Newcastle receive Spanish support in Real Madrid row

Newcastle United have received Spanish support in their row with Real Madrid over the fitness of Jonathan Woodgate.

Real claim Newcastle failed Woodgate with the way they managed his recovery from a thigh injury before his move to Spain.

But Dr Jesus Rico-Sanz, a leading Spanish sports scientist, is blaming Real and their injury management techniques for Woodgate's fresh injury setback.

"I agree with the comments that Beckham was making," Rico-Sainz said. "I was following the training of Madrid during the pre-season and it was from the last century, it had nothing to do with current knowledge."

"If you have people with slightly better training techniques it makes a big difference. Madrid got by last season with great technique but look at Monaco [in the Champions League], they increased the pace and Madrid just couldn't keep up."

"I am concerned this year for them, I have no idea what they are doing, they have been training as though they are long distance runners. Is that football?"

"I think that it is a waste of time not training specifically for football. I challenge anyone to tell me what I am saying is wrong, it is good that someone like David Beckham said what he did."