08/07/2005
Luxemburgo tells unsettled players to leave Real
Real Madrid coach Vanderlei
Luxemburgo has warned that players unhappy with not being guaranteed
first-team football should leave the club.
"If you are here it is be a member of the squad," Luxemburgo said at a
news conference as Real returned to pre-season training on Friday.
Portugal winger Luis Figo and midfielder Guti have both voiced their
disappointment at being used as substitutes towards the end of last
season.
Guti said he wanted to leave to play more regularly, while Figo has been
linked in the press with a move to European champions Liverpool.
With Brazilian forward Robinho being chased by Real, England striker
Michael Owen's future at the club has also been questioned in the media.
"Owen and Figo have contracts and should be here. Whether they are going
to play or not is a different story but they are Real Madrid players,"
Luxemburgo added.
"If you are only here to play (and not accept a squad system) you should
go.
"If Guti said he didn't like it here and was going to go and find
another club he should have gone. But as he is here it is because he
didn't find another team and he should appreciate the work."
Real's return to pre-season training was marked by the appearance of
England defender Jonathan Woodgate who joined the main squad for the
first time since suffering a recurrence of a long-term thigh injury last
October.
Woodgate has not made an appearance for Real since completing his move
from Newcastle United last year.