Since there was no training session yesterday, and today’s was closed to everyone, there isn’t much news to report on.
UNO. Two more moments from Wednesday’s game: an unusually smiley Mou making fun of the photographers before the game, and driving his motorcycle after the game.
DOS. It looks like the Mestalla in Valencia will be the site of the Copa del Rey final, although the official decision hasn’t been announced yet. The only problem with the stadium is that its capacity of 55,000 is a bit too small, given that the final is between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Two years ago, when it hosted the final between Athletic and Barcelona, many fans weren’t able to get seats (each team was allotted 18,500 tickets that year).
TRES. Speaking of that final, Madrid will wear a special shirt just for that occasion. The club’s marketing department met with Adidas yesterday to discuss a personalized shirt for April 20, and to start talking about next season’s shirts as well. How dare they do it without Iker’s input?
CUATRO. Even though José Mourinho gave his men a day off yesterday, four players still showed up at Valdebebas, to train. Esteban Granero, Pedro León, Sergio Canales and Antonio Adán participated in Castilla’s training session, with El Pirata working out despite playing some minutes against Sevilla. I love that they do this. I can’t imagine that some of the first team players would be willing to do this. And is Peter Lion trying to get back into Mou’s good graces?
CINCO. The team was back in training today (behind closed doors though), and it looks like Marcelo will be back in the starting line-up on Sunday against La Real, since Sergio is suspended for the game after receiving his fifth yellow in Pamplona. Despite having the love of Mou, Marcelino lost his starting status due to an inopportune bout with the flu, and the fantastic performances of Álvaro Arbeloa. Meanwhile, Pepe probably won’t make it to this game, but will be available for the clash against Espanyol next weekend.
SEIS. Next week is international week, and of course it will be a busy one for Real Madrid’s internationals. Fifteen players have been called up by their national teams for friendlies on Wednesday, Feb. 9, with two match-ups pitting our boys against each other: Argentina vs. Portugal, and France vs. Brazil. And luckily, the boys of La Roja won’t have to travel very far, since they will be playing in Madrid, and at the Bernabéu!
Argentina: Garay, Gago, Di María [vs. Portugal in greater Geneva, Switzerland.]
Portugal: Cris, Carvalho [vs. Argentina in greater Geneva, Switzerland.]
Boys, please exchange shirts!!!
France: Benzema, Lass [vs. Brazil in Paris, France.]
Brazil: Marcelo [vs. France in Paris, France.]
Ditto.
Germany: Özil, Khedira [vs. Italy in Dortmund, Germany.]
Spain: Iker, Sergio and the A Team [vs. Colombia at the Bernabéu].