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Farewell Alfredo Di Stefano - football has lost a Real genius
“I always say that we have three players on the podium; Di Stefano, Maradona and Messi.”
These were the words of Diego Maradona just a fortnight ago as he interviewed ex-England striker Gary Lineker on his World Cup chat show.
Just like his compatriot Maradona, it was clear from a very young age that Alfredo Di Stefano was destined for greatness. Born on July 4, 1926, he shot to fame with his beloved River Plate as a teenager – scoring 53 goals in 72 games and inspiring Argentina to the 1947 Copa America where he struck six times.
Di Stefano’s club career in Argentina was relatively short-lived. In 1949, Colombia broke away from Fifa to create a rebel league – luring a host of South America’s biggest names including Di Stefano. The forward won three league titles and scored a phenomenal 267 goals in 294 games to turn heads in Europe – including those at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It is with Real Madrid that Di Stefano will forever be associated. He joined the club in 1953 in what is still one of the most controversial transfers of all time. Despite having already signed for arch-rivals Barcelona, Franco-backed Madrid continued to conduct negotiations with Millionarios – leading to a federative ruling which required the forward to play alternate seasons with both clubs. Barcelona pulled out of the deal, and Di Stefano went on to enjoy 11 incredible playing seasons in the Spanish capital.
He scored 305 goals in 392 appearances for the Blancos – a goal tally only bettered by Raul, who needed over 400 more games to surpass the ‘Blond Arrow’. He won eight La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, Intercontinental Cup and five Pichichi trophies.
But most memorably he led Madrid to five successive European Cup triumphs, as the Spaniards dominated the newly-formed competition. Di Stefano scored in all five finals, including a hat-trick in the epic 7-3 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt at Hampden Park in 1960. His total of 49 European Cup goals stood as a record for more than 40 years.
Together with Francisco Gento and Ferenc Puskas, Di Stefano formed one of the most unstoppable attacking trios the game has ever seen. The three stars also lined up together for Spain, Di Stefano acquiring Spanish citizenship in 1956 and scoring 23 goals in 31 games for his adopted nation. Sadly, an injury on the eve of the 1962 World Cup prevented him from ever starring at the finals of football’s most prestigious tournament. He actually featured for three nations, having also played four times for Colombia.
Di Stefano was years ahead of his time. Despite nominally being an attacker, he regularly dropped into midfield and even into defence in order to direct the play and organise his team. He was a total footballer 20 years before Johan Cruyff and the great Ajax and Netherlands sides of the 1970s.
In terms of game intelligence, very few can compare. "He saw things others didn't see. He knew the game back to front," the late Puskas said of his former team-mate. Di Stefano identified space and patterns of play, and devastatingly used it to his and his team's advantage. He was the conductor of the orchestra - having him in your team was "like having two players in every position" as his Madrid coach Miguel Munoz put it.
Legendary former Inter boss Helenio Herrera, who masterminded a 3-1 European Cup final win over Di Stefano in one of his final games for Madrid, stated: "Di Stefano was the greatest footballer of all time - far better than Pele. He was, simultaneously, the anchor in defence, the playmaker in midfield, and the most dangerous attacker up-front."
Di Stefano won two Ballons D'Or and played two more seasons at Espanyol before hanging up his playing boots in 1966 at the age of 40.
He moved into management where he enjoyed less luck with Real Madrid. He earned the reputation as something of a nearly-man as the Blancos finished runners-up for five trophies – including the 1983-84 Cup Winners’ Cup final which was lost to Sir Alex Ferguson’s giantkillers of Aberdeen. But away from Madrid, his coaching career was a success as he won Argentine league titles with Boca Juniors and River, as well as the Spanish Liga and Cup Winners’ Cup with Valencia.
In 2000, Di Stefano was named Real Madrid Honorary President and he had been a very public face of the club over the last decade – particularly during the presentation of superstar signings such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
On July 7, 2014, just three days after his 88th birthday, Di Stefano died after suffering a heart attack in Madrid on Saturday. The sport is left with a gaping hole following his passing.
A giant of the game has been lost, a true genius and the biggest name in the history of the Champions League's most successful club.
"Football has given me everything," Di Stefano once replied when asked to sum up his career. He has given football much, much more.
'Minor details will decide Brazil-Germany' - Low
Joachim Low is confident that Germany can put up a good fight against Brazil when the two sides meet in the World Cup semi-final and feels the match will be decided by a minor detail.
Die Mannschaft have been in impressive form so far this summer, topping Group G with seven points before disposing of Algeria and France to set up Tuesday's semi-final with Brazil.
Although Luiz Felipe Scolari's side have made it to the semi-final, their performances have failed to hit the heights expected. Low admitted the hosts are a strong team, but insists his side can match them.
"We all know how strong Brazil are," he told a press conference. "They were the big favourites right from the start and the players have mostly coped with this role outstandingly.
"They underlined at the Confederations Cup last year that the expectation levels lift them further and the pressure doesn't numb them.
"What they've done is good for the whole tournament; it's good when the hosts go so far, but we're self-confident and we've gelled more as the tournament has progressed.
"We'll devise a good plan and give Brazil a real fight. The chances are even and it's going to come down to something really minor, who reaches the final."The 54-year-old said he is excited about the semi-finals, labelling it as a match between the two continents.
Low continued: "These two semi-finals are a battle of the continents. Europe against South America."We've been in at least the semi-finals of the last four World Cups and that just shows that we've been playing consistently at the very highest level.
"One thing is for sure - we desperately want to play in the Maracana in Rio again, on 13 July. We are not done yet."
Joachim Low is confident that Germany can put up a good fight against Brazil when the two sides meet in the World Cup semi-final and feels the match will be decided by a minor detail.
Die Mannschaft have been in impressive form so far this summer, topping Group G with seven points before disposing of Algeria and France to set up Tuesday's semi-final with Brazil.
Although Luiz Felipe Scolari's side have made it to the semi-final, their performances have failed to hit the heights expected. Low admitted the hosts are a strong team, but insists his side can match them.
"We all know how strong Brazil are," he told a press conference. "They were the big favourites right from the start and the players have mostly coped with this role outstandingly.
"They underlined at the Confederations Cup last year that the expectation levels lift them further and the pressure doesn't numb them.
"What they've done is good for the whole tournament; it's good when the hosts go so far, but we're self-confident and we've gelled more as the tournament has progressed.
"We'll devise a good plan and give Brazil a real fight. The chances are even and it's going to come down to something really minor, who reaches the final."The 54-year-old said he is excited about the semi-finals, labelling it as a match between the two continents.
Low continued: "These two semi-finals are a battle of the continents. Europe against South America."We've been in at least the semi-finals of the last four World Cups and that just shows that we've been playing consistently at the very highest level.
"One thing is for sure - we desperately want to play in the Maracana in Rio again, on 13 July. We are not done yet."
Germany want strong ref against 'brutal' Brazil
Germany coach Joachim Low and defender Jerome Boateng have called for strong refereeing from Mexican official Marco Rodriguez in their side's World Cup semi-final clash with Brazil on Tuesday.
Brazil's players committed 31 fouls in their quarter-final win over Colombia on Friday and Low claims many of those were cynical actions which interrupted promising attacks.
"I saw the game between Brazil and Colombia and there were many fouls by both teams," he said at the pre-match press conference at the Estadio Mineirao on Monday.
"There were many fouls where a player jumped on another's back to stop his rival. The fouls I saw were not players chasing the ball and trying to win possession.
"There were brutal fouls. People blocking opponents however they could. It was really exaggerated. That's what we saw on the pitch, so I hope these really brutal and crude fouls are stopped, or we won't see players like Lionel Messi, Mesut Ozil or Neymar - we'll just see players who go out to destroy.
"This is a World Cup that's full of dynamism and physical force, but I have seen matches where the limits have been surpassed."
The Germany coach then called for a strong performance from referee Rodriguez as his side attempt to silence the host nation.
"I hope the referee, Mr Rodriguez from Mexico, will clamp down on things," Low added.
"That physical energy in the match against Colombia went beyond the limits in Europe. When I saw that match... in Europe, 22 players wouldn't have ended that match."
And Boateng said: "We saw a lot of tackles from behind in Colombia against Brazil and it went beyond what was acceptable."
Germany coach Joachim Low and defender Jerome Boateng have called for strong refereeing from Mexican official Marco Rodriguez in their side's World Cup semi-final clash with Brazil on Tuesday.
Brazil's players committed 31 fouls in their quarter-final win over Colombia on Friday and Low claims many of those were cynical actions which interrupted promising attacks.
"I saw the game between Brazil and Colombia and there were many fouls by both teams," he said at the pre-match press conference at the Estadio Mineirao on Monday.
"There were many fouls where a player jumped on another's back to stop his rival. The fouls I saw were not players chasing the ball and trying to win possession.
"There were brutal fouls. People blocking opponents however they could. It was really exaggerated. That's what we saw on the pitch, so I hope these really brutal and crude fouls are stopped, or we won't see players like Lionel Messi, Mesut Ozil or Neymar - we'll just see players who go out to destroy.
"This is a World Cup that's full of dynamism and physical force, but I have seen matches where the limits have been surpassed."
The Germany coach then called for a strong performance from referee Rodriguez as his side attempt to silence the host nation.
"I hope the referee, Mr Rodriguez from Mexico, will clamp down on things," Low added.
"That physical energy in the match against Colombia went beyond the limits in Europe. When I saw that match... in Europe, 22 players wouldn't have ended that match."
And Boateng said: "We saw a lot of tackles from behind in Colombia against Brazil and it went beyond what was acceptable."
Suarez would be a great signing for Barca, says Deulofeu
Gerard Deulofeu has stated that Luis Suarez would be a "great signing" for Barcelona should he move to the Catalan giants.
Barca are said to be very interested in the Uruguayan star, who is banned from all football-related activity for four months for biting Giorginio Chiellini during their World Cup clash with Italy.
And Deulofeu, who returned to Catalonia this summer after a season on loan at Everton, has expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing with Suarez to the Camp Nou.
"He [Suarez] is a very interesting player," he told Mundo Deportivo. "For me, he’s one of the best strikers in the world and if he comes he would be a great signing.
"I've never had an idol but I watched Ronaldinho, and then players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi. They are so good, it’s impossible not to notice them.
"It’s a shame [Victor Valdes and Carles Puyol] will leave. We’ll miss them and we’ll see if Xavi goes, but there are players like Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. They help the young people a lot."Deulofeu is confident that his time at Everton has put him in a good position to make a mark with Luis Enrique’s side.
"I really want to start the season, for everything to go well and to win everything with Barca."I worked hard at Everton, I learned many things and I was lucky enough to achieve my goal of returning home.
"I learned personally and in football. Until you’re away, and you have no family, the food, the weather, you don’t know what you have and you learn to value things."[Messi, Neymar and Suarez] are the best players but I am confident in myself. I think a lot of my chances and I work every day hoping to get my challenge.
"For now I’m on vacation, what I have to do is work hard and do what the coach decides."Just getting in the team will make me happy. Collectively the requirement of the club is to win titles.
"I like a little pressure. That’s how football goes. I think that without pressure we can’t be the best."
Gerard Deulofeu has stated that Luis Suarez would be a "great signing" for Barcelona should he move to the Catalan giants.
Barca are said to be very interested in the Uruguayan star, who is banned from all football-related activity for four months for biting Giorginio Chiellini during their World Cup clash with Italy.
And Deulofeu, who returned to Catalonia this summer after a season on loan at Everton, has expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing with Suarez to the Camp Nou.
"He [Suarez] is a very interesting player," he told Mundo Deportivo. "For me, he’s one of the best strikers in the world and if he comes he would be a great signing.
"I've never had an idol but I watched Ronaldinho, and then players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi. They are so good, it’s impossible not to notice them.
"It’s a shame [Victor Valdes and Carles Puyol] will leave. We’ll miss them and we’ll see if Xavi goes, but there are players like Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. They help the young people a lot."Deulofeu is confident that his time at Everton has put him in a good position to make a mark with Luis Enrique’s side.
"I really want to start the season, for everything to go well and to win everything with Barca."I worked hard at Everton, I learned many things and I was lucky enough to achieve my goal of returning home.
"I learned personally and in football. Until you’re away, and you have no family, the food, the weather, you don’t know what you have and you learn to value things."[Messi, Neymar and Suarez] are the best players but I am confident in myself. I think a lot of my chances and I work every day hoping to get my challenge.
"For now I’m on vacation, what I have to do is work hard and do what the coach decides."Just getting in the team will make me happy. Collectively the requirement of the club is to win titles.
"I like a little pressure. That’s how football goes. I think that without pressure we can’t be the best."
Netherlands can beat Argentina, says Hiddink
Guus Hiddink believes Netherlands have plenty of reasons to be confident when they face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals.
Louis van Gaal's men booked their place in the last four in dramatic fashion on Saturday, beating Costa Rica 4-3 on penalties after 120 minutes of football ended goalless.
The most notable moment in the contest came when Van Gaal made the controversial decision to bring on substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul in favour of number one shot-stopper Jasper Cillessen for the shootout.
It was a move that paid dividends as Krul, who dived the correct way for every one of Costa Rica's penalties, made two crucial saves to ensure the Oranje progressed.
Hiddink, who will take over from Manchester United-bound Van Gaal after the World Cup for a second stint in charge of the national side, praised the switch as "excellent" and hopes Netherlands can reach a second-successive final by beating Argentina.Speaking of Van Gaal's risky decision, Hiddink told De Telegraaf: "The technical team has done great preparation. [It was] a great example of teamwork.
"If you see the qualities of this team we should have confidence [against Argentina].
"Of course the Argentines have [Lionel] Messi who can do something crazy, but we have [Arjen] Robben who can do that too."
Guus Hiddink believes Netherlands have plenty of reasons to be confident when they face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals.
Louis van Gaal's men booked their place in the last four in dramatic fashion on Saturday, beating Costa Rica 4-3 on penalties after 120 minutes of football ended goalless.
The most notable moment in the contest came when Van Gaal made the controversial decision to bring on substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul in favour of number one shot-stopper Jasper Cillessen for the shootout.
It was a move that paid dividends as Krul, who dived the correct way for every one of Costa Rica's penalties, made two crucial saves to ensure the Oranje progressed.
Hiddink, who will take over from Manchester United-bound Van Gaal after the World Cup for a second stint in charge of the national side, praised the switch as "excellent" and hopes Netherlands can reach a second-successive final by beating Argentina.Speaking of Van Gaal's risky decision, Hiddink told De Telegraaf: "The technical team has done great preparation. [It was] a great example of teamwork.
"If you see the qualities of this team we should have confidence [against Argentina].
"Of course the Argentines have [Lionel] Messi who can do something crazy, but we have [Arjen] Robben who can do that too."
Martins Indi: We must make sure Messi doesn’t get the ball
Bruno Martins Indi insists that Netherlands can beat Argentina in their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, stressing they must nullify the effect of Lionel Messi.
The four-time Ballon d’Or winner has been in great form so far this summer, scoring four goals in three group-stage games as well as playing a decisive role in both the Albiceleste’s second-round victory over Switzerland and their quarter-final triumph over Belgium.
Netherland beat Costa Rica in a penalty shootout to set up a semi-final meeting with Alejandro Sabella's side and Martins Indi believes keeping Messi quiet throughout the game is key.
"Argentina is still a very good team," the Dutch defender told NUSport. "But Belgium also got some chances against them. I’ve watched that match."Every team has strong and weak points. We have to make sure that Messi doesn't get the ball."
The Feyenoord player believes that the Oranje are improving defensively and the tournament has helped him develop.
"Look at the way we are positioned in defence,” he began, “I'm doing things differently then I used to do, and I try to read the game a lot more.
"When you play against the best players in the world, you'll only get better."
Bruno Martins Indi insists that Netherlands can beat Argentina in their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, stressing they must nullify the effect of Lionel Messi.
The four-time Ballon d’Or winner has been in great form so far this summer, scoring four goals in three group-stage games as well as playing a decisive role in both the Albiceleste’s second-round victory over Switzerland and their quarter-final triumph over Belgium.
Netherland beat Costa Rica in a penalty shootout to set up a semi-final meeting with Alejandro Sabella's side and Martins Indi believes keeping Messi quiet throughout the game is key.
"Argentina is still a very good team," the Dutch defender told NUSport. "But Belgium also got some chances against them. I’ve watched that match."Every team has strong and weak points. We have to make sure that Messi doesn't get the ball."
The Feyenoord player believes that the Oranje are improving defensively and the tournament has helped him develop.
"Look at the way we are positioned in defence,” he began, “I'm doing things differently then I used to do, and I try to read the game a lot more.
"When you play against the best players in the world, you'll only get better."
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Caballero on verge of Manchester City move after completing medical
Malaga goalkeeper Willy Caballero has completed a medical ahead of his move to Manchester City, Goal understands.
The Argentine flew into Manchester on Monday having cut short his post-season holiday and is expected to sign a three-year deal with the Premier League champions worth €56,000 per week.
Goal understands that City have agreed an €8 million fee with Malaga for the shot-stopper, who has made over 100 Primera Division appearances for the Spanish side since signing from Elche back in 2011.
City are looking for a goalkeeper to challenge Joe Hart for the No.1 jersey next season, with Costel Pantilimon having left the club to join Sunderland after his contract expired earlier in the summer.
Hart was again called into question for his performances with England at the World Cup, while he was dropped by City boss Manuel Pellegrini during the 2013-14 campaign after a series of high-profile errors.
Caballero, who worked with Pellegrini during his time in charge of Malaga, has developed a reputation as one of the leading goalkeepers in Spain's top flight and was previously linked with Barcelona before the Catalans signed Claudio Bravo from Real Sociedad.
City have already been active in the summer transfer window, with Bacary Sagna having arrived on a free transfer from Arsenal, while defensive midfielder Fernando has also signed and Bruno Zuculini is set to be confirmed within the coming days.
Convincing Yaya Toure to stay is set to be Pellegrini's main objective, however, with the Ivorian set for crunch talks with the club over his future after he suggested that City did not allow him leave to visit his dying brother in hospital.
Malaga goalkeeper Willy Caballero has completed a medical ahead of his move to Manchester City, Goal understands.
The Argentine flew into Manchester on Monday having cut short his post-season holiday and is expected to sign a three-year deal with the Premier League champions worth €56,000 per week.
Goal understands that City have agreed an €8 million fee with Malaga for the shot-stopper, who has made over 100 Primera Division appearances for the Spanish side since signing from Elche back in 2011.
City are looking for a goalkeeper to challenge Joe Hart for the No.1 jersey next season, with Costel Pantilimon having left the club to join Sunderland after his contract expired earlier in the summer.
Hart was again called into question for his performances with England at the World Cup, while he was dropped by City boss Manuel Pellegrini during the 2013-14 campaign after a series of high-profile errors.
Caballero, who worked with Pellegrini during his time in charge of Malaga, has developed a reputation as one of the leading goalkeepers in Spain's top flight and was previously linked with Barcelona before the Catalans signed Claudio Bravo from Real Sociedad.
City have already been active in the summer transfer window, with Bacary Sagna having arrived on a free transfer from Arsenal, while defensive midfielder Fernando has also signed and Bruno Zuculini is set to be confirmed within the coming days.
Convincing Yaya Toure to stay is set to be Pellegrini's main objective, however, with the Ivorian set for crunch talks with the club over his future after he suggested that City did not allow him leave to visit his dying brother in hospital.
'Legends never die' - Ronaldo & Messi lead Di Stefano tributes
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and a host of other names from the world of football have paid tribute to Real Madrid icon Alfredo Di Stefano, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
Di Stefano, who won five European Cups in the great Madrid side of the 1950s and 60s, suffered a cardiac arrest in the street on Friday and died after his condition worsened on Monday.
Madrid president Florentino Perez described the Argentine as "the greatest player of all time" in a personal tribute and Ronaldo took to Twitter to pay his respects.
"It’s a very sad day. For me, for all the madridistas, for the world of football," the Portuguese tweeted and later added: "Don Alfredo leaves us, but his memory will last forever in our hearts. Legends never die. Thanks for everything Maestro."
Messi, meanwhile, offered his condolences with a message on Facebook.
"Until forever, Don Alfredo," he wrote. "A legend and a great both on and off the pitch. Best wishes to his family and those close to him."
Luis Suarez and Mesut Ozil were among other players to pay tribute to the former Argentina, Spain and Colombia international.
"Rest in peace Alfredo Di Stefano, a football genius," Suarez tweeted, while Ozil simply wrote: "RIP Alfredo Di Stefano."
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, who worked alongside Di Stefano at Madrid, added: "I knew him so well and I deeply lament his loss. A hug for all his friends and family and of course to all the Madrid fans who are experiencing a sad day."
Fifa president Sepp Blatter also paid his respects and said Di Stefano was the greatest player he had ever seen.
"So sad to learn of Di Stefano's passing," he tweeted. "He was my favourite player, the most complete player I have ever seen. A legend is gone."
FIFA World Cup 2014 Semi-Final 1 Fixture 2014.07.08
FIFA World Cup 2014 Semi-Final 1 Fixture 2014.07.08
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Brazil Vs Germany
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Brazil Vs Germany
Prandelli: Galatasaray will win with style
Galatasaray unveiled Cesare Prandelli as their new coach on Tuesday, with the Italian immediately setting his sights on creating a team that is both successful and stylish.
The 56-year-old only stepped down as Italy boss just under two weeks ago, but has already embarked upon a new coaching adventure after being confirmed as compatriot Roberto Mancini's successor at the Turk Telekom Arena.
Last season, the Istanbul club finished second in the Super Lig and reached the last-16 of the Champions League, so Prandelli, who put pen to paper on a two-year contract, is determined to deliver silverware with an attractive brand of football.
"Our mission is to create a winning team, able to win trophies and play an entertaining style of football," the former Fiorentina boss declared.
"I’ve visited the technical centre, I think we have everything to work and perform well. "To achieve success, every supporter, every player, every part of the club has to think the same way. There are many good players already, we all have to work hard together."
Encouragingly, Prandelli already appears to have struck up a good rapport with Unal Aysal, revealing that the Gala chairman played a key role in persuading him to make a swift return to the dug-out.
"I immediately found great sympathy with chairman Unal Aysal. When we met the first time I was immediately convinced by a winning project," added Prandelli.
"This club has a very rich and great history but, as Aysal said, we have to look at a great future ahead of us."
Prandelli vacated his role as Italy boss after failing to lead the Azzurri out of the group stage of World Cup 2014.
Galatasaray unveiled Cesare Prandelli as their new coach on Tuesday, with the Italian immediately setting his sights on creating a team that is both successful and stylish.
The 56-year-old only stepped down as Italy boss just under two weeks ago, but has already embarked upon a new coaching adventure after being confirmed as compatriot Roberto Mancini's successor at the Turk Telekom Arena.
Last season, the Istanbul club finished second in the Super Lig and reached the last-16 of the Champions League, so Prandelli, who put pen to paper on a two-year contract, is determined to deliver silverware with an attractive brand of football.
"Our mission is to create a winning team, able to win trophies and play an entertaining style of football," the former Fiorentina boss declared.
"I’ve visited the technical centre, I think we have everything to work and perform well. "To achieve success, every supporter, every player, every part of the club has to think the same way. There are many good players already, we all have to work hard together."
Encouragingly, Prandelli already appears to have struck up a good rapport with Unal Aysal, revealing that the Gala chairman played a key role in persuading him to make a swift return to the dug-out.
"I immediately found great sympathy with chairman Unal Aysal. When we met the first time I was immediately convinced by a winning project," added Prandelli.
"This club has a very rich and great history but, as Aysal said, we have to look at a great future ahead of us."
Prandelli vacated his role as Italy boss after failing to lead the Azzurri out of the group stage of World Cup 2014.
Liverpool star Jose Enrique thrilled at return to fitness
After a season plagued by injuries, Liverpool full-back Jose Enrique is desperate to hit the ground running in the 2014-15 campaign.
The Spaniard made just eight Premier League appearances last term before a knee injury in November curtailed any further involvement.
However, with the Reds' new season set to begin on August 16 at home to Southampton, Enrique is approaching full fitness and cannot wait to get started.
"I've been here since last week and I'm really happy," he told the club's official website on his return to pre-season training.
"I've been waiting for this moment for so long. I'm feeling great.
"I'm really happy to try to be playing games again. I've been working in the summer and I've been here for the last week. I've been working quite a lot in fitness terms.
"You can work on your own but, when you work with other people, it's different.
"They told me little by little, I have to be careful, because I don't want a setback.
"I've been working with the physios; I only stopped for a week but for the rest of the holidays, I have been working because I have to be completely fit for this season."
After a season plagued by injuries, Liverpool full-back Jose Enrique is desperate to hit the ground running in the 2014-15 campaign.
The Spaniard made just eight Premier League appearances last term before a knee injury in November curtailed any further involvement.
However, with the Reds' new season set to begin on August 16 at home to Southampton, Enrique is approaching full fitness and cannot wait to get started.
"I've been here since last week and I'm really happy," he told the club's official website on his return to pre-season training.
"I've been waiting for this moment for so long. I'm feeling great.
"I'm really happy to try to be playing games again. I've been working in the summer and I've been here for the last week. I've been working quite a lot in fitness terms.
"You can work on your own but, when you work with other people, it's different.
"They told me little by little, I have to be careful, because I don't want a setback.
"I've been working with the physios; I only stopped for a week but for the rest of the holidays, I have been working because I have to be completely fit for this season."
- Status
