Karim Benzema: A matter of weight

Karim Benzema is not the same as he was last year. The French striker seems like that irrelevant player who joined Real Madrid two years ago, in his first season at Real Madrid and the start of the second, when Mourinho talked about him like a cat. All a matter of body weight, as many suggest. Spanish media impinges on the subject, ensuring that Karim has regained the kilos lost with his weight loss plan about a year ago.

Karim Benzema

Because last season, Karim Benzema was another. French striker socred the goals with ease, occupied the free spaces as a top playmaker and reached all the balls. However, this season seems to have regained the bad habits of his first months in the capital of Spain. Although it seems a matter of attitude, the truth is that the weight of the front could have greatly influenced on his poor performance so far this season, both for his slowness and his self-esteem.

Apparently, the doctors recommended Benzema to leave his weight loss plan. The French had lost about four kilos, but could not keep this diet because it could be harmful to his health. With the freedom to eat, the overweight came, an evil that has affected his teammates Higuain and Marcelo.

And is that Real Madrid needs all its players in top form, so, although Mourinho had decreed day off for his players, several members of the squad and the coach himself gathered yesterday at Valdebebas to continue working towards the next team commitments. Real Madrid does not stop on days off and Higuain alongside Marcelo worked flat out to regain a good shape. After leaving from injuries, they have to leave the overweight.

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.

Marcelo: "We feel confident"

Real Madrid will be looking for a place in the last four of the Spanish Cup (Copa de Rey) when they play Valencia at Mestalla, and they have the advantage of a 2-0 lead from the first leg in the Santiago Bernabéu, a match where Marcelo made his return after being injured. The defender analysed the return leg for the Bwin website: “We always go all out to progress in every competition we play in. We feel confident because we are playing well and hopefully we will progress. We will do everything we can to progress. We know that if we make any mistakes we could be out of the competition, so it is far more exciting”.

Marcelo

Valencia has won the previous two Spanish Cup matches that it has played in its stadium this season. “We have to be careful of all their players. Valencia are strong and playing there is difficult, for the fans as well. There is not any particular player to watch, but instead the whole team should concern us”, he said about the match that will be played at Mestalla which is a special ground for the team: “I am sure it will bring us good memories as we won the Spanish Cup there”.

Marcelo, who has worked very hard since the surgery on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot in October, spoke about his return to the pitch against Valencia last week: “I felt very happy when I took to the pitch after being injured at the Bernabéu, there was a little film running in my mind and I felt very excited”.

Marcelo: "I want to make a full recovery"

Marcelo is now in Madrid after suffering a fracture in his fifth metatarsal of his right foot last Sunday while training with the Brazilian national squad in the vicinity of Wroclaw, Poland. The left-back is now feeling more motivated to overcome this difficult situation thanks to the numerous messages of support he has received from Madrid fans all over the world, to which he wants to reply with words of thanks via Real Madrid media: “I am so happy to get all these messages supporting me from the fans. I had no idea so many people cared so much about me and I am really grateful to everyone. I want to make a full recovery so that I can bring more joy to the fans ".

Marcelo

“I am going to do everything properly to return to play with the team”. Marcelo’s statement encapsulates the determination with which he is facing this most challenging moment of his career. He remains philosophical without losing his sense of humour: “This is not enough to get anyone down, least of all me. I am always a cheerful person. It’s happened, I can’t change it but now I have to work hard to get back to playing”.

The massive response of the Real Madrid fans to his injury is a source of pride and brings him even more strength: “I’ve seen the messages of support and I am very pleased. I had no idea so many people cared so much about me and I am really grateful to everyone. I want to make a full recovery so that I can bring more joy to the fans. Yesterday I was a little glum, but when I got home and saw my wife and child I felt a lot better. These things happen and you have to keep your chin up and keep going”.

This is a new experience for the Brazilian in his footballing life and he wants to move on as soon as possible: “I hope this will be the first and the last time it happens. I would not wish this on anyone. These things can happen during training or in a match and now what I have to do is do things properly so that I can get back on the team as soon as possible, If I keep my head up and don’t lose heart, my team mates and my family will help to me to get through this”.

Marcelo: Three months out

Marcelo sustained a fracture in his right foot that will leave him away from the fields at least three months, so he was removed from the Brazilian team, reported the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in a statement.

Marcelo injured at a hotel room

The Real Madrid left-back suffered a hit on Sunday while participating in training with the Brazilian team in the Polish city of Wroclaw which caused a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot, as was observed in the examinations he underwent at a local clinic. According to the Brazilian team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, Marcelo will not play for Real Madrid or the Brazilian national team for a period of three months, so that the player may not be called until 2013.

Real Madrid also made a statement with the same information: "Marcelo, left flanker for Real Madrid, sustained a fracture in his right foot, according to information from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in a press release. The injury happened to Marcelo this Sunday when he was participating in a training session with the Brazilian selection in the Polish city of Wroclaw. The Brazilian has fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot, as was verified by examinations he underwent in a local clinic. The Real Madrid player, who returned to Madrid immediately, will be placed in the hands of the club´s medical services, who will check the extent of the injury and will determine the treatment to be followed by the player".

The left-back was playing for Brazil since the beginning of the week, was part of the team that thrashed 6-0 on Wednesday to Iraq and was considered a starter in the team that will face Japan on Tuesday. "I'll be back shortly. There is still plenty of time to return and participate in the Confederations Cup 2013" said the Brazilian player. "I leave the group knowing that the Brazilian team is evolving, the work is correct and the results will appear", he added.

Mourinho prepares the return of international players

There are three matches remaining to end the Euro 2012 and except Benzema, all the Real Madrid international players are fighting for the trophy. With this scenario, Mourinho knows that the Germans, the Portuguese and Spanish will join the rest of the team during the U.S.A. stage of the Real Madrid pre-season 2012-2013. Benzema is the only international to join the white team training stage before the U.S.A. tour 2012. The French striker will return from holiday on July 26 following the Tangier friendly against Athletic Tetouan (July 24).

Real Madrid pre-season 2011-2012

Players who are in Euro 2012 will return according to the success of their national teams. Those players who are going to be eliminated in the semifinals, will go back to the group on July 28, while those who are going to reach the final of the Euro, will enjoy on vacation until July 30. These dates are open. For example, in the first year of Mourinho, which coincided with the World Cup 2010, the coach gave more holidays to Ramos, Casillas and Xabi Alonso because they were the players who most minutes played in the event of South Africa.

The rest of the squad (Adam, Varane, Carvalho, Lass, Sahin, Altintop, Granero, Kaka, Callejon, Di Maria and Higuain) is cited on July 15 in Valdebebas to start the preseason. There are players who played last year on loan (Pedro Leon and Gago) who will return if they do not sign for a new team before that date.

Marcelo is a special case. The Brazilian player is summoned, as well as other 35 players, with the Brazilian national team, coached by ​​Mano Menezes, that has to play the London Olympics. If on July 6 is confirmed his presence in the Olympics, the left-back will play for Mourinho's team after Brazil elimination. If Marcelo plays the final (on August 11) he will miss all the U.S.A. tour and will join Real Madrid in Spain. If he does not play the Olympics, he must be on July 15 in Valdebebas sports city.

Marcelo: "Cristiano Ronaldo is having a fabulous season"

Marcelo, Real Madrid left-back, already has his eyes on the upcoming Olympics. The Brazilian defender will come to this event in good conditions after playing a good season with the white team. Marcelo talked with Brazilian media during his holidays.

Marcelo

"We had an historic and extraordinary season because, besides winning the title, we also broke many records, such as those in points, victories and goals" he said to Brazilian journalists. "The entire team made such progress that playing on it was like paradise for a player. Our confidence was so high that we knew it would be hard for others to stop us if we did our best".

He thinks the contribution of Cristiano Ronaldo was key: "Cristiano Ronaldo is a machine. He is having a fabulous season. It is amazing to score so many goals. I think he has had the best stats in his career. He is a great teammates and an exemplary professional. He trains extra and works hard".

What happened in the Champions League, the worst memory: "Losing the UCL semis was the great disappointment of the season because it happened in the penalty shootout. I believe we should have killed the game earlier, but that's football. We will return stronger next year to try to win it. I am calm because I think we will win the title soon".

Personally he thinks his season at Real Madrid was good: "I think I had a good season. I had the chance to help my teammates win games, which is what really matters to me. I have made progress in my game. I still have to work on some aspects of my game to be the best in my position. I have worked hard to improve in defence since I arrived on the team. Many people saw me as Roberto Carlos' successor and wanted me to make progress as fast as he did, but I was only 18; I was very young and was still learning. I liked to attack, but in time I have become a true left back, one that both defends and attacks. I still love to attack, but a defender's priority is to defend".

Cristiano Ronaldo phoned Marcelo: "I believe you, my friend"

News agencies were on fire on Monday afternoon with a phrase attributed to Marcelo, that triggered a tsunami in social networks: "Messi is the best in the world". The issue was not clear not only because Marcelo is teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo in Real Madrid, but because it is known that both maintain personal friendship. The phrase appeared in the Brazilian media after an interview with the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), but curiously there is no evidence videographic. Only what was written.

Marcelo is training with the Brazilian national team

Marcelo was very angry to know the phrases that were put into his mouth. In fact, in his Twitter account responded within hours: "They have misinterpreted what I said. Messi was the last to receive the Golden Ball, but for me, no doubt, the best is Cristiano and they will not ruin my friendship with him".

As has been published in Spanish media, Cristiano Ronaldo phoned the Brazilian player in the early hours of Tuesday. Marcelo was summoned with the Brazil team in New Jersey, where on Saturday will be played the game Brazil vs Argentina. The party is of a friendly nature and will be played from 9:00 pm (local time). Cristiano talked to him: "Marcelo, quiet. I believe you, my friend. It is not important. We are friends and we will not waste another minute".

Marcelo was comforted by the words of Cristiano, who is not affected by the permanent fight with Messi. In the last year has learned to manage better the issue so he decided to tackle it himself. Marcelo and his environment also left yesterday clear that his statements about Cristiano Ronaldo are in an interview that a few days ago gave to the Brazilian Football Confederation.

Marcelo wants to play the Olympics

Jose Mourinho can have a problem on the left back at the start of the next season. Marcelo wants to play the Olympics and the Brazilian coach, Mano Menezes, is determined to summon him, as one of three players aged over 23 who can participate in the competition.

Marcelo playing for Brazil

Marcelo, who has been training and playing with the Brazilian national team since last May 25 and already participated in the Beijing Games, is excited about winning the gold medal: "I want to go to the Olympics. I am working hard and I like to return to the competition. We all want to go to the Olympic Games", the left dfender said in an interview with the CBF (Brazilian Football Association)

Football in the Olympics begins on July 25 and ends on August 11, just the section of the summer when Real Madrid will make his U.S.A. tour. The Brazilian player, therefore, would begin the course without having pre-season and without holydays (just only a week on vacation). For Mourinho, that is not ideal for the player.

Marcelo, however, is very excited about the Brazilian team after overcoming all the problems he had a year ago with Mano Menezes. Real Madrid player has struggled to get into the dynamics of his national team and does not want to miss a call, especially with Brazil's World Cup just around the corner. "I am in the best moment of my career and I enjoy all I can. I feel very comfortable at Real Madrid and with the Brazilian national team and I want to go on much longe".

Finally, Marcelo said something that caused a small earthquake in Brazil: "Messi is currently the best player in the world". The Real Madrid player responded to questions from journalists on the occasion of Brazil vs Argentina match to play next Saturday in New Jersey, the last of the four matches for the Olympic preparation. He did not mention Cristiano Ronaldo and offered praise for the Barca player: "It is a pleasure to play against him. Let's see what happens, if we can score them. Argentina leaves more space to play and we can defeat them".

Squad: Marcelo (12)

Marcelo

Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior, or simply Marcelo, was one of the ‘Crown Jewels’ of always-prolific Brazilian football and one of Real Madrid’s swanky winter signings of 2006/07. He arrived in Europe at the age of 18 having already hit the big time with Fluminense and he quickly adapted to Madrid thanks to the other Brazilians on the squad, but especially Roberto Carlos, who took Marcelo under his wing and taught his successor the tricks of the trade.

A pacey and offensive player, the young left-back has worked arduously since landing in Madrid hoping to capitalize on the opportunities given to him by the manager. With nerves of steel and ice running through his veins, Marcelo didn't take long to earn a spot in the starting eleven.

Marcelo’s consistent playing time also rubbed off on Brazilian national team coach Dunga, who gave the youngster his debut against Wales. No one could have written a better script as Marcelo hammered home an impressive crossed shot from outside the box in an all-out display of strength, speed, and ball-handling.

Data

• Place of Birth: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Date of Birth: 05/12/1988
• Position: Defender
• Weight: 73 kg
• Height: 171.9 cm
• Nationality: Brazilian

Honours

• La Liga (Spanish League): 2006/07, 2007/08, 2011/12
• Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup): 2010/11
• Spanish Super Cup: 2008, 2012
• Olympic Bronze Medal: 2008

Mourinho will play with Cristiano and Marcelo

Mourinho received good news yesterday; Cristiano and Marcelo are willing to force to play tomorrow against Tottenham. Neither have the medical discharge, but want to help the team and will risk a relapse. Who is practically ruled out is Benzema. French striker would also like to contribute with his "grain of sand", but his muscular contraction could result in breakage and that means three weeks off.

After Saturday's defeat, Mourinho hinted at the possibility of using the injured players in the game against the English team: "If Cristiano plays is because we are risking. The doctor says he will be prepared to play against Bilbao. Marcelo is out for two weeks and Benzema could play against Bilbao and in London. Maybe I will step over the medical department and then they will kill me...". Well, yesterday, Cristiano and Marcelo reported in Valdebebas they want to help the team against Tottenham and assume the consequences.

Cristiano and Marcelo

Mourinho has no choice. He has to risk because the League is lost and in April, are at stake the two major competitions for the white team: Champions League and Spanish Cup. Against Tottenham he must put the best eleven possible. Cristiano and Marcelo are essential to get options for the second leg in London. Portuguese for what he represents for the team... and the rival. Brazilian showed his verticality against Lyon, making the goal that opened the road to success.

Starter team will not have only news from Cristiano and Marcelo, but also with Xabi and Pepe. Spanish player did not play on Saturday because suspension and center defense because he was reserved for tomorrow. Both, will return against Tottenham. Another that will also start is Di Maria.The side midfielder requested the change against Sporting due to a huge blow in his left leg, but he is recovered. Higuain is not able to play as starter. The Argentine came back after four months out, but it is still early to play 90 minutes. Therefore, Adebayor will be in the starting lineup

Champions League (Last-16, 2nd Leg): Marcelo reactions

No matter that he leaves gaps for his side or does not defend. All offsets. His significance in attack reminds Roberto Carlos. He is not expected and creates many holes in opposing defenses. With the ball makes almost everything right, when dribbling, when he assists to a teammate. He opened the scoring with a remarkable goal that had everything. He linked with Xabi and Cristiano, sat a Lyon player in the area and Lloris could not get his shot. Gave the scare about the break but was able to finish the game.

Marcelo scored the first goal

"We are very happy with the victory. It's been a very important triumph for team and fans alike following tough seasons. We had a debt with Madrid fans and, thank God, we reached the next round. We are calmer now."

"We played like the coach asked us to and we played hard from the start. We're not thinking about which opponent we may face in the quarterfinals. We will try to win and thrill our supporters regardless of whom we face."

"I wish to express my support for Abidal and his family. Rivalry steps aside when things like this happen. What matters is that he recovers as soon as possible."

League (Day 23): Marcelo and Pepe reactions

MARCELO: "WE ARE ALL FIGHTING TOGHETER TO WIN"

Marcelo

Real have won a victory in a very difficult field. Do you imagine that it would be so difficult?

"We knew it would be very complicated but we did not hope an expulsion so soon. All played our hardest and we reverse the situation. It is a very important victory to keep fighting for the league."

Team demonstrated an extraordinary character to win a match that started badly for you ...
"This is a great family and we are all fighting together to win. Whenever we get the three points."

You scored your first goal this season. This puts team back in the fight for the League.
"I am delighted to score and can help the team. But more important was the victory and catching up to Barcelona."

With the effort you made to defeat Espanyol has become clear that Real Madrid is not physically ill, as some say ...
"People talk about what they want, but we work hard to get this win and so we will continue until the end of the season. We are very excited about these three points and to achieve a new victory."

PEPE: "WE FACED UP TO THE CHALLENGE"

Pepe

What adifficult game to play again!
"It is a reward to me to be in the starting eleven. It was a chance not to disappoint the coach. I've worked hard for this. I am very happy with the job I did today and with the efforts my team-mates made. Espanyol have very good players and it was hard for us to score. It was a tense and complicated game, so we are very happy with this victory."

What did you think when you saw the Barcelona match in Gijon?
"We faced up to the challenge. We are working to catch up with Barcelona. We still have to face them at home and, if we win, we will be closer to winning the title. If we continue to concentrate this hard, to showcase maturity and working this well, we will catch up with Barcelona."

Did Casillas touch Callejon in the play of the expulsion?
"The play is very fast. It is an interpretation of the referee and we are there to play. I do not know well, but the good thing is that we react."

Are you going to renew for Real Madrid?"I will not discuss this issue. At the moment I can only say I am happy in Madrid and people treat me very well. I will do everything possible to stay."

Valdano said after the game that your renewal is progressing well...
"Good to hear that (laughs). I have to do my work on the field."

Any offer of Barcelona?
"I am a Real player and it is a lack of respect for the people of Madrid. I'm happy at Madrid."