Do Madrid need Pogba?

After winning the Undecima, Madrid are on a continuous pursuit of Paul Pogba. Pogba, undoubtedly is one of the best midfielders in the world at the moment. Spanish newspaper Marca are already reporting that Madrid have signed Pogba for a walloping £95 million, the transfer to be completed after the euros. Pogba may be on his way to becoming the most expensive transfer in the history of football.

Pogba is a beast in midfield but will he make Madrid unstoppable? Is he the last piece of the puzzle for Madrid to gain total dominance. Madrid already have good midfield players like Casemiro, James, Isco and Kovacic. The center of midfield for both Madrid and Brazil is currently occupied by the undervalued anchor Casemiro. Pogba's arrival would mean that Casemiro would have to settle on bench. Casemiro is preferred in important games by Zidane. Pogba is one of the players that Zizou wanted to sign since Zizou was assistant to Ancelotti. Pogba is 23, already has made it to the FIFPro World 11 last year.

                                         
As of today, Pogba has been capped 32 times by France. Pogba helped Juventus to reach UCL final in 2014-15 season. Pogba was also named in 2015 UEFA team of the year. Pogba's setted up Alvaro Morata's famous equaliser against Real Madrid that knocked the defending champions out then. Pogba won the 'Golden Boy' award in 2013. Pogba was also named the Best Young Player at the FIFA World Cup 2014 for his impressive showing.

Have your say: Do Madrid need Pogba? Or Madrid are just continuing the Galactico policy under Perez for sake of it.

Zidane's impressive La Liga stint

Zidane finished La Liga on a high despite losing it by a point. There are many positives to take. For example, Madrid became the first ever team in La Liga to win their last 12 matches. Zidane took a stunning 53 points from the 20 games Madrid played under him. Madridistas witnessed some unreal moments under Zizou's leadership. Zidane brought the perfect combination of attack and defence to this Madrid side. Zidane made some bold choices by benching James Rodriguez and Isco in important games like El Clasico.

Players Zidane brought back to form:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo :

Zidane instructing CR7

Madridistas saw the unsual sight of Ronaldo running with Jordi Alba in his own half defending an over the top ball, winning a freekick for a foul on himself. That was the most unobserved version of CR7 Madridistas had ever seen. Even the commentators during El Clasico were surprised. CR7 has been in sensational form in Liga since Zidane's appointment. Ronaldo has scored 21 goals in Liga under Zidane. Ronaldo has become more of a leader under Zizou's guidance. Under Benitez Ronaldo's performance was dipping match by match. If Madrid win UCL, CR7 may have a good shot at the Ballon D'OR.

2. Gareth Bale :

Gareth Bale and Zidane

In Zidane's first match as Madrid's head coach, Bale scored  a stunning hattrick against Deportivo La Coruna. Bale has been performing a level up under Zizou. Bale has notched 10 goals in Liga under Zidane. Bale also stepped in important games in CR7's absence. Gareth scored the winners against Rayo Vallecano and Real Sociedad, both away games. With proper management and guidance like that of  Zidane, Bale could prove that he can be a  successor  to CR7.

3. Carvajal :

Under Benitez, Carvajal struggled to made an impact and was second choice right-back. Since Zidane's arrival, Carvajal has been more dangerous than ever, dominating that right wing, combining with Bale and CR7. Under Zizou, Carvajal again became the first-choice RB, thus stepping out of Danilo's shadow. Recently, Carvajal has been earning praises for his performances. Madridistas believe they have the best RB in the world.

The last game :

Marcelo and Modric disappointed

Madrid did what they possibly could but it is always to have your own fate in your hands, but sadly that wasn't the case yesterday. With Suarez putting all the hopes to bed for Madrid by scoring a hattrick against Granada, Madrid players were left disappointed after defeating Deportivo. But I was astonished by the tactics Zidane used. For example, in the first 20 minutes I was flabbergasted with the frequent switching of wings and even center forward position by BBC. Even Benzema was playing on the left and sometimes right wing. That was too impressive tactics. Changing wings is always a good strategy for confusing defenders but a team's main striker taking part in it makes it  magnificient. this shows versatility of Benzema. Deportivo were unable to cope up with CR7, Bale and Benzema's ever changing positions. Madridistas hope that Zidane stays with Madrid for a long time, there is a mutual feeling that the club is moving in right direction under Zidane. If Madrid can replicate the performance of their last 12 fixtures in La Liga they can surely win it next year.

Have your say Madridistas.

HALA MADRID!

Is Casillas right? Did Madrid ill-treated him?

Recently, Madrid legend Iker Casillas took a dig at his former teammate Arbeloa's sendoff. Casillas who won every possible trophy during his career at the Bernabeu.

"Every player that plays at Real Madrid deserves these kind of goodbyes, with their team-mates, with the fans. I'm grateful for everything he has given the team and I wish him all the best ahead of this new chapter in his life. Alvaro was a product of the youth academy and had to go elsewhere to prove he had the necessary quality to return and play for Real Madrid." ,Casillas said.

Casillas had a trophy laden spell at Madrid

 Arbeloa responded to what Casillas said, "My relationship with Casillas wasn't the best but that wasn't because I injured his hand - that was just accidental during a match. I'm lucky in that I got along with everyone. I'm grateful for what Casillas said because he had no need to and if he said it, it's because he felt it. Plus he can say whatever he wants. I'm lucky that I'm not spiteful as you can end up destroying yourself like that, and the relationship with Casillas is one of respect."

                                              Casillas cried while saying goodbye to Madrid last season

Arbeloa was given a rousing reception when he entered the field against Valencia in place of Cristiano ronaldo. Arbeloa was lifted up in the sky by fellow teammates. Casillas was not given such an amazing sendoff. On the other hand, Arbeloa did not have a great career at Madrid like that of Iker.

                                               Arbeloa was given an amazing farewell

Iker also said that he was a puppet in his last season at Madrid. He will reveal why he left Madrid when he'll write his autobiography. Are Madridistas too blind in their love for their club that they can't see that something's not right behind the scenes?  What did Casillas's words mean?  Cast your opinion Madridistas, is Casillas right?

HALA MADRID!

Happy birthday M12!

Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior turns 28 today. Heir to the legendary left-back Roberto Carlos. Roberto Carlos himself says, " Marcelo possesses a better technical ability than me." Marcelo possesses the heart of a true Madridista. Marcelo possesses the heart of a true Madridista. Marcelo plays with passion, sheer determination and sets an example each time he steps up on the pitch.

Every time Real make any attempt on goal Marcelo raises his hands while shouting screaming with passion for support of Madridistas. Fellow Madridistas can feel the passion driving through their vocal cords when they see Marcelo giving his all on the pitch for their beloved club.

                                                                   Marcelo in 2007

Marcelo was signed in January 2007, since then t has been a quite of fairytale for both the Madridistas and the player himself. Macelo played a big big part in La Decima winning season. Marcelo scored the third goal in the final at Lisbon; he ran through to two defenders and then slashed a fierce shot through defender's leg, Courtois got a hand to it but couldn't stop it.

                                                  Marcelo scored the third goal in the UCL final in Lisbon

Marcelo won La Liga in his debut season for Real. Winning a trophy just after 5 months was an early signal for Marcelo for the things to come. Marcelo is also known for his runs from behind, joins better in attack, knows a variety of tricks and flicks.

                                                              Marcelo's insane tricks
Marcelo's ability, speed running across the field, attack, and defence had enabled him to become a very important player for Real Madrid. Marcelo is often criticised for leaving loopholes in defence by going too far ahead in attack but Madridistas still believe that they have got the best left-back in the world.
Hala Madrid!

Quest for the title

As we approach to matchday 38, La Liga goes down to the wire. Madrid need Barcelona to drop points against Granada on matchday 38 meaning Madrid's Liga fate is in Barcelona's hand. It would have been much better to not be dependent on other team's result for the title.

Ups and Downs under Benitez:

Benitez was fired just 7 months after taking charge of Real Madrid

Under Rafa Benitez, Madrid made a disastrous start with a 0-0 stalemate against Sporting De Gijon. Such a devastating start to a new season was an early signal that Benitez would be sacked. Benitez lasted a half season with a not-so-good record in La Liga: 11 wins, 4 draws and 3 defeats. Benitez was battered by Barcelona on his Clasico debut 4-0 at the ESB, fans were left in dismay. Then Madrid had a small run of  4 victories, then 2 disastrous draws; a stalemate against Malaga at home and a 1-1 at the Vicente Calderon. Two consecutive defeats against Sevilla and Barcelona bewildered the fans.

                                                            When the downfall started                                      
Only high point I saw under Benitez was the hammering of Rayo Vallecano 10-2 at the Bernabeu. On the other hand, Madrid's eternal rivals Barcelona recovered from two unexpected defeats quickly. After the defeat to Sevilla, Barcelona went 22 matches unbeaten in La Liga winning 19 of them. Barca have better head-to-head against both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. Madrid's unfortunate expulsion from Copa Del Rey made things worse for Rafa Benitez. Finally Benitez was sacked. Even Cristiano Ronaldo was delighted by the sacking of the Spanish manager. By the time Rafa was sacked, Madrid were down on third, position in La Liga. Failure to win against Malaga at home and inability to take point(s) against Villareal away from home costed Madrid dearly in Liga. Injuries to Bale and Benzema were an important factor for Real's downfall in Liga.

                                      Defeat to Villarreal proved costly

Zidane to the rescue:

Zidane celebrating  a goal with Ramos and Ronaldo

After Zidane's appointment, Madrid's form in La Liga improved drastically. Players started performing better, players enjoyed themselves. Madridistas saw a bond between Zizou and players which they didn't see with Benitez. Barcelona's draw with Villareal coupled with Madrid's victory against Celta on matchday 30 reduced Barca's lead at the top to 6 points.

                                                                Villarreal 2-2 Barcelona

On matchday 31, Zidane became the first Real manager since Schuster to defeat Barcelona on his El Clasico debut. After defeat to Real, Barca suffered two more opunctures against Sociedad at Anoeta and Valencia at camp Nou. This coupled with Madrid's victories brought Real back in title contention.

What Madrid and Cristiano need:
Real need to take 3 points against Deportivo coupled with Barca either draw or lose against Granada.
As for 'Pichichi' and Golden Boot, CR7 needs to score 4/5 provided that Suarez doesn't score against Granada or scores no more than a goal to share trophy with suarez.

CR7 has won Pichichi trophy thrice

HALA MADRID!
Have your say in the comments section below

Can Zizou be Madrid's Ferguson?

On 4 January 2016, Real Madrid  promoted Zidane as the new manager. His debut was five days later, when we thrashed Deportivo La Coruña 5-0.

Zidane knows our club inside-out, he did a fantastic job with Castilla team. Before Zidane, no Real manager had beaten Barcelona on his El CLasico debut. The last manager before Ziziou to beat Barca on his Clasico debut was Bernd Schuster in Decmbr 2007. After that Juande Ramos was beaten 2-0, his successor Pellegrini lost 1-0; Mou was thrashed 5-0 in Camp Nou while Carlo Ancelotti was edged out by 3-4 at the ESB. Benitez lost 4-0 at the ESB earlier this season. But Zizou broke the curse, we won 1-2 at Camp Nou thanks to Ronaldo who scored a late winner. We didn't start the match well, we made a comeback. Ultimately this win against Barca became turning point in La Liga. Barca lost 2 Liga more games and their lead to top was cut down to a single point.

Thanks to Zizou we are currently on an 11-game winning streak in La Liga, by far the best this season in La Liga for us. With Atletico out of the title race with a game to go. Provided that Barcelona lose/draw against Granada on last matchay, we can win the Liga title. We have been impressive in UCL also, we made a great comeback against a great Wolfsburg side in the second leg, progressing 3-2 on aggregate. We made it to UCL semi-finals for the sixth consecutive time. We have kept an astonishing 9 clean sheets in 12 games thanks to Keylor Navas. 

CR7 scored a hattrick against Wolfsburg in the return leg at the ESB.

Benitez's failure to bond with the dressing room made the players discontented. Madrid dressing room adores Zizou. Since Zizou has taken over form of some players has been on rise. Bale, Carvajal, Marcelo, even Ronaldo look to enjoy themselves more on the pitch. It seems there is no more any divide in the dressing room. The players and the manager feel like one for some years now. Our playing style has improved much under Zizou. Under Mou, we only played counter-attack; while Ancelotti preferred a possession game but Zizou's style has proved to be a success. Had it not been for Bale and Benzema's injuries e may have topped the Liga by now. Our exclusion from Copa Del Rey under Benitez was hard luck. Benzema and Bale have so far scored 28 and 19 goals respectively. Injuries hindered them from contributing more to our season. Zidane has benched stars like Isco and James Rodrigues on a number of occasions, this shows that he has full support of staff and the president. this has been a break-through season for Casemiro, now starts in important games. He owned the MSN trio in Zizou's first Clasico as manager by cutting the supply lines.Under Zizou, we have played 25 games as of 8 may 2016; 20 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses with a win percentage of 80%.

Xavi branded our performance in Clasico "like a small team" but Zidane took a cautious approach and got the result. I know this is the modern era, managers don't last more 3-4 years, but have your say, can Zizou be Madrid's Ferguson?