The
men of Real Madrid returned to training this Wednesday, after two days of much
deserved rest following their 5-0 win over Espanyol. Youth team members Tomás Mejias, Jesé, and
Joselu – as well as players from Real Madrid C – joined 20 first team players
for the training session. Those absent
included Karim Benzema, Fábio Coentrão, and Ángel Di María.
 |
| At least it's not a thumbs up pose... |
Goalkeepers
Iker Casillas, Antonio Adan, and Tomás Mejias trained with their coach, Silvino
Louro. Cristiano, Pipita, Özil, Kaká,
Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Arbeloa, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, and Pepe conducted
stretches and warm-up exercises under fitness trainer Rui Faria's supervision. The rest of the first teamers trained with
the academy players. Of course, Mourinho
was nearby to monitor each and every group as they worked.
During
this training session, the men received a special visit from Manuel
Preciado. Preciado has been taking tours
of clubs since being terminated as coach at Sporting Gijón – after nearly six
years of charge – following an away loss against Real Sociedad. He had visited Atléti the day before.
Things
certainly have changed between José Mourinho and the ex-Sporting coach since
the '10/'11 season. For those who do not
know what I'm talking about, Mourinho accused Preciado of throwing a match
against FC Barcelona. The latter
responded in calling the Real Madrid Manager a "bad colleague" and
"scumbag." This occurred some
time November 2010. Fast forward to April
2011 where Gijón became the first team in nine years – yes, nine – to defeat Mourinho in a league
match at home. (I do recall screaming
"Why" into the universe, whilst shaking my fists...) Classy man that he is, Mourinho entered the
visitors' dressing room and congratulated them.
I
suppose things have changed for the better as Preciado took the time out to
chat with Mourinho and his coaching staff, showing that the two of them have
indeed become good friends. I do like a
happy ending. Preciado stated,
"right now we have a magnificent relationship. I am very grateful for his behavior and he
also has a lot of affection for me. He
is a great coach. He is number
one."
Watch
the video here. Note that it is in
Spanish.
Upcoming Matches:
Betis
– Real Madrid @ Benito Villamarin – Saturday, March 10 (La Liga)
Real
Madrid – CSKA Moscow @ Santiago Bernabeu – Wednesday, March 14 (Champions
League)
written by Gail Hidalgo
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