- Title: SOCCER-CHINA/REAL-AC MILAN Real Madrid and AC Milan prepare for Shanghai clash
- Date: 29th July 2015
- Summary: SHANGHAI, CHINA (JULY 29, 2015) (REUTERS) REAL MADRID PLAYERS TRAINING REAL MADRID DEFENDER SERGIO RAMOS TRAINING REAL MADRID'S PORTUGUESE DEFENDER PEPE TRAINING REAL MADRID'S PORTUGUESE FORWARD CRISTIANO RONALDO AND GERMAN MIDFIELDER TONI KROOS IN TRAINING REAL MADRID'S COLOMBIAN MIDFIELDER JAMES RODRIGUEZ IN TRAINING REAL MADRID MANAGER RAFAEL BENITEZ LOOKING ON PRESS CO
- Embargoed: 13th August 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: China
- Country: China
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA745EJJDAK1CMBFDGTBR2PHT5O
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Hundred of Chinese fans cheered on the players of Real Madrid and AC Milan as they prepared for a pre-season match in Shanghai on Wednesday (July 29).
Both teams have been touring Asia for the past weeks - with Real thrashing AC Milan's city rivals Inter 3-0 in Guangzhou last time out.
As a news conference, Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez declined to comment on Michel Platini's decision to run for FIFA President, saying it wasn't anything to do with him.
"I'm here to talk about the tournament, so sorry about that. But, my idea is just to concentrate on the next game against AC Milan," he said.
He also refused to respond to comments made by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho launched a stinging attack on Benitez after the Spaniard's wife teased the Chelsea boss by saying her husband was always having to tidy up messes left by the Portuguese.
Montserrat Seara triggered the attack after Spanish newspaper La Region published her light-hearted remark following Benitez's appointment at the Bernabeu last month, the third time he has joined a club previously managed by his rival.
Mourinho was clearly not amused and speaking to reporters after Chelsea beat European champions Barcelona on penalties in a Washington friendly, he delivered a withering straight-faced response.
"The lady is a bit confused," he said after the match that ended in a 2-2 draw. "I am not laughing... For her also to think about me, and to speak about me, I think she needs to occupy her time. And if she takes care of her husband's diet, she will have less time to speak about me," he added.
Benitez refused to be drawn into a war-of-words with the provocative Portuguese.
"I'm here to talk about the tournament, so sorry about that. But, my idea is just to concentrate on the next game against AC Milan," said the 55-year-old.
"I am the trainer of Real Madrid. I love soccer, I know soccer. Let's stop talking anything that not related to soccer. That is all," he added.
Benitez was also asked about long-term target, Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.
It has been widely reported that Real want to sign the Spanish goalkeeper, but United have so far held firm and refused to sell de Gea, whose contract runs out next summer and could then sign for Real on a free.
Benitez said they were interested in de Gea, but remain relaxed about the situation.
"My aim is to help Real Madrid to build our team well. If (Manchester United goalkeeper David) De Gea can make our team better, I will have a think about him," he said.
Their upcoming opponents, AC Milan, also have a new man in charge, in the form of former player Sinisa Mihajlovic.
The Serb has been busy so far in the transfer window, signing four players, including Colombian striker Carlos Bacca, and is looking to add further players to a team that has struggled in recent years and finished 10th in the Serie A last season.
Mihajlovic is looking for a marked improvement from his team.
"Our philosophy is to control the game. So no matter when, we will take the game in our control. However, the season of Real Madrid started a little bit earlier than us. So they are very well-prepared. During the last games, we are getting better in every game. So in the next game, we will try to improve something and get better and better," he said.
One player who did impress last season was former Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez.
The Spaniard said he had settled well at the San Siro and also wished his old team-mate, former Real captain Iker Casillas, good luck on his recent move to Porto.
"I'm very happy about my life in AC Milan. I devoted myself to the team everyday. (Former Real Madrid goalkeeper) Iker Casillas is my former team-mate and we are good friend and I wish him all the best in future," said Diego Lopez.
The two teams will face off on Thursday (July 30) at 2000 local time (1200GMT) for the International Champions Cup. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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