..::Football III::..

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Cech: Arsenal will win Premier League

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech says the return to fitness of some of the club's best players will see them win the Premier League.

The Gunners were impressive in beating Manchester City 2-1 at the Emirates on Monday night, with that win meaning they have been beaten just once in their last 11 games.

Arsene Wenger's men have put together that streak without a host of key men, including Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla, Danny Welbeck, Tomas Rosicky and Francis Coquelin.

And Cech believes their efforts in light of those injuries prove they are more than capable of lifting the title in May.

He told BBC Sport: "The squad is very strong and once we have everybody available, the manager can use every player the way he likes. That will be to our advantage and we'll be able to go all the way.

"We've been through the season with plenty of problems.

"Everything isn't going as smoothly as we would like it to. We can't avoid injuries - sometimes you have more, sometimes you have less - but we showed that even with the unlucky injuries at the moment that we manage to win games.

"I believe we will benefit from players coming back into the team, once they are fit.

"The season is long and anything can happen. But if we stay where we are until March or April, then we have the chance to win the league."

 

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Ozil key to Arsenal title challenge - Mertesacker

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker believes Mesut Ozil will be the key in the club's run for the Premier League title this season.

Ozil was instrumental in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Manchester City on Monday, setting up both Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud for the side's goals as they moved to within two points of surprise leaders Leicester City.

The Germany international has amassed a total of 15 assists in the Premier League this season - more than double than the next best of Gerard Deulofeu and Riyad Mahrez (7). Ozil is on track to break former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry's Premier League record of 20 assists in a single season.

And Mertesacker believes Arsenal's hopes of winning the league for the first time since 2003-04 depends a lot on Ozil.

"He is vital for us, especially when we play deep [as we did against City],"Mertesacker said.

"We want to get him the ball in the final third, that is what we are trying to do every single time."He is the main threat and he gives a good pass at the right moment and he can see the difference so we try and find him.

"That is the solution for us, to expose the back four and then he is really dangerous when he gets into that pocket and plays the ball behind."We could have got more goals against City with a bit more will in the final third because obviously they open up."

 

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Amazing Martial has surprised me - Ogbonna

West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna heaped praise on Manchester United star Anthony Martial as he reflected on his first six months in a "crazy" Premier League.

The defender joined Slaven Bilic's team from Juventus in the close-season and has made 10 league appearances, with a hamstring injury briefly interrupting his early progress with the club.Ogbonna played against United in West Ham's 0-0 draw at Old Trafford earlier this month and he has spoken positively about striker Martial.

Asked who the biggest surprise has been since his move to England, he told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Manchester United’s Anthony Martial, he has an amazing personality.

"It is not easy to come over here at just 19 years old and put on the shirt of a club like United and break through straight away.

"Wayne Rooney also represents English football, whilst Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain impresses me a lot - he is a complete talent and it surprises me that Arsene Wenger doesn't use him more."

Ogbonna, 27, admitted the hectic pace of Premier League football has been the biggest change to get used to after switching from Serie A.He said: "There is a big difference in terms of the pace of the game between the Premier League and Serie A.

"Here you have to run non-stop and the intensity of the game is crazy, nobody gives up."Ogbonna also paid tribute to West Ham's supporters, comparing them to the close bond felt by fans and players at old club Torino.

"The club is something special for all of its fans," he continued. "It is not just a football club, it is much more. "There is a relationship with the supporters that just overwhelms all of the players and in that respect it is very similar to Torino.

"I am satisfied [with my first six months] but not content with how I have been physically. I started well but then the injury cut down my playing time, keeping me out for weeks. Now I have started to play again, so I can't really complain."

 

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Leicester can be top-four regulars, says King


Leicester City midfielder Andy King cannot see any reason why his side should not become regular top-four finishers in the Premier League.The pre-season relegation candidates have enjoyed a stunning first half of the season under Claudio Ranieri and sit top of the table at Christmas.

Five of the last six teams to hold the top spot at the festive period have gone on to win the Premier League, with Leicester facing a key clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

While King feels a title bid could be too much to ask for this season, he is confident about Leicester's chances of being a constant fixture in the Champions League spots during the years ahead and improving from there.

"It is a big couple of years," he told Sky Sports. "Challenging for the Premier League title is obviously a big ask, but I don't see any reason why we can't get in the top four or six, or even the top eight to start with and then try and build from there."That is the owners' vision. That is what they set out to do when they first took over the club. Ranieri is an experienced manager, he has managed in Europe and is doing really good job here.

"He is aware that he has inherited a good team and squad and maybe even better than what he thought he might be getting."

King also feels his side have the resilience and depth to remain at the top end of the table come the end of the campaign."When the fixtures were drawn at the start of the season we thought December could be a really tough period for us if we didn't make a good start.

"We then lost to Arsenal and people thought 'is that it, is that them finished now?' and we have bounced back."Now we are 10 unbeaten again, so we have got resilience and quality in depth which we can call upon when needed."

Following the Liverpool game, Leicester face title hopefuls Manchester City at home on December 29.

 

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Van Gaal demands apology - "I think I was already sacked"

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal demanded an apology from the media on Thursday for reports that he was set to be sacked as manager of the Premier League club.

Van Gaal has come under increasing pressure since Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Norwich City, with stories suggesting that the Old Trafford hierarchy had sounded out Jose Mourinho as a possible replacement.

And the United boss, speaking at a press conference ahead of the match with Stoke City, requested that the media say sorry to him for reporting that his sacking was imminent.

“Has anybody in this room not a feeling to apologise to me?” Van Gaal said. “That’s what I am wondering.

“I think I was already sacked I have read. Or have been sacked. Or that my colleague [Jose Mourinho] was here already.

"What do you think that happens with my wife or with my kids? Or with my grandchildren? Or with the fans of Manchester United? Or with my friends? What do you think?“They have called me, a lot of times, and also Arsene Wenger is saying something about that.

“Do you think I want to talk with the media now? I am here only because of the Premier League rules. I have to talk with you. But I can only see that when I talk to you that you put it in your context."


United face Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, before Chelsea travel to Old Trafford two days later.

 

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Van Gaal demands apology - "I think I was already sacked"

Comming soon​

 

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'No doubt' Man City can sign Messi, says Caballero

Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero believes there is "no doubt" that the club have what it takes to sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona.

Goal has previously reported that the Premier League club would be ready to do a deal for Messi should he ever decide to leave Camp Nou.

That is a stance now backed up by Caballero, who is convinced that City have both the desire and the financial means to make the historic transfer possible.

"That subject is talked about a lot and it's inevitable not to think or speak about it," he exclusively told Goal. "And then when you think that Kun [Sergio Aguero] is at the club and he's such a good friend of Messi...

"But until he's signed or not it's nothing more than a rumour. But yes, I understand that it's possible, because this club has massive economic power. The expensive players that the club has at the moment shows that it can deal with high prices.

"Because of that it seems that they can try to sign Messi if he decides to leave Barcelona. No doubt that City can get Messi, but everything depends on what Leo wants to do."

Caballero earned his first call-up to the Argentina national team in 2014, at the age of 33, and has struggled to get back into the international fold since.

But he says he has already been able to enjoying playing alongside Messi and is clearly excited about the prospect of doing so in Manchester.

"I'm already grateful to the club I'm playing for, but imagine that!" he added. "It wouldn't just be another star in a team full of stars, it would be the best in the world in your team.

"Having the chance to enjoy that in the national team and imagining to be able to have him in my team, it would be the best in the world."

 

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'Leg feeling really good!' - Shaw gives injury update

Luke Shaw has given an update on his horrific leg break as the Manchester United defender continues his injury rehabilitation.

The 20-year-old was ruled out for the majority of the season after suffering a double fracture of his right leg following a tackle by PSV defender Hector Moreno in September.

Shaw, who overcame a tough debut season to impress during pre-season and the start of the campaign, is not expected back until March and is likely to see little first-team action before the end of the season.

Shaw has struggled with the injury, with Louis van Gaal revealing in November that the left-back was "fed up" and duly allowed time off to regain focus.

 

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Hughes: United should be entertaining

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes believes Manchester United are failing their fans by not playing entertaining football under Louis van Gaal.

Former United forward Hughes is still regarded in relatively high esteem among the Old Trafford faithful given he went on to play for Chelsea and has managed Manchester City, perhaps speaking for his own ability to entertain as a player.

Hughes scored 163 goals in 473 appearances for Manchester United across two separate stints, winning two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

But Hughes believes the United team have failed in their duty to entertain, suggesting most players are not handling the pressure that comes with playing at Old Trafford amid a six-game winless streak in all competitions.

"There's a responsibility to entertain. You're on a huge stage playing for a world renowned club. That's always been the Manchester United way," Hughes said.

"It's always been woven into fabric of the club and the teams that have put the shirt on.

"It's a huge demand to play for Manchester United and a lot of players can't deal with it. Over the years there have been some outstanding players which have gone to Manchester United and haven't been able to deal with the expectation that comes with being a United player. That can have an effect.

"I think there is a little bit of noise surrounding the club and debate about how they are playing – which way the club is going. I think with all United teams there is a responsibility and an onus on the players to go out and perform like Man United players, and understand what the demands of being part of a big club like Man United entails."

United manager Van Gaal has found his job become increasingly uncertain as pressure continues to pile on him following three consecutive defeats.Hughes commended United's ability to control games with possession, but said his old club have to get back to entertaining fans if they wanted the boo-boys to back down.

"People go to United in numbers and if the level of performance isn't correct then they will let their feelings be known," Hughes said."That's what happens here as well. Nobody backs away from that.

"You understand as a manager that if your team is not functioning as well as your fans think they should then questions will be asked and people will vent their frustration towards you. It's nothing new, and it will never change."

 

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Hiddink still haunted by Netherlands sacking

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink admitted he is still frustrated at his sacking as Netherlands manager as he defended his recent coaching record.

The 69-year-old has replaced the sacked Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge and will take charge until the end of the season having previously had a spell at the helm in 2009.

At his first media conference, Hiddink was asked whether Chelsea fans should be concerned by his recent failures at international level, prompting him to defend his spells with Russia and Turkey, while speaking about his disappointment at being sacked by Netherlands - who ultimately failed to qualify for Euro 2016 - in June.

"Regarding the last job with Holland of course they had a very good result in the last World Cup in Brazil [finishing third] and then you get all kinds of expectation and a little bit of a hangover," he said.

"Unfortunately – and I regret it myself very much – I could not finish that job because the general director decided to quit my job halfway through qualification when we were in third position. "To be honest I was very disappointed about that decision because we were in the driving seat to go into the last three or four games and to get it done. So I could not finish the job and that was disappointing for me.

"You have to analyse every country. I think with Russia we did a very good European championship [in 2008], we had a lack of one goal [against Slovenia in the play-off] for World Cup qualification and it was a tough group with the opponents we played – even England found that [against Slovenia].

"With Turkey it was the same - we had to play Germany with just one qualifying [from the group] and the second going into the play-offs, and then [we lost to] Croatia. Then you are very close but, nevertheless, the fact is there was no qualification.

 

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Raul hints at future Real Madrid role

Real Madrid legend Raul has not ruled out returning to the club as its coach in the future.

The 38-year-old retired from football after helping New York Cosmos to the North American Soccer League title in November.It brought to end a career that saw the former Spain international score 323 goals and win 16 titles with Madrid, before playing in Germany and Qatar.

Now retired, Raul has hinted he would consider a return to the Spanish capital in the future to take the reins of the club he represented with distinction, once he has completed his coaching badges."Will I coach Real Madrid? That's the main question I get asked these days," he is quoted as saying by AS. "But I feel that it's not the right time at present.

"I've yet to secure my coaching badges and I feel there is plenty of time ahead."Real Madrid is my home; the club gave me everything as a player.

"I'm well-known as a Madrid player but my experiences at Schalke, Qatar and with the Cosmos have also been rewarding."However, Real Madrid is my passion and I am sure at some point in the future I'll end up back there."

Raul's former team-mate, Castilla boss Zinedine Zidane, is one of the favourites to succeed Rafael Benitez should the latter receive the axe at los Blancos.

 

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Furious Van Gaal walks out of press conference

Under-fire Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal decided to cut his press conference short on Wednesday, accusing the media of lacking respect for him before exiting after less than five minutes.

The Dutchman's future has been the source of mounting speculation over recent days in light of United's three-game losing streak and six-match spell without a win.
Jose Mourinho's sacking at Chelsea has also seemingly piled on the pressure, with many predicting the Portuguese could take over at Old Trafford imminently.

And Van Gaal responded with a stern address at his obligatory pre-match press conference for the Boxing Day visit to Stoke City, asking reporters to apologise to him before calmly leaving the room.

"Has anybody in this room not a feeling to apologise to me? Nobody has that feeling? That’s what I am wondering," said the 64-year-old after being asked an opening question regarding speculation over his future.

"I think I was already sacked, I have read I have been sacked and my colleague was here already.

"What do you think happens with my wife, or with my kids, or with my grandchildren, or with the fans of Manchester United, or my friends? What do you think? They have called me a lot of times, and also Arsene Wenger is saying something about it.

"Do you think that I want to talk with the media now? I am here only because of the Premier League rule… I have to talk with you."

When asked whether speculation was inevitable given United's poor run, he added: "I don’t think that you can do that. You have to stick by the facts and when I get calls off Alex Ferguson, and David Gill, and Ed Woodward because you are creating something which is not good, which is not fact…

"Now I have to answer questions? I don’t think I want to do it. I only say now I am focused on Stoke City, I help my players.

"I wish you a Merry Christmas and also maybe a Happy New Year when I see you. Enjoy the wine and a mince pie. Goodbye."

It is understood that word has reached Van Gaal that United's legal team were working late into the night on Sunday, leaving the manager unsure of his position at the club.

He now takes his side to Stoke on Saturday looking for only a fourth win in 14 games, and United then host Chelsea at Old Trafford two days later.


The Red Devils currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, nine points behind leaders Leicester City.

 

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Louis van Gaal's sensational Man United press conference

Louis van Gaal stormed out of Manchester United's pre-match press conference ahead of their visit to Stoke City on Saturday after answering only two questions.

The Dutchman has come under intense pressure in recent days after a 2-1 loss to Norwich City saw United fall nine points behind leaders Leicester City in the Premier League table.

Recently-sacked ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is the favourite to replace Van Gaal in the Old Trafford dugout should the 64-year-old be dismissed.

Van Gaal was not happy with the recent swirl of rumours, however, with the media accused of lacking respect before he walked out under five minutes later.

Read Van Gaal's press conference in full below.

“Has anybody in this room not a feeling to apologise to me? That's what I am wondering.“I think I was already sacked I have read. Or have been sacked. Or that my colleague [Mourinho] was here already.

“What do you think that happens with my wife or with my kids? Or with my grandchildren? Or with the fans of Manchester United? Or with my friends? What do you think?“They have called me, a lot of times, and also Arsene Wenger is saying something about that.

“Do you think I want to talk with the media now? I am here only because of the Premier League rules. I have to talk with you. But I can only see that when I talk to you that you put it in your context.“I have tried to lift the confidence of my players. I have done everything this week.

“I have held meetings, evaluation meetings with the players, with members of staff, I have held a Christmas lunch, I gave a speech and I feel the warmth and the the support of everybody at Carrington, this AON Training Complex.“But I didn't feel that [warmth] in the media. I can imagine that you can write about that subject.

“We are not in a good position but four weeks ago we were in first place and in about four weeks we can again be in that position again.

"You have to stick by the facts and when I get calls from Ed Woodward, Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill, because you are creating something that is not good, that is not being the facts, and now I have to answer questions. I don't think I want to do it.

“I am focused on Stoke City. I wish you a Merry Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas and also maybe a Happy New Year when I see you.
"Enjoy the wine and mince pies. Goodbye."

 

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Furious Van Gaal walk-out only adds to pressure on Man Utd boss

“I wish you a Merry Christmas and also maybe a Happy New Year when I see you. Enjoy the wine and a mince pie. Goodbye.”

And with that, Louis van Gaal was gone. Less than five minutes into the press conference called to preview Saturday’s clash with Stoke City, the Manchester United manager was striding out of the room. Having spoken of his distaste for speculation regarding his future, he had done what he had come to do.
But if Van Gaal thought the media had been rough on him before now, he has surely only made matters worse for himself.

"I don't think that you can do that [speculate], because you have to stick by the facts," he told the media. "And when I get calls of Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill and Ed Woodward because you are creating something that is not good, that is not being the facts, and now I have to answer questions? I don't think I want to do it."

His insistence that he should have been immune to speculation is frankly bizarre given United’s recent run, which has seen them collect only three wins from 13 games. And the claim that United could be back at the top of the Premier League within four weeks, while not entirely deluded, was extremely optimistic given their relative form to those teams around them.
He may well have felt buoyed by the behind-the-scenes meetings he has held this week to an apparently positive audience of players and staff, but there is clearly a lot still wrong at Manchester United Football Club right now. It will take much more than four weeks and surly speeches to the media to fix it.

They may be called press conferences but these are meant to be opportunities for fan bases to be informed of key issues at their clubs. Whether team news, general club feeling or manager’s thoughts, supporters across the world have made these pre-match briefings just as much an appointment to view as the actual matches they precede.

But if United fans have learned anything from Van Gaal’s pantomime performance on Wednesday, it is that the Dutchman is seriously feeling the heat.

Saturday’s result against Stoke, and Van Gaal’s reaction to it, just got a whole lot more crucial.

 

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Man United have the team spirit to recover, insists Young

Ashley Young insists Manchester United are fully committed to turning around their dismal recent form beginning from their visit to Stoke City.Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Norwich City extended United's winless run to six games in all competitions and piled further pressure on Louis van Gaal.

The manager walked out of a press conference on Wednesday after accusing the media of undermining his position.His outburst followed reports of a potential move to replace him with Jose Mourinho and claims that the United dressing room has reached breaking point.

Young, however, is adamant the spirit within the squad remains strong and says every player is determined to arrest their run of poor results."Not winning the last six games for a club like us is disappointing," the winger told MUTV.

"We're not used to not winning games, everyone in the dressing room is a winner and we want to get back to winning ways. That's what we're trying to do."Obviously everyone is disappointed with the last few games but I've always said the team spirit we have is fantastic.

"There are always smiles on faces and all of us want to put things right and that's the way it has to be. There is no player who doesn't want to go out there and win.
"Everyone has that winning mentality and wants to turn things around, and that's what everyone will be looking to do in the next game."

United face Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, and Young says United are fully focused on collecting three points from a difficult game."We're the players who are out there on the pitch and we haven't been performing as well as we have done in the past," he added.

"It's not going to be an easy game at Stoke at this time of year but it's never easy to go there and get three points. We'll be looking to do that and bounce back.
"We've got that team spirit to show the strength that we can turn things around."

 

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Manchester City's new badge revealed ahead of Boxing Day release

Has Manchester City's brand new badge been discovered online?

City decided to redesign the club crest earlier this year after giving supporters the opportunity to voice their opinions on the current design and whether they wanted something a little more modern.

The current badge - featuring an eagle and three purely decorative stars - has been in use since 1997, but the month-long consultation period discovered an overwhelming demand for a round emblem.

The Blues were set for a big reveal on Boxing Day after posting cryptic messages around Manchester over the last few days.

 

[unicornx]

Bro did you really forgot the game Of Sri Lanka vs. Nepal? Shouldn't we appreciate that last minute effort? Yeah they are not updated on GOAL.COM nor made to the local news Going behind EPL and La Liga but not giving a single shit to Local victories sums up the story

 

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Bro did you really forgot the game Of Sri Lanka vs. Nepal? Shouldn't we appreciate that last minute effort? Yeah they are not updated on GOAL.COM nor made to the local news Going behind EPL and La Liga but not giving a single shit to Local victories sums up the story

Yes bro.

mamath meh oya kiwwata passe dakke.1-0 win karala neda SL​

 

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Hiddink ready to axe underperforming players

New Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has laid down the law to his players, telling them they have an obligation to succeed.

The 69-year-old was speaking ahead of Watford's visit, his first game in his second stint back at the club with ex-boss Jose Mourinho sacked last Thursday.

Mourinho was sacked despite guiding the Blues to the Premier League title last season, with the side enduring a spectacular collapse and getting sucked into the relegation fight this term.

And Hiddink has announced to his squad that he expects an immediate turnaround in form and results, demanding to see desire from his charges.

"Even if your boss is only temporary, he can kick you around," the former Netherlands coach told reporters. "I'm not going to be begging them [the players] to perform.

"They have a profound obligation to perform. They are here at a big club. They are well paid. They must have the heart full of the desire of an amateur.

"If they don't have that desire, then I will say, 'Thank you very much, goodbye'. I don't need players who don't have the desire.

"Last week they were one point off the relegation places which was frightening for everyone in the club.

"I don't know why they have not been performing. It's difficult to judge. But I don't want to know. I want to have a blank approach to them. I have to make my own decisions."

Despite his arrangement to lead the club lasting till May, with Chelsea believed to be one of the sides lined up to hire outgoing Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola, Hiddink is not ruling out staying beyond.

"It is a few years ago I was here in a similar situation,” he said. "I have to feel inside my heart that I have that passion to work with the guys.

"We said let’s go to May and then we’ll see what will happen. As long as I feel the desire, I will go on.

"With Chelsea, it was a quick decision. I have the experience to know when even though the job is tough, I should go for it.

 

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Perez & Benitez put on united front amid Mourinho rumours

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has urged the club's supporters to remain united amid criticism of coach Rafael Benitez and suggestions Jose Mourinho could return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Benitez has had a difficult start to life at Madrid with his team two points off leaders Barcelona, having played a game more, while also enduring a 4-0 Clasico defeat at the hands of the Spanish champions.

Former Madrid boss and longtime adversary Mourinho has been linked with a return to the club following his departure from Chelsea but Perez used his traditional Christmas address to urge supporters to back Benitez and his squad.

"I would like to convey a message of unity and excitement," said the president.

"There are millions of Madridistas scattered all over the world and, as is the case for families at this time of year, this is a good opportunity to strengthen the bond that unites us all.

"Real Madrid is an incredible passion we all share and represents a set of values that we must continue to instill in the younger generations.

"We wake up each morning spurred on in our quest to add to our legend and nothing matters more in this regard than standing united, that is what will make us even greater and stronger.

"I wish you all a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones."

Benitez has been forced to play down suggestions of dressing room unrest during his maiden campaign at the club and Mourinho's availability has only fuelled speculation over the Spaniard's future.

"My wish is that all the Real Madrid supporters can enjoy good health and enjoy the holidays with their families," Benitez added.

"I hope we can celebrate a lot of wins for them. I wish all the fans a very Merry Christmas."

Captain Sergio Ramos said: "Of course it goes without saying, we the team are going to give it our all to make 2016 a great year and ensure we are able to celebrate important silverware in Cibeles at the end of the season with all the supporters."