La Liga update: Murcia vs Real Madrid; Cristiano Ronaldo to start
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho revealed that he would be resting Mesut Ozil, Xabi Alonso and Ricardo Carvalho after the 6-1 thrashing of Racing Santander last weekend in the La Liga. However, the Special One did mention playing
both Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
The news came with a warning; the Portuguese manager who has always had a way with words warned his team that any player who fails to live up to his expectations, will be dead to him. The squad will be wise to not take the warning
lightly, because if they are “dead” to Mourinho, their season is as good as over.
Mourinho told reporters, “If last year's situation [at Alcorcon] repeats itself, I will cross those who play off my list because they will be dead to me. Benzema will start and so will Ronaldo. It is a very important game to me.”
Third tier club Alcorcon beat Real Madrid 4-0 last season under Manuel Pellegrini and Mourinho is determined to not let history repeat itself. The pressure is on the Portuguese coach and he has embraced the challenge, as he will
attempt to win the cup competition for the first time since 1993.
Inaki Alonso, the Murcia coach is aware that his side will need a miracle to overcome Mourinho’s Madrid in their meeting tonight. Even with Mourinho possibly resting some important first team players, the Murcia boss is aware that
his side will have a tough task ahead of them.
He told reporters, “Madrid’s squad is tremendous and Mourinho knows how to handle them perfectly. He is a teacher, and I know that the ones he will bring from Madrid will be world class. I recognize Ozil as one in particular that
I like.”
Alonso will also be without Alvaro Camara and Molino, who have not yet recovered from their injuries. But Abraham Noe returns to the starting squad after being sidelined for several weeks due to an ankle injury. Murcia will also
be strengthened with the return of Gotor, who is back after serving a ban.
With Sergio Ramos, Kaka, Fernando Gago and Ezequiel Garay missing from action because of injury, Mourinho’s decision to leave out the likes of Carvalho, Ozil and Xabi Alonso might prove to be a dangerous gamble. But Mourinho is
experienced enough and has faith in Ronaldo and Benzema.
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