Real Madrid's galacticos face day of reckoning
Fernando Martin signalled the end of Real Madrid's galacticos era on Thursday when he warned every player at the club they faced a day of reckoning.
Fernando Martin signalled the end of Real Madrid's galacticos era on Thursday when he warned every player at the club they faced a day of reckoning.
Martin's predecessor as Real president, Florentino Perez, brought the cream of world football - Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham among others - to the Bernabeu but trophies have proved elusive over the last 2-1/2 years. Now the personal and professional lives of the so-called galacticos are to be put under the microscope in a move designed to curry favour with Real's fans who suspect some of their idols have lost their commitment to the cause.
"I will set up an independent commission to evaluate the effort of each of the players, and their sporting and personal conduct," Martin told a news conference on Thursday.
"I want to create a team the fans want. The players earn an extraordinary amount of money and the fans have the right to demand and expect the best from the players."
"Those players who think they can stay here only giving the minimum effort are wrong. I am not afraid to take tough decisions."
Perez's departure followed a series of below-par displays that threaten the fans with a third successive season without a major trophy.
Real are out of the King's Cup, trail league leaders Barcelona by 10 points and are 1-0 down from the first leg of their Champions League first knockout round tie against Arsenal.
The first target for Martin's review could be Brazil striker Ronaldo who has appeared overweight and disinterested, and was whistled off the Bernabeu pitch two weeks ago.
Ronaldo, who has a contract till 2008, complained the day before the Arsenal first leg that fans had never accepted him and were unfairly targeting him.
"Their reaction is something to take into account when thinking about my future. I will make a decision (about staying) at the end of the season," he said.
The timing of his statement, as well as the sentiment, caused widespread consternation at the club and he will be lucky to escape Martin's tough new approach. It is not only Ronaldo who has drawn criticism, however.
Roberto Carlos and Zinedine Zidane, both with contracts until 2007, have not been on top form this season. Many fans believe they are simply preserving themselves for the World Cup finals and, at 32 and 33, their age tells against them.
England captain David Beckham has managed to maintain his popularity - although technically not as gifted as other galacticos he is praised for his professionalism and commitment.
Beckham's contract runs out in 2007 and was due to be reviewed before the end of this season.
"I have a great relationship with Perez but also with the other board members, directors, players and fans," Beckham told reporters this week.
"After my last talks with them they said they wanted me to stay for a few more years."
The clear-out could begin immediately the season ends, while players prepare for the World Cup, because Martin says he hopes to have remodelled his squad by June 30.