Real Madrid closed out the first week of the pre-season with just one training. The media were on hand for an open session & subsequent presser. Twenty-three players practiced on Pitch 3, where they did their usual warm-ups.
Later on, they played a practice match where Castilla defeated the first team 5-1 (Denis 2, Morata, Lucas, Sahin; Higuaín). The winning side (in blue) was made up of Adán, Álex, Casado, Denis, Iván, Juanfran, Lucas, Mateos, Morata, Mosquero & Sahin.
The remaining first teamers, Fabinho, Nacho, Pacheco & Ríos were on the blue team. Castilla’s Jesus rotated with the other keepers. Mourinho spent much of the training conversing with club director general, José Ángel Sánchez.
The team will have Sunday off & will return Monday to prepare for Tuesday’s friendly against Real Oviedo. Following training, Esteban Granero addressed the media.
Among the usual topics of season objectives, transfer news, & contract talks, he gave his opinion of who deserves the Ballon d’Or. ”It is a little unfair that it will be an individual prize and not a collective one. Last season there was a team far superior to the rest, which beat records and it would be fair if it were given to a player from that team. That team is ours. It would have to go this team, in which there are many players that deserve it.”
Concerning his future, ”I haven’t thought about leaving, nor have I thought about repeating my role of last year. I want to play a bigger part here, as is only natural and as every player wants. In order to do so I don’t necessarily have to change teams. I can do it here, and I’m going to train hard to do so.”
Photo credit: Agencia LOF / EFE
