Ready for some La Liga action? Things are slowly heading back to normal now that international week has wound down, and the focus is now on this weekend’s game against Getafe.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Fábio Coentrão and a very tan (Cris has some competition!) Mesut Özil (rockin’ a new headband, which despite being manufactured by Nike, matched perfectly with his Adidas training shirt) returned to the fold yesterday, but all eyes were on Enzo Fernández, who joined the first team in training for the first time.
Enzo, who is 16 and plays for Juvenil C, greeted José Mourinho before the session, walked onto the field talking with Lass and was watched over by his father during the session. Other canteranos at this session were MFC ABMM, Álex, Carvajal, Joselu, Iván González and Jesús. Meanwhile, Esteban Granero worked out in the gym, and Marcelo had a recovery session.
Madrid’s web site highlighted Enzo’s presence by dedicating an entire article to him. I wish they wouldn’t pay so much attention to him, as it can’t be easy being Zidane’s son, with all the pressure that entails, and the last thing he needs is media attention. After all, that’s why he’s registered with the club as Enzo Fernández, and not Enzo Zidane. On the other hand, Madrid’s web site needs to give us more pictures of the club’s sporting director! He’s amazing, no? Hopefully the Zidane boys won’t take after their father in terms of hair, because all of them have such lovely, full heads of hair (especially Luca). However, I much prefer papá Zidane with a shaved head than with hair.
We also got a player press conference for the first time in a long time, when José Callejón appeared in the press room. Here’s what he said:
on Carvalho vs. Pepe: there’s nothing there, they get along fine. Ricardo must have had his reasons for doing what he did. From my first day here, he’s shown great professionalism to me, from head to toe.
on his personal situation: I don’t want what happened to Pedro León and Canales to happen to me, although I’m conscious that on this team, the best play and it’s difficult to play, but I have confidence in my possibilities. I want to show why I was signed in each training session and each game. I know that I have to give everything to make the fans happy and bring titles to the club.
Love the dimple!!
on being in Madrid: there is a good atmosphere, the players have so much quality, the coach is a good person, very happy both on and off the field, and I also like the fans. When you’re in the lower categories, it’s not the same. The stadium is full, people are always waiting for you in Valdebebas… last year, I saw these players on TV. I have to take advantage of being here.
on Enzo Fernández: he looked great, it’s important for a 16-year-old player to train and learn from the older players. The canteranos have to realize that they’re given a great opportunity, they have to give 100 percent in order for the míster and us to congratulate them. Enzo has inherited some things from his father, like how he controls the ball…
International results: Spain beat Liechtenstein 6-0 in their Euro qualifier, with all five of the madridistas starting the game. Everyone except Sergio played the entire game, but Sergio did score a goal, Spain’s fourth one (sadly though, he didn’t celebrate with any backflips). Meanwhile, Pipita Higuaín scored twice and Angelito once as Argentina defeated Nigeria 3-1 in Bangladesh, and Karim Benzema started France’s game against Romania, which ended 0-0. I’m loving France’s very tight shirts, and happy that Karim looks great in them!
On Monday, Brazil had beaten Ghana 1-0 in London. Marcelo’s hair looked fantastic.
Also on Monday, Portugal’s U-21 team (with Pedro Mendes) beat the French U-21 team (with Rafa Varane) 1-0 in a match-up of what could be Madrid’s two future centerbacks.