Real Madrid coach Mourinho confident handling media pressure
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says he's ready for the pressure that comes with the job.

 Mourinho has no regrets quitting Italy for Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho is happy with his move to Real Madrid.

 Tottenham New Boy Rafael van der Vaart: I Am Not A Real Madrid Failure
Tottenham new boy Rafael van der Vaart has declared he is ready to show the quality to rubbish reports he is a Real Madrid failure.

 Only Seven First Team Players Available For Real Madrid Training
The international break has hit Real Madrid hard, leaving Jose Mourinho with only seven members of his first team squad to work with during Friday’s training session.

 Real Madrid midfielder Khedira throws down Ballack challenge: Your time is up!
Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has thrown down a challenge to Germany teammate Michael Ballack.

 Schalke coach Magth has no doubt Real Madrid legend Raul will be success
Schalke coach Felix Magath has no doubts Real Madrid legend Raul will be a success in Germany.

 Real Madrid lose massive €68M on Dutch flop
Real Madrid's Dutch experiment has cost the club €68.5 million.

 Germany coach Low: Khedira will be Real Madrid success
Germany coach Joachim Low says Sami Khedira shouldn't panic after being left on the bench for Real Madrid's first game of the season.

 Real Madrid boss Mourinho: We must give Khedira, Ozil time
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho insists there was nothing unusual leaving his two new midfielders out of Sunday's 0-0 draw at Real Mallorca.

 Diarra happy to be staying with Real Madrid
Mahamadou Diarra is happy to be staying with Real Madrid.

 Mourinho says titles no longer ‘obsess’ him
Jose Mourinho claims he’s no longer “obsessed” with winning titles, which might be a good thing since his Real Madrid side could be hard-pressed to challenge Barcelona in Spain.

 Spurs seal Van der Vaart transfer
English Premier League club Tottenham were allowed to sign Rafael van der Vaart from Real Madrid on Wednesday after their last-ditch move for the Dutch playmaker on deadline day.

 Stoke rival Fulham for Real Madrid wing-back Drenthe
Stoke City have joined Fulham in the race for Real Madrid wing-back Royston Drenthe.

 Real Madrid ace Ronaldo ruled out three weeks
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo faces three weeks out of action with an ankle injury.

 Real Madrid ace Van der Vaart cools Bayern Munich talk
Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has played down the prospect of joining Bayern Munich.

 Mourinho insists Real Madrid will improve on drab debut
Jose Mourinho kicked off his Real Madrid career with a drab draw at Real Mallorca.

 Bayern Munich see Real Madrid outcast Van der Vaart as Robben cover
A late move to Bayern Munich could be on for Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

 Mourinho bemoans missed Real chances
Jose Mourinho admitted he was disappointed to begin his Real Madrid career with a 0-0 draw at Real Mallorca citing poor finishing as the reason for his team's failure.

 Jose Mourinho Insists Real Madrid Are A Long Way Off Their Best After Mallorca Draw
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has declared that his side are still way off their best level following their scoreless draw away to Mallorca in their Primera Liga opener.

 Mallorca 0-0 Real Madrid: Los Bermellones Frustrate Los Blancos To Earn A Point
New Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho will be expecting better from his charges as they huffed and puffed but ultimately could not break down the red Mallorca door in what ended as a nil-nil draw at the ONO Estadi.

 Chelsea attempted deadline day move for AC Milan signing Robinho

Chelsea made a late bid for AC Milan signing Robinho, it has been revealed.

The Sunday Mirror says Chelsea made a cheeky bid for Manchester City’s unwanted winger Robinho before the transfer window closed.

The Blues offered to take the Brazilian on loan to Stamford Bridge providing City subsidised some of his reported £160,000 a week pay packet.

Chelsea were on the brink of signing Robinho from Real Madrid two years ago. He stunned them by preferring to move to City in a British record £32.5 million deal.

A senior Chelsea source said last night: “We did make an initial enquiry about Robinho but for some reason City didn’t want to do business with us and thought the offer we tabled was unacceptable.”

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 Real Madrid made deadline day bid for Chelsea striker Drogba

Real Madrid made a deadline day bid for Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

The Daily Star Sunday says high-placed sources at the club claim Jose Mourinho “begged” Real president Florentino Perez to sign the Chelsea striker, who he enjoyed a great relationship with while he was in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho wanted the hitman, 32 – who has bagged four Premier League goals already this season – ­because he has doubts over back-up forward Karim Benzema.

There was speculation earlier in the summer that Chelsea may have been prepared to listen to offers for the powerful striker.

But they kicked Real’s offer into touch, insisting he is not for sale.

Click here for the best Chelsea coverage on the 'net. All your Blues news and gossip in one spot.

 Chelsea boss Ancelotti reveals his Mourinho truce

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he has a truce with Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.

The pair traded barbs when they both worked in Italy.

So when Inter knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League, it was perceived as a personal victory for Mourinho; and when Ancelotti achieved the Double, something Mourinho never did at Chelsea, it seemed to be a counter-strike in this battle of egos.

But a truce came prior to the Champions League clash with Inter, in the tunnel at the San Siro.

"I approached him," says Ancelotti.

"Our relationship is good and I want to maintain this because he is one of the best coaches in the world."

Click here for the best Chelsea coverage on the 'net. All your Blues news and gossip in one spot.

 Man Utd already in Panthinaikos talks for £8M Ninis

Manchester United are confident of signing Greek whizkid Sotirios Ninis.

The Sunday Mirror says United are ready to trigger an £8million clause in the 20-year-old Panathinaikos contract after Sir Alex Ferguson identified him as the answer to his team’s need for a creative midfielder.

The Reds have already opened negotiations with the Athens club about taking Ninis to Old Trafford for next season.

Ninis, who was born in Albania, is already a regular in Greece’s international team.

He is also one of three club captains at Panathinaikos and has attracted interest from Real Madrid and AC Milan.

But United are now in pole position after telling the Greek side they will pay the get-out clause in the four-year contract that Ninis signed in 2008.

Any Greek club that wants Ninis has to pay £15million. But that figure drops to £8million if he moves abroad.

Click here for the best Manchester United coverage on the 'net. All your United news and gossip in one spot.

 Real Madrid coach Mourinho wants Spurs flyer Bale

Real Madrid are lining up a January bid for Tottenham flyer Gareth Bale.

The Sunday Mirror says the Spanish ­giants made a late effort to recruit the 21- year-old whizz kid before last ­Tuesday’s deadline but were knocked back.

But Real coach Jose Mourinho sees Bale’s pace and power as an asset – and they are likely to be back in the New Year.

Click here for the best Tottenham coverage on the 'net. All your Spurs news and gossip in one spot.

 Real Madrid coach Mourinho confident handling media pressure

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says he's ready for the pressure that comes with the job.

Madrid began their campaign with a 0-0 draw with Real Mallorca at the weekend and Mourinho's side came in for some criticism from the local press, but he is not worried about the task ahead of him.

"This is Madrid and you can't change it. If you can't live with this pressure it's best not to accept (the job)," he said.

"At this stage of my career it was the best time for such an experience.

"After Chelsea and Inter Milan, after 10 years of success and big clubs, after a demanding league such as Italy, I have the right age and maturity.

"I have to be prepared tactically for the possibility that we lose the ball and we get jeered. And then find some solutions to open up closed defences."

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 Mourinho has no regrets quitting Italy for Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho is happy with his move to Real Madrid.

Mourinho, who departed Inter in the summer after guiding the Nerazzurri to a Coppa Italia, Serie A and Champions League treble, has no regrets over his decision to leave Italy.

"I don't think any Italian coach misses me just as I don't miss them," he said.

"I do speak to [Inter Milan president Massimo] Moratti every week," he said. "We are friends. He is part of my history just as I'm part of his.

"I hope with all my heart that Inter wins the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and the FIFA Club World Cup, but not the Champions League.

"But I am a professional and when I end a chapter, I end it without regrets."

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 Roma captain Totti not thinking of retirement

AS Roma captain Francesco Totti insists he has no thoughts of retirement.

The Roma legend is now 34 and has been linked with Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United, but will see out his career with his hometown club.

“I never regretted staying in my city and the team I always supported,” he told La Repubblica newspaper.

“It wasn’t easy, as there are pros and cons to this situation. I have the advantage of knowing everything, down to every blade of grass, of this environment.

“I also have the disadvantage of always being the centre of attention. But I am proud of my choice, which was made with the heart and the head.”

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 Bolton excited about Rodrigo signing

Bolton Wanderers No2 Sandy Stewart says they're delighted with the loan signing of Benfica striker Rodrigo Moreno.

Bolton are set to give the Brazilian-born starlet a taste of first-team action this season and Stewart is confident he will adjust to the Premier League.

"He has got pace about him, so that does give us something a little bit different than we already have," Stewart told the Bolton News. "Coming from Real Madrid, he's got all the technique you'd expect, and he has got that ability to put his foot on the ball and make things happen.

"We've got some good strikers at the club but Rodrigo gives us something else. You've got to remember he's still young, so we've got to be careful about loading too much pressure on him, but he's got a great pedigree and we really like what we have seen of him so far.

"Having Marcos Alonso here, who he played with at Madrid, will also help him settle, no doubt.

"We watched him several times last season at Madrid and then again in the Under-19 championships for Spain. It's clear he has got a lot of ability.

"And I don't think he will struggle physically. I don't want people to think he's another Kevin Davies - but he will put himself about no problem at all, and we like that."

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 Liverpool ace Torres delighted with Spain double

Liverpool ace Fernando Torres was delighted with his double for Spain in their Euro 2012 qualifier against Liechtenstein.

The 26-year-old looked in fine touch for reigning European champions Spain in Vaduz on Friday night as he opened the scoring with a superb chip in the 19th minute before adding a second - his side's third - in the 54th minute with a low shot inside the near post.

The former Atletico Madrid man, who was substituted soon after netting his second, said after the game: "I feel better every day after the injury, with more rhythm and the goals give me a lot of confidence."

Torres' double saw him move onto 26 goals for his country, level with legendary Real Madrid striker Emilio Butragueno in fifth place in the all-time list.

"It's always nice to be on these lists and it makes me proud to be here and to continue scoring, although the most important thing is the three points and that we've played," Torres added.

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 Barcelona keeper Valdes has dig: Mourinho will sell a lot of newspapers

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes says Jose Mourinho will be good for the media - but whether that will be enough for Real Madrid remains to be seen.

Mourinho is already dominating the Spanish sports media this season.

And Valdes told Cadena COPE: “He will give you much to talk about, and will sell a lot of papers. The press are beginning to know him.

“But the thing that is important is what happens in between. Football is 11 against 11 on the field, and nothing more.”

Valdes also added that, similar to last season, he fully expects Real Madrid to be challenging for the league title until the final day of the season, adding: “Real Madrid have a good team, good players and will fight until the end.

“Barcelona’s philosophy remains to play a positive game, and hopefully the great results will continue. We will see, the season has just started.”

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 Real Madrid midfielder Khedira throws down Ballack challenge: Your time is up!

Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has thrown down a challenge to Germany teammate Michael Ballack.

Khedira says it's time the former Chelsea midfielder, now of Bayer Leverkusen, stepped aside.

"In his career, Michael Ballack has done much for German football and has produced several excellent performances at major tournaments," said Khedira.

"But with all due respect to him, that may no longer matter.

"I know that I do not have to hide, and can bring to the national team my own style and, hopefully, success."

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 Schalke coach Magth has no doubt Real Madrid legend Raul will be success

Schalke coach Felix Magath has no doubts Real Madrid legend Raul will be a success in Germany.

When asked to assess the 33-year-old striker's work in training, Magath had nothing but praise.

"Not that it surprised me, because he is known for his personality, but it really impressed me to see a player of his resume that keeps training as if he were still young," the coach said. "He's going for broke.

"The fans are delighted with him. It is an incredible thing; his colleagues immediately recognised him as a leader. His adaptation is magnificent.

"I'm sure he is not going to fail. He still has the competitive spirit that made him great at Real Madrid."

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 Tottenham signing Van der Vaart: I rejected Atletico Madrid

Tottenham signing Rafael van der Vaart admits he rejected a late move to Atletico Madrid.

The former Real Madrid midfielder joined Spurs on deadline day amid talk of a failed bid from Bayern Munich.

Of Bayern's interest, he said: "The offer from Bayern never ended up being concrete.

"In the end, only Atletico Madrid pushed but neither I nor the club wanted me to go there."

There have been suggestions new Real boss Jose Mourinho was reluctant to let Van der Vaart leave and that sporting director Jorge Valdano was behind his departure.

Van der Vaart said: "I don't want to speak badly about anybody - I have too much respect for the club."

The midfielder added that he would love to return to the Bernabeu in what is Spurs' debut Champions League season.

"It's a shame that some Madrid fans were sad that I was sold but I'm sure we will see each other again soon," he said. "It would be a dream to go back to the Bernabeu with Tottenham. I would feel at home.

"It was sad for me to leave. I have a lot of good friends in the dressing room. The fans have always treated me well and I have a great opinion of Mourinho. He has won everything."

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 Wife’s illness prevented van der Vaart leaving Madrid earlier

New Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart did not leave Real Madrid a year ago because his wife had developed breast cancer.

Holland star Van der Vaart was set to be sold by the Spanish giants last summer but he refused to move on while model wife Sylvie was undergoing what proved to be successful treatment.

Atletico Madrid did try to buy the 27-year-old, however, but Real did not want to sell to their city rivals, instead accepting Tottenham's last-gasp £8million bid on transfer deadline day.

Van der Vaart told Marca: "Thank God my wife is now perfectly okay.

"She had a very serious illness and it is true that she had to be treated at the Clinica Quiron.

"Last season, they wanted me to leave but I couldn't leave for that reason.

"Now she is well and the only thing that happened was that Madrid wanted to sell and I wanted to get back to enjoying playing football, and Tottenham are a great team that are going to give me the football opportunities that I need."

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Real Madrid football club (aka Real Madrid, El Madrid, or officially Real Madrid Club de F?tbol) is a top La Liga Spanish football club and one of the best known football clubs in the world. Real Madrid’s history is rich with victories and titles: over 30 La Liga titles, 17 Spanish cups, and more than 10 European titles. Real Madrid was one of the founding members of FIFA, and a leader among the most successful clubs of the world. The word “Real” in the club’s name Real Madrid means “Royal” in English, and represents the Spanish crown. The crown is also on the Real Madrid emblem. Real Madrid is typically supported by the Spanish middle and upper classes. The other local team, Atletico de Madrid, is identified with the working class. There is a bitter rivalry between the two clubs that meet twice a year at the “El Derbi madrile?o”, the Madrid Derby.

A better known rivals of Real Madrid is FC Barcelona. The Catalonian club has been struggling with Real Madrid for the title “best Spanish club” for many years. The meeting beween the two Spanish giants, twice a year, is called “El Cl?sico” or the Super Classico, the most popular football match in the world. This encounter, once a year hosted in Barcelona at Camp Nou by FC Barcelona and once a year by Real Madrid in Santiago Bernab?u Stadium, easily fills both stadiums and about 170,000 spectators attend. Santiago Bernab?u Stadium is used by Real Madrid since 1947 and is names ofter Real Madrid’ president from 1945. The stadium is located in down town Madrid. The stadium had to be to be rebuilt after the Spanish Civil War. It now holds more than 80k seats.

Real Madrid's members (socios) have owned and operated the club since its inception in 1902. The club is the world's richest football club (€401m) in terms of revenue and the second most valuable and was worth over €950m in 2008. The club belonged to the top flight of Spanish football.

Real Madrid’ best known players are Alfredo di St?fano, after whom the club’s training grounds are named, La Quinta del Buitre ("Vulture's Cohort"), a group of young players that grew up in Real Madrid and helped bringing it back to top performance in the 80’s: Emilio Butrague?o, Manuel Sanch?s, Mart?n V?zquez, M?chel and Miguel Pardeza. More recently players are Ra?l, Captain, Striker and holder of the club’s record of appearances, and Striker Cristiano Ronaldo that was purchased from Manchester United for a record sum of money.