Real signing Hazard just rumours, says Michel Salgado

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Real Madrids Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (C) and teammates take part in a training session.
Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (C) and teammates take part in a training session.

Dubai - Former Galatico believes winning Champs League can save their season

By James Jose

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Published: Sun 20 Mar 2016, 4:00 PM

Last updated: Sun 20 Mar 2016, 6:54 PM

Former Spain and Real Madrid ace Michel Salgado has said that reports of the 'Los Blancos' signing Chelsea's Eden Hazard were just rumours and added that La Liga side can save a disappointing season by winning the Champions League.
News reports on Saturday said that Real Madrid had agreed a £78 million (?100 million) deal in principle with English Premiership side Chelsea for the 25-year-old attacking midfielder. And it is believed that James Rodriguez or Isco are set to make way for the Belgian. It is also learnt that Real Madrid fought of Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain to signing Hazard.
But Salgado, who made 343 appearances for the 'Los Blancos' and capped 50 times by Spain said that they were just rumours.
"They are all just rumours and it is not worthy to talk about it right now," Saglado said on the sidelines of the du Football Champions, the only international scouting platform in partnership with LaLiga and home of the UAE Schools & Streets Cup at the Ice Rink in Dubai Mall.
"The only thing is that we have still got few months left in the season. Our season was not the season that we were expecting but we have got a great chance right now to save it by trying to win the Champions League. That is the one that can save our season and then we can build up from there, building up a team, signing the right guys in the pre-season. So, right now, I wouldn't talk about new players for the next year, I will talk only about this team trying to improve over the next few months," he said.
And the 40-year-old, who is the duFC Director said that a favourable Champions League draw has probably helped their case. Real Madrid have been drawn against Wolfsburg in the quarterfinals.
"We still have got the Champions League and obviously, the draw has been really good with us. So, if everything is ok, with all due respect to Wolfsburg, we can be in the semifinals and we still have got one month to improve. What we have seen so far is not really positive but, you know, it is Real Madrid. When it comes to the competition, they know that they are representing the shirt of the biggest club in the world so, I have no doubt that Real Madrid are going to be there. We can save the season with the Champions League and if we win, the fans are going to forgive," he added.
Salgado also said that it was tough to put a finger on where Real Madrid have failed and added that new coach Zinedine Zidane should be given more time to build the squad.
Real Madrid are third in the standings behind leader FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, with their hopes of winning the La Liga all but over.
"Real Madrid have got the players and it is very difficult to point out what they are missing. We have got our style of football, especially in the last four years, counter-attack football. I think we should find the balance between our strength which is quick transitions and controlling the game," said Salgado.
"They also have to start defending as a team. We can improve a little bit more and also creation. We are so quick sometimes but we also need to be a bit patient. The manager knows more than me and he is working on it right now. He has been in there for two months and it is not a long time, especially when you don't have your squad. You are just coming in and training a squad, having worked with another coach during the pre-season. So, we need time with Zizou and hopefully he can finish the season in a positive way and he can then build up for the next year, signing players. The coming summer is going to be a crucial moment because we have to sign the right players not for just one season, for a short future. We have to do it a real squad," he added.
james@khaleejtimes.com


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