The Hard Tackle takes a look at the most important Real Madrid news that have been making the rounds.
Real Madrid are preparing to take on Club America in the Club World Cup semi-final on Thursday. Ahead of the clash though, here’s a roundup what’s been happening in and around the Santiago Bernabeu.
Cristiano Ronaldo on Los Blancos’ quest for the Club World Cup
Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that Los Blancos are not travelling on a holiday to Japan, and are very much taking the Club World Cup seriously, as they attempt to win the competition for the second time in three years.
Speaking to the club’s official TV channel, Ronaldo said: “We have not come to Japan for a holiday, we have come to win the Club World Cup. It’s a trophy that means a lot, we want to win this competition and finish the year in the best possible way.”
He also went on to add that the team would like to win the competition for the Real Madrid supporters, whom the Portuguese described as the best in the world. “Real Madrid fans are the best, and we want to win the Club World Cup and share another title with all madridistas,” he added. Real Madrid take on Club America in Yokohama with a place in the final against Kashima Antlers up for grabs.
Francisco Pavon lauds Zidane’s success-driving philosophy
Former Real Madrid defender Francisco Pavon has lauded manager Zinedine Zidane for quickly bringing in success to the club since his appointment earlier this year, also stating that the Frenchman’s philosophy is the secret behind Los Blancos’ record breaking unbeaten run.
Speaking to IBTimes UK, Pavón said: “To be honest, I did not expect such a success from Zinedine Zidane in so little time. I had great expectations but in just 12 months he has won the Champions League, he tops La Liga and he is facing the Fifa World Cup in Japan. This season, the squad management is his most plausible improvement.”
Zidane’s reign as the Real Madrid boss has been a highly successful one, having led his side to their eleventh Champions League title earlier this year. Currently, Real Madrid are on a club record 35-match unbeaten run, and remain one of only two clubs in Europe who are yet to be beaten.
CAS to rule on transfer ban before January window
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is set to review Real Madrid’s appeal on the transfer ban that was imposed by FIFA on Wednesday, and will reach the final decision before the winter transfer window opens in January.
Last January, FIFA banned Real Madrid, along with Atletico Madrid from registering any new players for 12 months, after finding both clubs guilty of breaking international transfer rules of players under the age of 18.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, CAS secretary general Matthieu Reeb said: “We are committed to taking a decision before the end of the calendar year.” Both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will be hoping to get their respective transfer bans overturned when the CAS does rule on their appeals.
Other Real Madrid News
Los Blancos could put in a shock bid to bring playmaker Mesut Ozil back to the Santiago Bernabeu, should they sell their Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez, with Manchester United and Chelsea said to be monitoring his situation.
Meanwhile, Zidane heaped praises on his star man Cristiano Ronaldo, lauding the Portuguese forward for winning his fourth Ballon d’Or earlier this week, before going on to claim that he could win the prestigious award for the fifth time next year.
