post-leicester roundup!
Mourinho: "Today was harder. I am satisfied with this victory."
Don't think being bald spares you from The Hair Ruffle.
Morning games (where I am) will be the death of me. I was pretty bleary, and there wasn't much in the way of player interviews, so commentary will be limited today, but I also come bearing choice pictures from the Philly and Berlin games that killed LJ! I promise to be more coherent next match. That said, I was relatively pleased with the game today. It wasn't a goalfest, no, but we didn't look like the headless chickens that terrorized the field last pre-season, which is my primary concern in an "everybody gets to play" friendly scenario. We're showing that we have options, and I can't wait to see how it'll all come together this year when everybody's back and Sahin(!) gets into it.
After the game, Mou spoke to the press, commenting on the differences between the preseason matches thus far, his choices in squad (and playing time) selection, injuries, Zidane's (ridiculous-to-make-something-dramatic-out-of) absence, and Benzema leaving us for Arsenal next week.
PIPITA!
"The match against Leicester City was tougher than the one in Berlin. It helped us a lot. The game was different than those we played in the United States against the American and Mexican teams. It was a match played at a different rhythm - a more European rhythm. Leicester distinguished themselves as a good team that aspire to be promoted to the Premiership this season. In Berlin, we played at a different pace, but today was harder. I walk away satisfied with the victory."
"In the first half, I used players who did not play 90 minutes in Berlin. I like to give minutes to everyone and I'm happy. We played a tough, rhythmic game - aggressive, but clean and that serves us well. We walk away with no injured players, since it was my decision for Sahin not to play. We only have Altintop left to recover and that's very positive for us. "
Regarding Zidane's absence: "Zidane is the director of the first team. He was in Los Angeles, but he has things he must do in Madrid, and now it is time for myself and the players to work and go forward and prepare for the season. We are very pleased with his progress as a director and with every day that passes, I find myself happier and better adapted. "
Asked about Benzema supposedly going to Arsenal (LOL): "There is nothing to that. Benzema will not move from Real Madrid. There is no reason to speculate. "
Ah, the season grows ever nearer. To be honest, I worried that the Clasico burnout would last longer than summer, but Madridistas, at least, seem to be eager to get back into things. This could very well be our year! If Benzema doesn't leave us for Arsenal. Oh, and if Mou doesn't sell Pipita, because it's common knowledge on Twitter that he hates him so much. In all seriousness, I was disappointed not to see Sahin today, but I get that he's coming back from that knock. There's still China! I'm excited to see Di again, too. Yes, yes, he needs to knock the diving off, but his assists last year were invaluable and I have faith in his improvement (I think he was better toward the end of the season, actually). All in all, not a bad game. Benz's quick, killer instincts stood out to me today - so much for chilling in front of the net with the ball at his feet - and I'm increasingly convinced that we've got enough in the way of forward power with Joselu, Callejon, and, on a much more gradual basis, Morata, that a third star striker is surplus. Here's hoping the powers that be agree.
Sergio: "The preseason is going perfectly."
Majestic.
Sergio:
"The season is going perfectly. We're playing well and all of the newcomers have adapted wonderfully. Everything is turning out well and we are anxious to begin the season.
"It's important to accumulate victories because it validates the great work that we are doing this preseason. The idea is to reach our top form by the time the season starts and we're all very excited for it."
"It's very nice to play in England. There is much passion and they always treat our team very well. For us, it is a pleasure to play here. Now we leave for the Asian tour, and when we return, it will be good for things to really begin."
No overhead camera angles, please!
Dun dun dun!
Can you sense the enmity???????
This is no time to be on PokerStars.net, Blondie.
It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark...
Under the moonlight, you see a sight that almost stops your heart.
You try to scream, but terror takes the sound before you make it.
You start to freeze, as horror looks you right between the eyes...
You're paralyzed.
'Cause this is thriller, thriller night.
And no one's gonna save you from the beast about strike.
You know it's thriller, thriller night.
You're fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight!
Benz got hot when he stopped looking like a kicked puppy with seasonal affective disorder.
And toned his ass.
Even if he fails at high tens.
Hey, it's better than failing at tackling.
I don't think you're supposed to get that much pleasure out of pulling a shirt off.
Work those short calves!
I whip my mane back and forth.
I lick my lips back and forth.
What is this fuckery?
No free hair gel for you!
Damn, I forgot my diamond studs.
Bang bang, my baby shot you down.
Good banana.
Bad banana.
Pepe doesn't appreciate you stealing his BFF's attention away.
I dare you to find a fiercer bench.
I'm pretty sure this isn't allowed.
Wow, what did that ball do to you?
Somebody's been slacking off on their Vidal Sassoon.
Be scared, I'm getting my side-eye on.
Alright, who do I have to cut?
I might as well work on my GQ photo shoot while I'm here.
And my pensive Time magazine spread.
Sigh, disciplinary hearings are so taxing.
His heart will go on.
Sometimes when we touch.
The honesty's too much.
And I have to close my eyes and hide.
UNDERRATED TO THE 10TH POWER.
This angry komodo dragon will toast your ass.
Yeah, not gonna lie, I don't even know what trophy this lady is handing me.
Is this a football game or a recording session?
Mou always has time for the itty bitties.
If his hair gets any taller, birds are going to start making nests in it.
Kaka is already scoping it out for his doves.
Question(s) of the day: 1) If you saw the match, who caught your eye? 2) If you didn't, go download it! 3) What should we do to stop sucking at corner kicks?
MATCH DOWNLOAD! Worth the DL, pretty decent game.
Don't think being bald spares you from The Hair Ruffle.
Morning games (where I am) will be the death of me. I was pretty bleary, and there wasn't much in the way of player interviews, so commentary will be limited today, but I also come bearing choice pictures from the Philly and Berlin games that killed LJ! I promise to be more coherent next match. That said, I was relatively pleased with the game today. It wasn't a goalfest, no, but we didn't look like the headless chickens that terrorized the field last pre-season, which is my primary concern in an "everybody gets to play" friendly scenario. We're showing that we have options, and I can't wait to see how it'll all come together this year when everybody's back and Sahin(!) gets into it.
After the game, Mou spoke to the press, commenting on the differences between the preseason matches thus far, his choices in squad (and playing time) selection, injuries, Zidane's (ridiculous-to-make-something-dramatic-out-of) absence, and Benzema leaving us for Arsenal next week.
PIPITA!
"The match against Leicester City was tougher than the one in Berlin. It helped us a lot. The game was different than those we played in the United States against the American and Mexican teams. It was a match played at a different rhythm - a more European rhythm. Leicester distinguished themselves as a good team that aspire to be promoted to the Premiership this season. In Berlin, we played at a different pace, but today was harder. I walk away satisfied with the victory."
"In the first half, I used players who did not play 90 minutes in Berlin. I like to give minutes to everyone and I'm happy. We played a tough, rhythmic game - aggressive, but clean and that serves us well. We walk away with no injured players, since it was my decision for Sahin not to play. We only have Altintop left to recover and that's very positive for us. "
Regarding Zidane's absence: "Zidane is the director of the first team. He was in Los Angeles, but he has things he must do in Madrid, and now it is time for myself and the players to work and go forward and prepare for the season. We are very pleased with his progress as a director and with every day that passes, I find myself happier and better adapted. "
Asked about Benzema supposedly going to Arsenal (LOL): "There is nothing to that. Benzema will not move from Real Madrid. There is no reason to speculate. "
Ah, the season grows ever nearer. To be honest, I worried that the Clasico burnout would last longer than summer, but Madridistas, at least, seem to be eager to get back into things. This could very well be our year! If Benzema doesn't leave us for Arsenal. Oh, and if Mou doesn't sell Pipita, because it's common knowledge on Twitter that he hates him so much. In all seriousness, I was disappointed not to see Sahin today, but I get that he's coming back from that knock. There's still China! I'm excited to see Di again, too. Yes, yes, he needs to knock the diving off, but his assists last year were invaluable and I have faith in his improvement (I think he was better toward the end of the season, actually). All in all, not a bad game. Benz's quick, killer instincts stood out to me today - so much for chilling in front of the net with the ball at his feet - and I'm increasingly convinced that we've got enough in the way of forward power with Joselu, Callejon, and, on a much more gradual basis, Morata, that a third star striker is surplus. Here's hoping the powers that be agree.
Sergio: "The preseason is going perfectly."
Majestic.
Sergio:
"The season is going perfectly. We're playing well and all of the newcomers have adapted wonderfully. Everything is turning out well and we are anxious to begin the season.
"It's important to accumulate victories because it validates the great work that we are doing this preseason. The idea is to reach our top form by the time the season starts and we're all very excited for it."
"It's very nice to play in England. There is much passion and they always treat our team very well. For us, it is a pleasure to play here. Now we leave for the Asian tour, and when we return, it will be good for things to really begin."
No overhead camera angles, please!
Dun dun dun!
Can you sense the enmity???????
This is no time to be on PokerStars.net, Blondie.
It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark...
Under the moonlight, you see a sight that almost stops your heart.
You try to scream, but terror takes the sound before you make it.
You start to freeze, as horror looks you right between the eyes...
You're paralyzed.
'Cause this is thriller, thriller night.
And no one's gonna save you from the beast about strike.
You know it's thriller, thriller night.
You're fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight!
Benz got hot when he stopped looking like a kicked puppy with seasonal affective disorder.
And toned his ass.
Even if he fails at high tens.
Hey, it's better than failing at tackling.
I don't think you're supposed to get that much pleasure out of pulling a shirt off.
Work those short calves!
I whip my mane back and forth.
I lick my lips back and forth.
What is this fuckery?
No free hair gel for you!
Damn, I forgot my diamond studs.
Bang bang, my baby shot you down.
Good banana.
Bad banana.
Pepe doesn't appreciate you stealing his BFF's attention away.
I dare you to find a fiercer bench.
I'm pretty sure this isn't allowed.
Wow, what did that ball do to you?
Somebody's been slacking off on their Vidal Sassoon.
Be scared, I'm getting my side-eye on.
Alright, who do I have to cut?
I might as well work on my GQ photo shoot while I'm here.
And my pensive Time magazine spread.
Sigh, disciplinary hearings are so taxing.
His heart will go on.
Sometimes when we touch.
The honesty's too much.
And I have to close my eyes and hide.
UNDERRATED TO THE 10TH POWER.
This angry komodo dragon will toast your ass.
Yeah, not gonna lie, I don't even know what trophy this lady is handing me.
Is this a football game or a recording session?
Mou always has time for the itty bitties.
If his hair gets any taller, birds are going to start making nests in it.
Kaka is already scoping it out for his doves.
Question(s) of the day: 1) If you saw the match, who caught your eye? 2) If you didn't, go download it! 3) What should we do to stop sucking at corner kicks?
MATCH DOWNLOAD! Worth the DL, pretty decent game.