During 03/04(Beck's first season),RM sold 15 players(including
Morientes and Makelele) while bringing in only one(Becks)
RM was on course for an unpredecented treble(that was around
Feb/Mar 2004)Then they succumbed to a shock defeat to Zaragoza in
the Spanish Cup.
The side imploded thereafter.
Knocked out on away goals by Monaco in Europe(loan signing
Morientes scored against his club)Valencia came from behind to
clinch the title.RM went on a 5 game losing streak at the end of
the season.
The philosophy of Perez at that time was based on the "Zidanes(top
notch players) and the Pavons"(youth players such as Francisco
Pavon)this led to the gradual discontent and disappearance of the
"middle class"(good squad players such as Macca and Solari)
The Zidanes have to play every game for commercial reasons.Most of
the Pavons are average at best.So the Zidanes became tired from too
many games(The Brazilian Ronaldo was the only recognized striker
that season) but the fringe players couldnt make the cut either.
The Zidanes had guaranteed places regardless of their form due to
commercial reasons.So what happened was discontent started to creep
in amongst the "middle class" and the Pavons. Consequently,the team
was ridden with factions and performances on the pitch
suffered.
What we are witnessing in 2009 is the same old story of 2004.The
Zidanes this time are Kaka,Ronaldo and any other big money
signings. To offset the buys,Perez are planning to sell the "middle
class" players again.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2...layer-clearout
If you refer to the official RM squad,that is easily 8-9 players
who're going to be sold.
http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/First_Team/1193041476158/Plantilla/Squad.htm
What is not addressed are the problems in central defence and
midfield.Indeed,many believe that the 2004 meltdown was due to the
absence of Makelele.Instead Perez has gone star gazing again.
I forsee a disunited dressing room again. Raul and the Spanish
contingent vs Ronaldo,Kaka and whoever comes in next. Caught in the
middle would be the dwindling middle class consisting of such
players such as Gago and Higuain.
How season 09/10 pans out for RM would be very interesting
indeed.