SUMMER FRIENDLY UPDATE: REAL MADRID ROSTER (PRELIMINARY)
Real Madrid announced their preliminary team roster for their 2010 USA Tour. Some preliminary roster! The sheer weight of star power here is extraordinary. Four World Cup winners in a squad of only 13, and a midfield that would rival any in the world.
This team does not include the laundry list of potential signings rumored to be coming to the Bernabeau for the 2010-11 European season.
Newly appointed super manager José Mourinho will have his work cut out for him when picking a starting XI against legendary Mexican side Club América at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park on August 4, followed by a match against the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on August 7, the latter of which will be shown live on Fox Soccer Channel.
Watch this space for details when the complete touring roster is released.
Manchester United, amid constant reports of debt and disorder, is still the most valuable franchise in all of sports.
Financial publishing and media company, Forbes released its annual list of the world’s most valuable teams this week, with the English Premier League club Manchester United st the top of the list, valued at $1.84 billion.
United seems to have a stranglehold on the top spot of a list dominated by the National Football League, who place all 32 franchises in the top 50.
The success of Manchester United, financially, seems at odds with the clubs appearance of instability. The struggles of United’s American owners, the Glazer family, are well documented in the soccer world. Vocal fan movements, such as the Green and Gold movement, demanding the family sell the club, are large and well supported. (more…)
JUNE 11 – SHORT CORNERS: INTERNATIONAL SOCCER NEWS NOTES AND RUMORS
‘NO NERVES’ FOR SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena said his team would have no nerves when they walk out in front of an expectant 85,000-strong home crowd at the Soccer City stadium for their World Cup opener against Mexico on Friday, in one of the biggest matches in the nations history.
“We are looking forward to the game,” said Mokoena. “It’s going to be important that we go out relaxed, but of course not too relaxed, and enjoy it.”
Mokoena, who recently became the first South African to earn 100 caps, thinks the team will live in the moment and not feel the pressure of expectation.
“It’s about us, it’s about what we want and about making our country proud. The moment of truth has arrived.”
DROGBA RETURNS TO PRACTICE
Didier Drogba has returned to training just days after surgery on a broken arm and (more…)
Jose Mourinho was unveiled Monday as the new manager of super club Real Madrid, becoming the teams ninth manager in 6 years. Needless to say, the ‘Special One’ referred to himself quit a bit in his debut press conference.
“I don’t know if I was born to coach Real Madrid but I was born to be a football coach.” Mourinho said at the press conference. “I love important challenges. I am Jose Mourinho and I don’t change. I arrive with all my qualities and my defects.
“My attraction to Real Madrid is due to its history, its frustrations in recent years and its expectations to win. It’s a unique club and I believe that not to coach Real leaves a void in a coach’s career. Luckily, I’ve had a beautiful career and it makes me proud to have come here.”
REAL MADRID SACK PELLEGRINI TO MAKE WAY FOR MOURINHO
Real Madrid have sacked manager Manuel Pellegrini who lead the team to their largest points total ever in a season.
Though Madrid racked up points, they failed to win any silverware in the year Pellegrini was in charge, even though the team spent $308 on the likes of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso. Worse, Madrid fans had to stand by and watch Barcelona win a second consecutive league title as well as snatching up a domestic treble in 2009.
This move, however, is less about Pellegrini’s performance as it is about clearing the way for the Special One who is set to arrive any day now.
The Portuguese superstar coach has agreed in principal with Real Madrid to coach the team to the tune of $12 million per year for four years. This would make him the highest-grossing coach/manager in all of sports.
It will certainly be Jose Mourinho’s biggest challenge yet. Real Madrid, a team that thrives on ego is about to learn the definition of the word.
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