fighter' last season - Thomas Gravesen - seemed to spend more time taking on his team-mates.
The Dane is heading for the exit following his mediocre displays and a public scuffle with Robinho. He is to train with former club Vejle of Denmark, in order to keep up his fitness for international matches while he looks for a new club.
Perhaps the most crucial addition comes up front, with the purchase of Ruud van Nistelrooy from Manchester United.
The Dutchman might not have hit the heights at Old Trafford last season but he remains a deadly finisher and a change of scenery could help him rediscover his best form.
His arrival means Madrid are no longer forced to rely on an injury-prone and unfit Ronaldo for goals - and proper competition for places may yet spur the Brazilian back into shape.
Capello is a brave and ruthless manager who consigned Juventus icon Alex Del Piero to the bench for long spells in Turin. He will have the guts to drop the hitherto untouchable Madrid skipper Raul, whose miserable form over the last three seasons has been an embarrassment for both the player and his club.
If Raul and Ronaldo are discarded, Capello still has two interesting options to partner Van Nistelrooy.
Robinho is marvellously skilful but needs to play a more focused game to be truly effective. Perhaps more likely to snatch a regular berth is the mercurial Antonio Cassano, a notoriously volatile talent whom Capello coaxed the best out of while at Roma.
While Barcelona's summer recruits have added depth to an otherwise stable squad, their great rivals have a new coach, a new look and a new impetus.
Capello has won eight league titles in his 11 seasons of club management (including two with Juve that were subsequently stripped). Don't be surprised if he makes it nine out of 12.
La Liga begins on Saturday at 22:00 CET (21:00 BST) with Valencia v Betis LIVE on Eurosport.com and Eurosport.co.uk.
Real Madrid take on Villarreal at 19:00 CET (18:00 BST) on Sunday while Barcelona visit Celta Vigo at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST) on Monday night. from eurosports.com
The galacticos have become the pragmaticos. Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello has assembled a squad of hard-nosed players intent on seizing back domestic domination in Spain.
While the club's spending remains as lavish as ever, this summer's arrivals place effectiveness ahead of extravagance.
Gone are the days of simply signing the most famous player available - in successive summers between 2000 and 2003 they bought Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham - the Italian has in a few short months plugged the gaps in his side with (slightly) more affordable quality.
A leaky defence has been plugged with the brilliant Fabio Cannavaro, while Emerson and Mahamadou Diarra add plenty of steel to a midfield whose only 'fighter' last season - Thomas Gravesen - seemed to spend more time taking on his team-mates.
The Dane is heading for the exit following his mediocre displays and a public scuffle with Robinho. He is to train with former club Vejle of Denmark, in order to keep up his fitness for international matches while he looks for a new club.
Perhaps the most crucial addition comes up front, with the purchase of Ruud van Nistelrooy from Manchester United.
The Dutchman might not have hit the heights at Old Trafford last season but he remains a deadly finisher and a change of scenery could help him rediscover his best form.
His arrival means Madrid are no longer forced to rely on an injury-prone and unfit Ronaldo for goals - and proper competition for places may yet spur the Brazilian back into shape.
Capello is a brave and ruthless manager who consigned Juventus icon Alex Del Piero to the bench for long spells in Turin. He will have the guts to drop the hitherto untouchable Madrid skipper Raul, whose miserable form over the last three seasons has been an embarrassment for both the player and his club.
If Raul and Ronaldo are discarded, Capello still has two interesting options to partner Van Nistelrooy.
Robinho is marvellously skilful but needs to play a more focused game to be truly effective. Perhaps more likely to snatch a regular berth is the mercurial Antonio Cassano, a notoriously volatile talent whom Capello coaxed the best out of while at Roma.
While Barcelona's summer recruits have added depth to an otherwise stable squad, their great rivals have a new coach, a new look and a new impetus.
Capello has won eight league titles in his 11 seasons of club management (including two with Juve that were subsequently stripped). Don't be surprised if he makes it nine out of 12.
La Liga begins on Saturday at 22:00 CET (21:00 BST) with Valencia v Betis LIVE on Eurosport.com and Eurosport.co.uk.
Real Madrid take on Villarreal at 19:00 CET (18:00 BST) on Sunday while Barcelona visit Celta Vigo at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST) on Monday night. from eurosports.com
