Real Madrid: Disciplinary proceedings against Pepe

Pepe's words against Jose Mourinho after the las Spanish League match against Valladolid, not only upset the coach, but were not well received within the Real Madrid. According to Marca newspaper, the white club will study whether the statements of the Portuguese central defender violate the internal regulations and may be grounds for disciplinary action. In the offices of the Bernabeu Stadium, Pepe's words caused a significant annoyance. "We have the Spanish Cup Final just around the corner and we can not create in these two weeks a war of words between the coach and players," some say in the board of the Real Madrid.

Pepe

In the locker room of Real Madrid, always with exceptions, Pepe statements have not liked too much, especially when the Portuguese player has remained firmly aligned with Mourinho when other players have faced the coach this season.

Yesterday, Mourinho said Pepe's words were the result of frustration felt by the player after losing the starting lineup place with Varane and go from a permanent place on the eleven to be part of the substitutes on the bench. "It is not easy for a 31 year old man being hit by a boy of 19," said yesterday at a press conference the Portuguese coach.

Mourinho also announced in the morning that the Real Madrid defense against Malaga would be formed by Nacho, Varane, Albiol and Coentrao, confirming the yesterday's news about the substitution of Pepe after his explosive statements. But the Portuguese coach was a step further in the afternoon and left the center defender out of the squad, a decision that could be permanent now and till the end of the season. His place on the bench will be taken tonight by Carvalho.

Also, is possible that the name of Pepe is on the transfer list that Real Madrid manages, trying to earn 100 million euros in transfers next summer. So, with his words on Saturday, the Portuguese defender may have put the last nail in his coffin.

Zinedine Zidane: Carlo Ancelotti's assistant?

The coach Carlo Ancelotti is the best placed to replace Jose Mourinho in Real Madrid, if the Portuguese finally makes real his departure to Chelsea. The Italian coach has maintained contact with Florentino Perez thanks to the agent Ernesto Bronzetti, a confidant of the white president.

Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti (Juventus)

Besides, according to reports in Spanish media, the president has an ace up his sleeve that would enrich the criticized bet on the current coach of PSG (do not forget that on surveys made to Real Madrid fans, Ancelotti is the candidate that is worse off). Florentino Perez has chosen Zinedine Zidane to become Ancelotti's assistant. That would brighten this bet because Zidane is beloved by white fans. He is remembered for being, along with Casillas, the hero of the Ninth (last Champions League Real Madrid has won). Also for giving away 12 million euros retiring a year before finishing his contract with Real Madrid (2006) and finally for recommending the signing of Raphael Varane for a bargain-price (10 million euros).

The binomial Carlo Ancelotti - Zinedine Zidane is not new and that would help to a good start on the same team. They both met between 1999 and 2001 in Juventus, right in the two seasons prior to the signing of the French star by Real Madrid for 75 million euros.

Zinedine Zidane is a Florentino's henchman so in 2011 he was appointed Football Director of the First Team. But he never had a strong relationship with Mourinho and marriage only lasted one season. Mourinho spoke at that time about the relationship: "With us, Zizou really had no defined role. Sporting Director, Advisor to the President, the link between the first team and youth squads..." Since then Zidane studies to finish the coaching course and achieve the necessary license to work on the benches. He may be the 'shield' to save the unpopular Ancelotti's candidacy.

Moreover, we can not rule out that also Claude Makelele may join this team. Makelele is now assisting the Italian coach in the technical tasks. The Congolese has not a good relationship with the president after his hasty departure from the club, but now might be willing to come back a decade later. If so, two players who got the 'Ninth' will meet again in the same locker room to try to fight for the 'Tenth'.

Mourinho's future (4): Mourinho is getting closer to Chelsea

Although some British newspapers insist that Mourinho has everything agreed with Chelsea, the issue is not closed at all. Advanced, yes, but not closed. This explains, for example, the Mourinho's press conference after the elimination in the semifinals of Champions League when the Portuguese coach said there was a possibility of leaving Real Madrid: "I know that some England clubs want me, especially one," he said. Some people from Chelsea insist that there is nothing signed yet and that his words should be understood in the context of his dream (coaching in English football) and as a way of pressuring Roman Abramovich. If he would had all already agreed, why talk that way? Why re-emphasize the requited love that comes from London?

Jose Mourinho

The Russian tycoon surely knows what Petr Cech said recently at Radio Montecarlo:"It will be a great pleasure to work with him (Mourinho)" and the interested statements of Peter Kenyon, a partner of agent Jorge Mendes and former executive director of Chelsea: "Guardiola was a candidate, that's for sure, but you can not have him. Manuel Pellegrini may be listed, but if I had to choose between Pellegrini and Jose, I will always choose Jose."

The Real Madrid players and some board members believe, for at least two months ago, Mourinho has an agreement with Chelsea. But there are still things to fix. Roman Abramovich will not give him the reins of the signings: there are still at the club players with huge salaries (Mourinho's time) and others had to be undersold because they showed their shortcomings when, and without the Portuguese on the bench, were asked to play a more offensive football. Roman Abramovich wants to keep the structure of the club with a sporting director and for now, Mourinho would accept that condition. Moreover, as explained by the Sunday Times, Lampard would want to stay at the club, but the owner does not want to renew him and Mourinho will not object. Although Mourinho still consider PSG as a viable alternative, his desire is to go to London where his daughter is studying at an art school and where his son wants to continue his education. In fact, he will not even ask the condition that the team qualifies for the Champions League.

On the other hand, Jose Mourinho is giving clues about his future in the short term. If after the elimination of the Champions League began to talk of Real Madrid in the past, yesterday he staged a new chapter that shows he has virtually made ​​the bags. A Spanish television program revealed that the Portuguese coach was at an IKEA center and spent 200 euros in packing boxes and duct tape. An anecdote that may indicate that Mourinho is starting to prepare his move although the white team has to play the Spanish Cup Final and while the club tries to close the signing of a substitute.

Jose Mourinho: "At the moment I'm only thinking about my job as Real Madrid coach"

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho talked about his present and future with Sky Sports. When talking about his recent trip to London he recognised that it has contributed to "speculation" about his future but he added, "at the moment I only think about my job in Madrid", because he is a "professional".

Jose Mourinho

"There is a lot of talk every time I come to London but I think people have to understand that I can still be in London very often because we have a house here and we love it here. I have big emotional connections with Chelsea, and one day I think naturally I have to be back to English football", explained the Portuguese manager.

"I am totally focused on the ambitions of Real Madrid until the end of the season. At the moment, I am completely independent of talks and speculation, and people who know me, know me well enough that I think about my job at Real Madrid. We're in the Champions League quarter-finals and we have a final [in the Spanish Cup] against Atletico Madrid."

Pandev: "Mourinho was my choice"

The controversy surrounding the votes for the FIFA World Coach of the Year award thickens. After FIFA recently released the official document which stated that Macedonia captain Goran Pandev had voted for Vicente del Bosque, Pandev told Italian media that: "All I can say is that the signature that appears on the fax is not mine. Jose Mourinho was my choice. Everyone knows that".

Jose Mourinho at Setubal

According to the document, the Macedonian also voted for Jürgen Klopp (three points) and Roberto Mancini (a point). However, Pandev refused to accept it: "We all know strange things go on here, but we can't change the way it is. Neither me nor Mourinho". FIFA moved to resolve the issue: "If Pandev doesn't recognise his vote, he should hold his country's federation accountable, not us".

Mourinho: "There were irregularities in the vote for the FIFA world's best manager"

In an interview with RTP, Jose Mourinho declared that there were "irregularities in the vote for the world's best manager" organised by FIFA." Several people called me to say that I had won the vote but someone else got it in the end. That's why I decided not to go". That's why Jose Mourinho did not attend the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala because he was warned by some of those who voted for him as coach of the year that their votes showed up as supporting other candidates instead.

Jose Mourinho

“Am I sorry for not having gone to the gala? No. It was the right decision,” Mourinho told RTP television on Tuesday in excerpts from an interview. “One, two or three people called me saying they had voted for me but the vote showed up as cast for somebody else. So, I decided not to go,” he said.

"I'm accusing FIFA of irregularities in the vote for best manager in the world. There was a lack of transparency", Mourinho said. "FIFA was aware of these irregularities, knowing they were there, but did nothing to avoid them", commented Mourinho. The Portuguese coach and former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola lost the 2012 FIFA coach award to Spain's Vicente del Bosque at January's gala. Meanwhile FIFA said in a statement: "FIFA confirms that the list of votes published on FIFA.com is accurate".

About Mourinho's future (3): "I do not base my decisions on whether I win or not"

The British newspaper 'The Sun' published today on its website an exclusive interview with Jose Mourinho in which the coach says has been a good week of results for Real Madrid but he has better in his career, for example with Inter. Mourinho also talks about his future: "I do not base my decisions on whether I win or not."

Jose Mourinho

A victory at Old Trafford and wins home and away against Barcelona — most managers dream of such a run. But the Real Madrid boss just shrugged and smiled at the suggestion that it was a remarkable set of results. It started with a stunning 3-1 triumph over arch-rivals Barcelona in the Nou Camp to reach the final of the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) quickly followed by a 2-1 La Liga (Spanish Laeague) win over Barca back at the Bernabeu. And finally came the 2-1 Champions League victory at United courtesy of the Red Devils’ former hero Cristiano Ronaldo.

About Mourinho's future (2): Real Madrid 2013 pre-season

Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho, has not spoken about his future on the white team or out of the team. This lack of information is fueling rumors, so that the Spanish press releases informations of all kinds. Today, according to the information from LaSexta TV, the Portuguese coach is using the two-day break of the squad to outline the next summer pre-season. An information that talks about the Mourinho's continuity on the bench of Real Madrid, which in recent times has been called into question in different ways.

Jose Mourinho at UCLA (2012 Real Madrid pre-season)

Jose Mourinho does not hear the rumors about his move from Real Madrid. The Portuguese is just doing his job, and part of it, is the planning for the preparation of next season, because, until there is no an agreement in opposite way, Mourinho has contract with the white club until 2016. Therefore, Mourinho plans the next pre-season for the year 2013. Althoguht all has to be said, the pre-season 2013 was already outlined.

About Mourinho's future in Real Madrid

There is uncertainty about the future of Mourinho. Moreover, in Real Madrid are convinced that there will be a decision after the last minute of the last game, in which the voice and vote will be the coach himself, used to manage his fate unilaterally although his contract with the club extends to 2016. But now, after the big week lived from the Camp Nou to Old Trafford, the wind blows in favor of continuity, or at least it is said in the club and the coach's environment, not known whether out of conviction or strategy.

Jose Mourinho leading the team at Old Trafford

Real Madrid released yesterday (not official) that Mourinho will lead the team next year, domestic consumption message to the locker room and the fans. And it is no coincidence this message circulates after the press conference of the Portuguese coach at the Manchester United Stadium in which Mourinho praised the opponent even above their play.

Mourinho: “The world will stop to watch this match”

Jose Mourinho appeared before the media in the Old Trafford press room and the coach analyzed the match of the white team against Manchester United: “It will be complicated because we are both having a good streak. Manchester United has practically won the Premier League in March and is in the English Cup quarterfinals. They have not lost any games in a while, and we have lost only one of the past 12. The world will stop tomorrow for 90 minutes to watch this game. More than a playoff, it feels like a final. It’s a positive thing when you come to a match with confident players.”

Jose Mourinho

The Portuguese coach also spoke about the opponent he expects to face: “I think they are going to be very defensive when Real Madrid has the ball and pretty offensive when they have the ball. For us it’s the same, even though we are behind in the playoffs. We have to defend a lot and well when Manchester United has the ball because they are strong on offensive plays. When we have the ball we will try to make dangerous attacks.”

Jose Mourinho: A thousand days as Real Madrid coach

"I've been here three years, but seem thirty". A Mourinho's statement, according to one of his partners in the coach staff at Valdebebas Sports City. A temporary feeling that explains what it means for 'The Special One' to be the manager of 'The Special Club', Real Madrid.

Mourinho: A thousand days at Real Madrid

Portuguese coach met yesterday 1000 days as coach at the White House. With over 157 games in his service, a lot more gray hair and a League, a Spanish Cup and a Super Cup in his admirable achievements. His presentation was on May 31, 2010. Beside him was the then director general, Jorge Valdano. Today, the Argentinian works for a radio channel and talks about a Spanish coach to replace the Portuguese, almost two years after Mourinho raised a question to Florentino Perez, with a simple answer, at the end of his first year. "Valdano or me"

Morata: "Mourinho treats the younger players very well"

Alvaro Morata appeared in the press room at Real Madrid Sports City where he met the media. The Madrid reserves player is in excellent form for this Saturday’s game against Deportivo at the Riazor stadium after scoring his first official goal against Rayo in the Bernabeu. The striker analyzed the upcoming game against the team from Galicia: “It will be difficult. They are going to give it their all. Their players want to keep their places in the team with their new manager and get out of the difficult situation that they find themselves in. And they have the players to do it.” He also had words of praise for Jose Mourinho: “He is close to the players; he gives us advice, cracks jokes and treats the younger players very well. Players like me who have risen from the academy and the reserves try to take his advice on board because he is the best manager in the world.”

Alvaro Morata

As for whether he will play tomorrow, as already occurred on the last match day against Rayo, he said: “The other day I got the chance to play in La Liga, I felt comfortable and tomorrow I hope to get the chance to play even if it’s just for a few minutes. When I saw the sending-off I knew it would be my turn because that is what normally happens. We needed to take off the centre-forward to bring on a defender. Whenever I come on to the pitch I am going to give 100%. The Boss knows that, the whole coaching team knows it.”

The Madrid Reserves player had words of praise also for Higuaín and Benzema, his fellow-strikers: “I think they stand out for their commitment to each match and to every training session. Higuaín raises the bar every day and Benzema really is a quality player". When asked to comment on the return legs of the two knock-out rounds that his team face against Barcelona and Manchester United, in the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) and the Champions League respectively, he had this to say: “They are two very different teams; both of them are in the hunt for the Champions League Title. We take each game as it comes and if the team continues to fire on all cylinders I am confident that we can win both titles.”

Jese Rodriguez: Real Madrid first team player or leave

Jese Rodriguez is very clear about his future; he becomes first team player of Real Madrid next season or, very reluctantly, he will have to prepare the bags and give up his dream of winning at the Bernabeu Stadium in white. The young striker contract ends on June 30 next year and is not willing to sign his renewal with Real Madrid if the club does not guarantee him by contract, to be a first team player for all purposes from next season.

Jese (Real Madrid Castilla player)

Yesterday, the earthquake caused by the interview in which he claimed a chance in the first team, had their replicas in three areas of the capital of Spain. First, at the offices of the Bernabeu, where nobody expected those statements of the jewel of the academy. Then in Valdebebas, where Mourinho was not happy with the words of Jese. And finally in Las Rozas, where the player was playing a game with the under-20 Spanish national team against Real Madrid Castilla. There, the Real Madrid imposed the law of silence for the young players of the white academy.

Jese Rodriguez: "They don't give me an opportunity"

Jese Rodríguez, the Real Madrid Castilla star, is confident he is doing well enough to be given some play time in the first team. And he has no problems in saying so. The last competitive match with Real Madrid for the top scorer of the youth team (13 goals) was on March 24, 2012 against Real Sociedad.

Jese Rodriguez

Isn't your objective to move up to the first team?
There are good players in the first team but right now all of us in the youth teams see it as being a long way off. I don't know what's going on there but Mourinho is picking players from the first team more, which is normal, but I think that the academy is working well too.

Why do you think you have not had an opportunity in the first team?
I don't understand it. I keep on working hard but I don't know. I'm thinking about my team now and myself, that's the priority. I'm going to keep on working hard there and I hope the club knows I'm working hard, I'm sure they do know and they will be watching.

Some think you have done enough to earn an opportunity.
Yes, I think so too. But if the opportunities don't come, you lose hope.

But do you still dream about playing for Real Madrid?
Yes, but I'm gradually losing hope, when I see the opportunities aren't coming my way.

Aitor Karanka has always been one of your supporters at the club.
He still is, but we're not so close anymore.

And with Mourinho?
Mourinho is a manager who demands a lot from his players. I tried to learn as much as I could from him and he obviously demands a lot from the youth team players, even more so of the academy players, and I learned what I could from him.

Do you think he is a good coach with regard to the academy?
I think he's a coach who surrounds himself with players that have already made it. The academy coach is Toril.

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Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti: Agreement?

The French newspaper Le Parisien claims that Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti, current coach of Paris Saint Germain, have a verbal agreement for next season by which the Italian coach will replace Mourinho on the white bench. Ancelotti has always been liked by Florentino Perez and his situation in the PSG is not clear, since in recent weeks Wenger and Mourinho have been related with the Paris team.

Carlo Ancelotti

For now it is a handshake. There is no concrete proposal but a friendly intention that in the future their paths will cross. The French newspaper says Ancelotti has received calls insistently from the Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti has not had an agent along his career. Real Madrid already knew it so has been forced to use the most direct way to find out his availability for the future.

Danger: Xabi Alonso has to rest

Xabi Alonso has to stop before the risk of further injury and the worst consequences: a major break. The inflammation he suffers in the pelvis area is important and, at this point in the season, the only treatment is rest, which will require little training.

Xabi Alonso and Jose Mourinho

Mourinho has a problem with the player because the pubis injury he suffers begins to be important. The Spanish Midfielder played with a sharp pain the game against Manchester United, especially when coming in contact with the ball and did it with the inside of the foot, a technical gesture which requires more effort from the muscles in the injured area.

If Xabi Alonso could start the match it was because from a few days ago his workouts are softer, due to a good work of physiotherapeutic discharge and possibly with the help of anti-inflammatory used to reduce the intense pain. After the match against Manchester United, Xabi Alonso suffered heavy pains. A kind of pain which does not allow everyday moves like bending over to tie the shoes. Even a simple sneeze becomes a pain.

Mourinho vs Ferguson: 6-3

Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson will cross again four years after their last meeting. It took place in the Champions League 08-09, and fortune smiled on the Scottish coach, who beat with his Manchester United the new Inter Milan of the Portuguese manager. But, on the balance of individual duels, the current Real Madrid coach commands clearly.

Mourinho and Ferguson

Mourinho and Ferguson have faced as coaches a total of 14 times. Six wins for the citizen of Setubal, three for the Glasgow's Sir and five draws. A rivalry that began in 2004 and, although they now have good relationship, sharing good wines, there were moments of real tension.

Mourinho was soon a stone in the shoe for the 'boss' of Old Trafford. In 2004, his Porto eliminated Man.United in the last-16 round of the Champions League; 2-1 for the Portuguese at Do Dragao Stadium what looked like a affordable comeback for the English. It could be, thanks to a goal from Paul Scholes, but Costinha, in added time, taking advantage of a mistake from Tim Howard gave the pass to the Lusitanian. Cristiano, who had come down the stretch to try to close the game, had to leave injured within minutes. "That day we were convinced we could win the Champions League," Mourinho recalled some years later. So it was, his first title came three months against AS Monaco in the final at Genselkirchen.

With Chelsea, Mourinho extended his unbeaten run against Ferguson during four more matches. In his first game in England (2004), 1-0 for the Blues, who returned to smile after a knockout round in the League Cup (0-0 in London, 1-2 in Manchester). They came back to Premier and new triumph of Chelsea (1-3), for winning the title and bring it to the Stamford Bridge showcases half a century later.

In the next season came the first victory of the 'Red Devils', 1-0 in Premier. But Chelsea hit back in the second round (3-0), a match which, again, left Mourinho very close to a second consecutive league title.

A year later (2006-07), Manchester United rose significantly its performance. It was the first major Cristiano's campaign at Old Trafford. Both Premier games were finished with two draws, although the title moved back to the hands of Manchester. Chelsea took revenge in the final of the FA Cup (1-0, Drogba). In their last duel in England, the ManU won the Community Shield on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation and extra time.

The last confrontation between Sir Alex and Mourinho came in 2009, again in the last-16 round of the Champions League. Man United, reigning champions, managed a goalless draw at the San Siro Stadium and defeated the Italians 2-0 at Old Trafford with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Vidic. United, which defended the title of European champion achieved in 2008 against Avram Grant's Chelsea, could not revalidate crown, which was for Barcelona in the final in Rome. It was the last game of Cristiano, the other star of this triangle, as 'Red devil'. On Wednesday, four years later, the trio reconvenes at the Bernabeu.

Mourinho already has team to face Manchester United

It does just one round after the defeat against Sevilla in the Pizjuan Stadium, Mourinho claimed that he had no team. Now, he finally seems to have recovered it. Physically and psychologically. Because Mourinho has no doubt that against Manchester United, as happened against Barcelona, will be the Real Madrid, not the team that is 16 points behind in the Spanish competition.

For the first time since October, Mourinho has jumped to Valdebebas lawn and has met with 24 players in the morning training. Something almost paranormal in recent times has happened today at 11:00 am. Two days for the match against Manchester, the Portuguese manager has all his players available. Only Iker Casillas, now successfully replaced by Diego Lopez, lives in the infirmary of the white team.

Real Madrid starting lineup to face Manchester United

So, Mourinho can finally handle all possible alternatives to make the team that will face Red Devils, and the wide range of players he has at his disposal is letting him bet on his eleventh gala. The same team that won the last League at the Nou Camp (Barcelona) last season.

This means that at 8.40 pm on Wednesday, the players who will parade through the tunnel of locker room to jump to the lawn will be: Diego Lopez, Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrao, Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Di Maria, Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema . Mourinho's most used team with the only absence of Marcelo, still out of shape for the big battles.

Real Madrid has problems on the left side

Jose Mourinho does not know what else to do to get a good performance from Fabio Coentrao and Marcelo. It has reached a point where both do not deserve to play for Real Madrid because their level is far below what is required to play for a top team of Europe.

Fabio Coentrao and Marcelo

The coach's anger with the two left sides is huge. Coentrao and Marcelon did not play a minute in the Classic and Mourinho hoped that, between the two, can impose their football against Granada. They did not, what was a disappointment for the coach, who at the end of the match said: "I do not know why some players were tired if they did not play on Wednesday" he said in the press room at the stadium in Los Carmenes.

Fabio Coentrao was a starter. He played the first half of the match against Granada that the coach described as "horrible". The Portuguese side had no lungs to attack the right side of the opponent team. He is asked to accompany the team on the attacking moves, in a field zone where he has to associate with Cristiano Ronaldo. He must break from behind, find the second plays and unbalance. Impossible. He suffered in defense and did not participate in attack.

Mourinho: "I do not know why there were some player tired because they rested last Wednesday"

Jose Mourinho appeared for the media after the league match against Granada. The Whites’ coach made no excuses for his team's defeat and praised their opponents: "I think the result is fair. There have been too many defeats. Granada did their job, they scored their goal. They defended in the second half with all of their heart and soul. They have a new coach, new players and had a great night of football here with Real Madrid in front of them. They did everything that they could to get this result. We should have scored a goal but because of the great effort that Granada made, I think that the three points have gone to the team that deserved them".

Mourinho at the bench in Granada

When asked about who was responsible for the defeat he was clear: "The buck stops with me. You lot always say that same thing. When we win and we play well then it happens on its own but when we don’t it is the coach’s responsibility. Today we lost and did not play well. Today it didn’t happen on its own, today I'm the one responsible".

Mourinho spoke about the result and was disappointed that his team could not go away from the Nuevo Los Carmenes with points: "The negative result is always the most important. We didn’t even manage a draw. That is what bothers me about the result, but the team’s first half performance bothers me a lot, it was horrible. In the second half we dominated and we had a chance to equalise but it was not enough to satisfy me".

Real Madrid came into the match having not had very much rest since playing against Barcelona on Wednesday. "There is one thing that has been clear for a long time and that is that there are teams that do not have any control over their schedules and the planning of the matches. Wednesday was an important match and tremendous physical effort for both teams but one plays today and the other tomorrow. But this team had to respond in a different manner. Some of the players who played today played on Wednesday and others didn’t. There are some of them who were tired because worked hard on Wednesday and there are others that I do not know why they were tired because they were on the bench or in the stands".

Mourinho spoke about the passage of play in which Di Maria went to ground: "I am not going to say much more. With an injured player, if the is team losing and there are only a few minutes left then, if the injury is not serious, the physios do not have to go on, he has to make a sacrifice and play on even if he is in pain".