Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Yellow alert in white team

There is no possibility to play softly a Barcelona vs Real Madrid match. Not when there is a final at stake. However, there are some players who will not want to see a yellow at the Camp Nou. One is Cristian Ronaldo. If he receives a yellow card, will have a match suspension. Can you imagine a final without Cristiano? It would be not easy for Real Madrid. Playing without its star, who scored a decisive goal in the last Spanish Cup, in the final against Barcelona, two years ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo is in danger of suspension

Xabi Alonso is also in danger of suspension but he is even most endangered because has to deal in midfield with Xabi, Iniesta or Messi himself. After Cristiano, Xabi is perhaps the most important player in the scheme of Mourinho. He is also slightly injured and his diminished physical capabilities pose an additional hazard.

Carvalho is another player in danger of suspension, while Barcelona has other two starters who are at risk of missing the final of the Spanish Cup; Alves and Cesc. They would be two significant casualties. The third Barcelona player in this situation is Mascherano. A setback that could affect both teams, but for Real Madrid it would be a disaster because the suspensions would affect the principal men in Mourinho's team.

Special case is Pepe. The Portuguese defender plays against Barcelona to the limit. His record in these matches is full of cards. He has played 15 Classics and has receivrd a card in 12 of them: 11 yellow and 1 red card, the Alves' theater action in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals 2010-11.

In just three games has left the field without being booked. In his first Barcelona vs Rea Madrid (2007), in the first leg of the Super Cup last season (2-2 at the Bernabeu) and in the 1-1 league match before the Spanish Cup final in the season 2010-11. Pepe will have to be smart if he does not want to end the game early.

Varane, Carvalho and Albiol: Perfect defense

Varane, Albiol and Carvalho are the alternate central defenders of Real Madrid if you look at the opportunities that have been given them by Mourinho this season. The French has played 1249 minutes, the Spanish 739' and the Portuguese 630'. They are far from Sergio Ramos (2141') and the injured Pepe (2094'). But the results obtained by the three alternates in the seven games they have played in the 2012-13 season exceed the numbers of the holders: 86% of wins (six out of seven games) versus 57% (15 out of 26 games). And 0.71 goals against per game versus 1.15 with Pepe and Ramos.

Albiol and Varane playing for Real Madrid

And besides, with Varane, Albiol and Carvalho at the starting lineup of the white team, Real Madrid has achieved three straight matches with a clean sheet. Against Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium (0-5, League) and in the Santiago Bernabeu (2-0, Spanish Cup) and against Osasuna (0-0, League). Overall, Real Madrid has four straight matches with no goals against after the Real Madrid-Celta (4-0, Spanish Cup), in which Ramos was sent off with 2-0. Other contributors to this statistic are Essien and Arbeloa at right-back, Coentrao and Marcelo on the left side and Casillas in goal.

Carvalho returned to training with Real Madrid

Ricardo Carvalho returned to training with Real Madrid and Mourinho after 117 days. The last time the central defender was with the first team was in the friendly against Kuwait national team (0-2) on May 16. Since then he has been away from the first team. He did not make the preseason with Real Madrid and was working alone in Oporto. The center-back had the excuse that it was looking team, but he continues in Madrid.

Carvalho training with the first team

Mourinho said in a press conference that the player would not have opportunities to play: "He must decide whether to keep playing or he prefers to stay in Madrid and ends his career". Markets were closed in half of Europe with Carvalho working with Real Madrid Castilla. Then there was the option of Galatasaray (Turkey market closed on September 5), but did not respond to the offer. With this situation, Real Madrid had to enroll him both for Spanish League and Champions League (he will play with the number 11 on the Real Madrid jersey) to avoid legal problems.

Carvalho, who has one year left on his contract with a salary of 3 million euros, returned to the first team without international players (Only Adan, Jesus, Callejon, Essien, Morata and Kaka are players of the first team). Seven players from Real Madrid Castilla completed the squad for the workout: Casado, Mateos, Fabinho, Jose Rodriguez, Alex, Mosquera and Oscar Plano.

Carvalho's case is very similar to Kaka's, who also exercised on Monday under the supervision of Mourinho. The Brazilian was also at the exit door this summer, but will eventually dress the white shirt one more season.

Kaka and Carvalho will stay

After the end of the summer transfer market, Real Madrid considered closed the chapter of signings and sales. The last sale operations were Granero and Lass, and the arrival of Essien was the last signing. Neither Mourinho nor Florentino Perez think about other last-minute move. This causes that Carvalho and Kaka will stay in Real Madrid, at least until next January. Throughout the summer the white club has worked in the sale of these two players which were not, a priori, in the coach's plans. But ultimately neither has found their place in another club and will be part of the first team squad for all purposes.

Kaka and Carvalho

The most striking case is that of Carvalho. The Portuguese center defender has not made a training with Madrid throughout the preseason, being at all times regardless of team workouts. The Portuguese has spent all summer to find a club to end his career, but has not found a project that was really interesting for him.

The defender is very close to Madrid, where his wife and children are happy and are highly adapted, and they did not want to start a new adventure in one of the exotic countries that have interest in him. The Queens Park Rangers was the team that made the last offer by the player and the closest one has been to get hold of his services, but despite he did not care to return to live in London his indicision caused the QPR signed Nelsen. So, to Carvalho have been closed all doors and except a last minute miracle (Russian teams) he will still be linked to Real Madrid. He has a one year contract.

Kaká's case is similar, although he has never been out of the team as Carvalho, who came to train with R.M. Castilla. The Brazilian and Real Madrid have not agreed on his future and the player will continue under Mourinho's orders. Kaka hopes to convince the coach to go back into the team. Kaka has been left out of the squad in the last three games; the two matches of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona and against Getafe in a league meeting, but the Brazilian hopes the situation returns to normal after the market closes. Mourinho said that if Kaka stays within the team, he will attempt to get the highest possible return from the player. We will see.

Ricardo Carvalho is training in Porto and will not return

Ricardo Carvalho is still not included in the pre-season training of Real Madrid and is in Porto awaiting for his destiny. The white player and the club have discussed about his situation and the central defender will not go back to Madrid and will not be incorporated at no time to practice with the white squad.

Carvalho training with Real Madrid last season

The Portuguese is still thinking about his new team and it could be Milan. Carvalho has been very close to be 'rossoneri' player in recent days. Carvalho liked Milan but there was no agreement between the clubs. Milan wanted a transfer in exchange for taking charge of his salary (1.8 million euros), but the Portuguese ends his contract in June 2013 and Real Madrid would not perceive anything in that way. Therefore, the white club is only interested in the sale. In 2010 the whites paid 8 million euros to Chelsea for him and want to enter any amount.

The Portuguese center has received permanent green light by Mourinho for not having to join the team training so he has no undue haste in finding new accommodation. Carvalho is still looking for a club in the Premiership, where he left good memories with Chelsea, but for now, at the Bernabeu offices have not come any interesting proposals.

Meanwhile, Carvalho tries not to neglect his physical condition in the gym doing exercises and awaiting news on his mansion in Porto. He is 74 days of vacation and his last game was almost three months ago, May 5 at Granada (1-2) with the League title already won. In addition, he spent a season with little playing time. Only played 1,052 minutes divided in 8 league games, 2 Champions League matches, 2 in the Spanish Super Cup and 1 in the Spanish Cup. He began the year in the staring lineup against Barcelona in the fight for the Super Cup, and played the first four games of the season but was suffering various injuries, including a back pain that left him 119 days without playing.

Since September 21 (league match against Racing) until the duel against Barca in the Copa del Rey (January 19), Carvalho was not available to Mourinho. During this period, the Portuguese coach placed Sergio Ramos as the replacement in the middle of the defensive line and the Spanish player had a sensational performance next to Pepe. Carvalho has lost importance in the team and that is evident in the numbers. In the 2011-12 season he played 3,235 minutes less than in his first year in Madrid.

Gago and Carvalho: Farther and farther

Fernando Gago and Ricardo Carvalho were the two protagonists this Monday at the turn of Real Madrid to work to start the preseason. Both the Argentine and the Portuguese know that they have their feet out of the Real Madrid and yesterday it was again clearly demonstrated.

Fernando Gago

The midfielder even arrived later than his companions to Valdebebas facilities. In fact, Gago then trained alone in the Sports City, as happened during the preseason last year with players like Pedro Leon and Drenthe, who ended up leaving the club destined to Getafe and Everton respectively.

Gago has been training during the summer with a personal trainer in Rome with the idea of ​​getting in the best possible conditions in the return to training. But his mind was far from joining Real Madrid at this point in July. The Argentina international has offers from Rome and Boca Juniors, and expects that Real Madrid (he has one year left on his contract) offers him advantageous conditions to realize his leaving.

Meanwhile, the club's website reported that the absence of Carvalho was allowed by the coaching staff, which would have given him permission. The veteran center defender is deciding his destination, but has every chance to end away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

So Mourinho continues to work with 19 players: Varane, Lass, Sahin, Granero, Kaka, Callejon, Higuain, Di Maria, Morata, Ivan, Mateos, Juanfran, Nacho, Casado, Rios, Alex, Mosquera, Lucas and Cheryshev. In addition, the goalkeepers Adan, Jesus and Pacheco.

Lass Diarra to play for Milan?

Lassana Diarra could be close to signing for Milan. The only difficulty at this time would be on the payment of the transfer. Real Madrid would be willing to sell the player for 10 million euros. The agent Ernesto Bronzetti, strong man in the signings of AC Milan, said to Italian media: "Lass is a good player who will fit into the 'rossoneri' club. At the moment, he is on holiday in America. On his return to Europe, the matter will resume".

Lass Diarra

Asked about what remains to close the deal, Bronzetti commented: "Some details, but relations between Milan and Real Madrid are excellent". Lass joined Real Madrid in January 2009 and featured a high performance. Last summer he wanted to leave the club, but in the absence of significant deals ended up staying and played 25 games for the Mourinho's team.

This information clashes with the latest known. A few days ago, Claudio Vigorelli, player's agent, told to Sportitalia: "Lass is not going to play in Italy. It is very difficult because he has a one year contract with Madrid and a large offer of Spartak Moscow". Spartak Moscow seemed the team was closer to signing Lass. The Moscow club had presented to Real Madrid a 10 million euros bid for French midfielder. Besides, Spartak Moscow would be willing to increase the salary of Lass. It would be around 5 million euros annually.

In any case, Lass is not in a hurry. He has rejected several offers and his brother, who is leading his business, is waiting for a Real Madrid's move. Lass knocked down, at the last moment, the agreement reached between Tottenham and Real Madrid last summer. It is another neverending story.

In addition, there are many rumors in the Italian press these days and it is difficult to assess the information. According to the Italian media, Carvalho and Altintop could also sign for Milan this summer. Apparently, the coach, Massimiliano Allegri, wants to strengthen the center of defense with the Portuguese. Nesta is retired and Thiago Silva can sign for PSG. Apart from that, Milan would be interested in signing Altintop, because the player does not decide his future with Galatasaray. The Italian club would want to take advantage of the situation and sign the Turkish player. We'll see.

Sale operation is paused

The four players that Real Madrid wants to sell (Gago, Lass, Altintop and Ricardo Carvalho) still do not give a clear answer to the club about their future intentions, showing a closed stance, especially Gago and Lass, to a negotiated settlement with another team.

Mourinho and Lass Diarra

The Argentine and French have a year contract remaining and are using it as a weapon to negotiate. The strategy of their representatives is to be strong with the sign of transferable that Mourinho has given them and the target they have set is that with the passage of time and proximity of the date of the start of the pre-season (15 July), the club will finally allow them go free.

To leave Real Madrid with no cost is for them an advantage to negotiate a good contract with their new teams and this position is being supported by the teams interested in signing the players. Everything involving transfer discounts, will be rewarded by the contract they will sign.

In this tough negotiations, Real Madrid is required to exhaust all possibilities. Real Madrid moves to find teams that are interested in them and pay to white team an amount that reports an income. But the club needs their collaboration or acceptance to close what is a three party agreement. And it is not easy.

An example, Gago. The Argentine is ready to wait all the time it takes to go free. If Real Madrid asks for money and that hinders and improvement of his salary, he is willing to stay the season remaining of his contract. Roma, the club interested in him knows the play of the player and is willing to wait until 31 August.

Lass is not in a hurry. Nothing is known of him. He has rejected several offers and his brother, who is leading his business, is waiting for a Real Madrid move. Ricardo Carvalho's issue is other thing. He cost 8 million two years ago and neither team seems willing to pay for a player who has barely played this past season and is 34 years old.

Real Madrid sale operation 2012-2013

Mourinho is clear about how many players the team will sign: "We will make two signings to strengthen the group" said recently, but hesitates about how many are going out. He gave some other indications: "Higuain and Sahin will not leave" he acknowledged too, what reduces the blacklist, but there are several white players who have nothing clear their future for next season.

Adan wants to leave. The goalkeeper believes that he has completed a cycle and with 24 years, which will be 25 next Saturday, wants to go out to play minutes. His situation is reminiscent of Diego Lopez (current Villarreal's goalkeeper). This is a problem because Mourinho had the goal well defended and this would force him to sign other goalie. So he wants to convince Adan and Mourinho is willing to offer him to play the Spanish Cup from start to finish. Then there is the club, which is not going to give away. For less than two million euros is not going to transfer the player.

With Albiol is the same. Mourinho has no objection. He wants the player to stay because the coach values his commitment and professionalism, but the central defender is not ready to lose another year and wants to find a way out. Player's agent is scheduled to meet shortly at Madrid with the sport management of the club. Here the problem is the price of the transfer. Albiol cost 15 million euro just three years ago and the club will want to recover much of the investment. Among other things, to sell would require to sign, and sign well, because although Varane is a future option, can not remain as the only alternative for Pepe and Ramos.

The sale of Kaka is a very delicate operation. In Madrid the staff is very cautious and prudent. Here, what player thinks about is key. He has a score to settle with the fans and to himself and does not lose hope of succeeding in white. On the other hand, is the dream of the World Cup in Brazil, and he needs the minutes that Mourinho is not going to give him. After the decision of the player, who has a pending meeting with Mourinho to discuss his future, Real Madrid will move tab, but is clear that for less than 25 million euro, Kaka does not move. In this sense, the PSG is the only way today.

Lass Diarra will be a headache. Already last year the club got big problems to transfer him. After he wasted the whole summer pre-season wanting to go (he did not attend the tour throught U.S.A. and China) knocked down, at the last moment, the agreement reached between Tottenham and Real Madrid. The problem is that now Lass does not want to leave. He prefers to finish the remaining year of the contract and go free in 2013. It will be very complicated and much more earn some money with a player who cost 24 million euro.

Another problem is Altintop. The Turkish came free, but his salary is too high for the poor performance he has given. Mourinho bet on him for his experience and versatility, but could not make the most he would have liked. So, for what Altintop offers, the club is in favor of a youth squad player, who would be much cheaper. Further after the positive experiences of Granero and Callejon.

Finally there is the issue of Carvalho. Mourinho said he was renewed until 2013, but the club assumes that the announcement will not be a problem and the player will come out.

Cristiano reconciles Carvalho and Pepe

Cristiano Ronaldo was the architect of reconciliation between Carvalho and Pepe. He wanted the bad vibes and the controversy could finalize yesterday. The seven, captain of Portugal and one of the heavyweights of Real Madrid, walked among his countrymen toward the three Valdebebas field. In public, with cameras present, he got together with his two companions and led to a hug with the defenders that sealed a final peace.

The striker grabbed Pepe by his shoulder and took him to Carvalho, who was one meter from them. Between jokes, Cristiano joined them in an embrace. Joining them Marcelo and Coentrao witnessed the scene. The Brazilian applauded smiling the reconciliation of their peers.

After the embrace and laughs, Pepe and Carvalho continued talking together and removed the last problems as they walked towards the pitch. They talked until they started to work. Then, with peace, Pepe stood by Cristiano and Coentrao, while Carvalho began to train with Kaka.

The situation was different from that experienced in training on Tuesday, where Portuguese defenders were not crossed a look. The problem was within the team when Carvalho noted to his companion as the cause for leaving Portugal national team: "I ​​left the national team due to an injustice. Pepe, without training, would play as starter". Seven days later everything is back to normal.

Pepe, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carvalho

Carvalho clashed with Mourinho in 2005

Many people were surprised by the Carvalho's runaway of the training camp of Portugal to learn that he was not going to be a starter in the game against Cyprus. "Never before I have felt so neglected and hurt in my dignity. If they make me feel that I am out and did not talk to me, the only option is to leave", said the Real Madrid player. However, it is not the first time that Carvalho has a bad reaction when is moved of the starting line-up.

It cocurred in August 2005, in Chelsea, with Mourinho as coach. The central defender was regular starter with the blues at that time, but saw as the coach began to bet on Gallas and expressed his displeasure in the British press. Carvalho was the third option for the central defender position and said: "I ​​do not know why I am an alternate. He (Mourinho) told me about this, but I do not understand why. It is totally incomprehensible".

Mourinho, very annoying by receive messages through the newspapers, replied him sharply: "Carvalho seems to have trouble understanding what is said to him, so it is possible he should undergo a test of intelligence. I worked with him for the last four years and not understand his words. He probably needs to see a doctor. This summer I said that we have an extraordinary template and if you are on the bench it is time to be patient, everyone would have their chance. What is difficult to understand? I hope he will be quiet because I will not tolerate this kind of behaviour".

The Chelsea chief executive, Peter Kenyon and his peers were very angry. Terry said: "You cannot think you are sick of the coach for a day you do not feel involved". Despite this defense of his coach, Terry tried to remove the fine that the club imposed to Carvalho, 97,000 euros, which was not possible.

Mourinho and Carvalho

Ricardo Carvalho: "It was an injustice"

Ricardo Carvalho

Carvalho broke his silence after his statement announcing his withdrawal from the Portuguese national team by a conflict with his coach, Paulo Bento. The white center defender showed himself very hurt by the coach: "I am in the national team for love to my country".

Coach Paulo Bento called you 'deserter' when you left the training camp in Portugal and announced you were quitting the team. Got something to say?
If he used military language and using the same kind of language, I might call him mercenary.

Please explain ...
When you go to war for money, when you are not in the national team for love or passion for your country, you are a mercenary. I am in the national team for love and passion for my country, but he is coach because the Portuguese Federation pays him well. It bothered me and I do not think he has to treat me in that way.

Why did you leave the hotel without telling anyone?
It was not a premeditated decision. I decided when I came back to the hotel after workout and I felt that I had not been respected. Upon reaching the room, without change clothes, grabbed my backpack and car. My biggest mistake was not speaking to anyone, with the leaders of the Federation. It did not pass through my mind. But I was upset. It was not something premeditated.

What happened to take a decision of this importance?
I thought that it did not make sense at that time be in the national tam. It was an injustice because I was training well and a teammate, who had not been trained, came and the coach moved him to work with the starters. And I had to stay to one side ...

Are you talking about Pepe?
Yes. It's nothing personal with Pepe, but the coach.

But in Zaragoza you played well together, right?
Yes, we are starters in Real Madrid. Normally we always play together.

Do you think Paulo Bento was right at press conference?
The coach only spoke of this issue the day before a game (against Cyprus), when I think the important thing was to talk about that game. He could respond to two or three questions, but spent the entire press conference talking about me. Unlike me, I made my decision while I was upset, he had twenty-four hours to reflect. When I was in the car outside the hotel, spoke with the director of the national team to explain the reasons for my departure.

Have you spoken to Mourinho about what happened and the possible consequences?
Yes, I talked to him, and also with several other people in Madrid.

Have you felt the support of Real Madrid in this situation?
Yes, I spoke with several people in the club and my teammates called me to discuss the issue. Some told me they respected my decision.

Could you return in the future to wear the shirt of the Portuguese team?
You never know, because I always told my teammates and other coaches that I would never leave the Portuguese team. This, however, was a different case. But if one day they want me to play, and if they think I can be useful and call me, I would be available.

Portugal considers request the disqualification of Carvalho

Amandio de Carvalho, vice president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), has admitted that the Portuguese organism, intends requesting to UEFA the disqualification of Ricardo Carvalho to compete in European competitions for leaving the training camp of the national team. But before this move, wants to talk to Real Madrid defender.

Amandio of Cavalho has warned that the penalty will not be extendable without the defender, who has so far only issued a statement on his unilateral withdrawal to play with Portugal, can state his reasons for his defection.

According to UEFA regulations, the Control and Disciplinary Comite of the organism may adopt sanctions imposed by FIFA members (Case of the FPF), on request, for acts committed within their respective jurisdictions. Thus, the penalty that the Portuguese Federation will put Ricardo Carvalho for his rudeness, is extendable to the Champions League.

In cases of desertion, the Portuguese Federation has the authority to order the disqualification of Ricardo Carvalho to contest the Champions League for a period of one to three months.

Ricardo Carvalho

Squad: Ricardo Carvalho (16)

Ricardo Carvalho

Ricardo Carvalho is best known for his perfect positioning, his foresight and his ability to advance the ball out of the first third. The Portuguese defender is a regular in Mourinho´s lineups, starting in 46 of his 48 appearances with Real Madrid.

His career began with Leça prior to signing his professional papers with Porto in 1997. He immediately played on loan for what was his first team and continued gaining experience over the next two seasons with Vitoria de Setubal and Alverca before returning to Porto. It was during his second stint with the Portuguese powerhouse that he won the 2002/03 UEFA Cup and the 2003/04 Champions League. Carvalho packed his bags for Chelsea in 2004 and went on to earn three Premier League titles among a host of many others.

In recent years the center-back has played an integral role on the Portuguese national team, with whom he reached the final of the 2004 European Championship and the semis of the 2006 World Cup.

Data

• Place of Birth: Amarante, Portugal
• Date of Birth: 05/18/1978
• Position: Defender
• Weight: 78 kg
• Height: 181 cm
• Nationality: Portuguese

Honours

• La Liga (Spanish League): 2011/12
• Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup): 2010/11
• Spanish Super Cup: 2012
• Champions League: 2003/04
• UEFA Cup: 2002/03
• Premier League: 2004/05, 2005/06, 2009/10
• FA Cup: 2006/07, 2008/09, 2009/10
• Community Shield: 2005, 2009
• England League Cup: 2004/05, 2006/07
• Portuguese Liga: 1998/99, 2002/03, 2003/04
• Portuguese Cup: 2002/03
• Portuguese Super Cup: 1998, 2001, 2003

Carvalho: "The target is to improve the last year"

Carvlaho and Kaka

What do you expect from Kaka this season?
We all know he had a difficult year, but he's fine now. We are all aware of his quality. We're all convinced he will help us considerably.

Why is best the second season of Mourinho's teams?

Jose Mourinho's teams improve every day and I guess that's why his second year on a side is the best. We all know each other better. We grow ever day. We try to improve and make our game progress

What is the target of the team?
Improving the last year. All together, we will improve every game.

What about the LA Galaxy match?
It is a friendly and we want to improve. Probably in the first match, the players do not play more than 60 minutes. The target is to be at good level for the next week.

What is your opinion about Varane?
Our new reinforcements are very good. It's still soon to talk about them, but I believe they will make the team improve.

And Coentrao?
The first session is difficult for everyone. We are improving, Fabio plays in many positions. The most important thing is to play and train every day with new players.

What is the role of Zidane with template?
Zidane is always with us, which is important because we have great respect for him. He's here to help.