Feyenoord boss hails Real as best team in world
Real Madrid were hailed as the best team in the world after securing their first European Super Cup triumph, following a day in which the Spanish club were besieged by Ronaldo transfer speculation. The European champions beat the UEFA Cup holders Feyenoord of the Netherlands 3-1 with goals from Brazilian Roberto Carlos and Spaniard Guti, after an own goal by luckless Patrick Paauwe had set them on their way.
Real Madrid were hailed as the best team in the world after securing their first European Super Cup triumph, following a day in which the Spanish club were besieged by Ronaldo transfer speculation.
The European champions beat the UEFA Cup holders Feyenoord of the Netherlands 3-1 with goals from Brazilian Roberto Carlos and Spaniard Guti, after an own goal by luckless Patrick Paauwe had set them on their way.
Pierre Van Hooijdonk replied in the second half with a sweetly struck free-kick, but it was not enough to stop the European masters demonstrating their utter domination.
"They are known to be the best team in the world, or at least one of them, and tonight they proved it to us all," said Feyenoord coach Bert Van Marwijk. "We were unable to get into the game at all until the second half."
"We battled hard in the first 20 minutes but we were unable to do anything to stop them. Maybe we made some bad decisions, but when a team is playing like them it is nearly impossible to stop them," he said.
Real Madrid coach Vicente Del Bosque said he was pleased with the result, despite some defensive lapses.
"There were a few lapses in the second half," he said. "But at the end of the day we won and it is nice to take this trophy home for the first time."
He declined to answer any questions about the protracted talks with Inter Milan over the possible transfer to Madrid of Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldo.
"I am not talking about him, not at all," he said. "I can talk about the match. Not him."
He was more forthcoming on the future of striker Fernando Morientes who was left out of the squad and not even included on the substitutes' bench after day-long talks about a possible move.
"This was the club's decision to leave him out because some talks are at a very advanced stage and nobody wanted to take any risks at this time," he said.
"Whatever happens, we all know what he has done for Real Madrid and he has many good friends at the club and in the dressing room."
Del Bosque would not identify the club, but Spanish reporters said it was likely that Morientes would sign for Barcelona if he could agree personal terms by Saturday morning.
He said that the introduction of Argentine midfielder Santiago Solari as a late substitute was not made following any orders from the club, but for normal football reasons.
Solari's participation in the match effectively eliminated him from any use as a makeweight in transfer talks with Inter, who were keen to sign him in part-exchange in a Ronaldo deal, as he will now only be permitted to play for Madrid in European competitions this season.
Madrid's fans made their feelings for Morientes clear at the end of the game when they chanted his name as he collected his medal, wearing a club suit and tie, along with the rest of the squad.
"I will be happy for him if he stays or goes and we wish him luck whatever happens," said Del Bosque. "He is a good player to have."