Real Madrid News

The Brazilian left-back believes los Blancos could step into a spot of bother in the cauldron of the Turk Telecom Arena, but says they are more composed under Jose Mourinho

Roberto Carlos says this Real Madrid team are more capable of success than the one he played with.

The ex-Brazil international made over 300 appearances for los Merengues and has high hopes for his former team in the Champions League against Galatasaray.

“There are always good players at Real Madrid, but I think the team is even stronger now than when I played.” the 39-year-old told sportyou.es.

“They have been well put together and are more organised.”

The hard-hitting full-back had a stint in Turkey with Fenerbache and thinks the nine-time European Cup winners are the favourites in the tie, but will not write off the Turkish champions on their own turf.

“In terms of tactics, depth and quality, Madrid is one step ahead,” he continued.

“The second leg may become very difficult [for Madrid] because the atmosphere in the stadium is impressive.

“Galatasaray could eliminate Real Madrid in Istanbul.”

The ex-Chelsea star is relishing the trip to Spain where he made his Champions League debut, and says the Portuguese and Turkish boss share similar coaching methods

Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba has remarked that coach Fatih Terim takes a similar approach to Real Madrid’s Jose Mourinho when it comes to motivating his players.

The Cote d’Ivoire star played under the Portuguese trainer when he was in charge of the Blues between 2004 and 2007 and he believes they are similarities between him and current boss Terim.

“I have a lot of memories of him [Mourinho],” the 35-year-old was quoted as saying by the club’s official magazine.

“He’s always in the spotlight and he looks out for everyone. He tries to get the best out of every individual. Fatih Terim is like Mourinho in that respect. He’s close to the players.”

Drogba then reflected on his Champions League debut against Madrid in 2003, where he scored a goal for his former side Olympique Marseille in their 4-2 loss at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“The Bernabeu game will be very special for me. I played my first Champions League match there against the Madrid ‘galacticos’,” he continued.

“I scored my first goal, even though we lost 4-2 – it was in the group stages of the 2003-2004 campaign with Marseille. I’ll never forget that day. It was very important for my career.”

Galatasaray are currently preparing for their trip to Madrid on April 3, kick off is at 20.45CET.

The Turkish striker is looking forward to playing against the Portuguese star in the upcoming clash, and believes his side will go all the way in the competition if they beat Real

Galatasaray striker Burak Yilmaz has spoken about his admiration for Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the Champions League first-leg quarter-final tie between the sides.

Burak and Ronaldo both top the top-scorer list of the tournament with eight goals, and the Turkey star is delighted at the prospect of facing the Liga legend on Wednesday.

“I admire him and am very proud to be competing against him, if only a little,” the 27-year-old told AS.

“Playing against him is an incomparable sensation.”

The forward is also certain that if his team can brush aside Jose Mourinho’s men, they will go all the way in the competition.

“I am sure that if we eliminate Madrid, who are an extremely difficult opponent, then we can win the Champions League. Our potential will soon live up to these expectations,” he added.

“Our team has great chemistry, we believe in ourselves and always give 100 per cent. And we will do so at the Bernabeu.”

Galatasaray travel to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid on Wednesday, April 3, 20.45CET.

The attacking midfielder feels the Portuguese trainer is arguably the best in the world and has hailed the Madrid coach’s influence on his career

Galatasaray playmaker Wesley Sneijder has voiced his admiration for Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho ahead of the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

The Netherlands international worked with Mourinho at Inter in the 2009-10 campaign when they won Serie A, the Champions League and Coppa Italia, and Sneijder has nothing but praise for his former boss.

“Mourinho is like a second father to me. He is a powerhouse. In football we have powerhouses who are players, and ever since I met Mourinho, we can say that there are powerhouses who are coaches. And he certainly is, without any doubt at all,” Sneijder told Marca.

“He is a very special person for me. As a coach he is incredible, No.1. It was he who gave me confidence, and I enjoyed playing football like never before. And as a person he reaches you much more than in his role as coach. Mourinho is a friend.

“It’s not easy to explain. You have to be with him to find out just what he is like. The key to him is how he convinces you, how he helps you if things aren’t going well for you.

“He is on top of everything and always knows how to help a player, sometimes doing one thing, sometimes another, but whatever he does it is for the good of the club, the player and the person.”

Wednesday’s match at the Santiago Bernabeu is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

The prolific striker has been in impressive form in recent weeks, but he has insisted that the Liga star is still on another level

Galatasaray striker Burak Yilmaz has hailed Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, and laughed off suggestions that he is on a par with the Portugal captain.

Burak has been one of the revelations of the 2012-13 Champions League campaign, netting eight goals in as many appearances, yet he feels he still has a long way to go before he’s on the same level as his fellow Champions League top scorer.

“A lot of people are comparing me to Ronaldo. However, my team-mates nor myself are making such a comparison,” the striker told reporters.

“He is a huge star. It would be cocky to compare myself to him. He is one of the best players in the world. I am already proud to be competing with him. I’m very excited to lock horns with him.”

The 27-year-old has been in fine form in recent weeks, scoring four goals in his last two games for Galatasaray as well as Turkey’s 1-1 draw with Hungary last week.