River Plate President D'Onofrio: "The contract still hasn't been signed, but in June Batalla will be going on loan for a year to Real Madrid."
"Batalla's Real Madrid loan contract will be with a very expensive purchase option."
Real Madrid's players are willing to go till death for Ancelotti. Florentino's assurance has been well received.
- Real Madrid players feel the vote of confidence shown in Ancelotti is the perfect formula for him to approach Nou Camo with reassurance.
- Ancelotti is focused on solving Real Madrid's problems & does not dwell on rumours. He's supported by his entire staff & players.
- Ancelotti's grateful for Florentino's public support but also knows that only results will assure his future despite a 2016 contract.
- Ancelotti wants to stay at Real Madrid because he likes the club & enjoys living in Madrid, as he's said on numerous occasions.
- Ancelotti's best asset right now is the player's resolve behind him. [via : Cope]
Cristiano Ronaldo's bank balance has increased by $7.62 in the time that it has taken you to read this sentence. The Portuguese star's rate per second of $2.54 sees him top this particular table ahead of other global sporting icons. (MARCA)
Carlo Ancelotti: I get angry when people say I'm ‘too soft' because it's not true.The relationship with the players is the most important thing, it's more important than my relationship with the president. If there isn't a good dynamic with the players, you're a dead man. Some might call it friendship, I simply call it respect, although I like to laugh and joke with them. Intelligent people know when it's the right time to be serious"
Carlo Ancelotti: Pepe asked to leave because in Spain they labeled him as bad and dirty. I told him to stay, I was counting on him. He didn't disappoint us.
Nastasic (Schalke's defender): "It was impossible not to hear, see and feel the pressure the Madrid players were under. There were boos after the game, but that is the life of an athlete. One day you are the hero, the next day you suck at what you do... Everybody instantly forgets what you have achieved in the past".
All set for the game against Levante. Real Madrid completed their last training session ahead of tommorow night game at the Santiago Bernabéu. The main news was Benzema's return to the group. As such, Ancelotti had all available players at the session.
The start of the session was centred around ball work. The outfield players were split into two groups while the goalkeepers carried out specific training routines. The Real Madrid C goalkeeper Álex trained alongside Casillas, Keylor Navas and Pacheco. James continues his recovery process.
Real Madrid will play matchday 27 of La Liga at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Carlo Ancelotti has called up 22 players for the game corresponding to matchday 27 of La Liga, that Real Madrid will play against Levante at the Santiago Bernabéu (Sunday, 9pm CET).
THE REAL MADRID SQUAD: Goalkeepers: Casillas, Keylor Navas and Pacheco. Defenders: Varane, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrão, Marcelo, Carvajal, Arbeloa and Nacho. Midfielders: Khedira, Kroos, Bale, Lucas Silva, Modric, Isco and Illarra. Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Chicharito and Jesé.
TEAM MEETING:
Sunday, 15 March, at midday CET in the Santiago Bernabéu.
NEXT TRAINING SESSION:
Monday, 16 March, 11am CET , at Ciudad Real Madrid (behind closed doors).