Football: ‘Real more mature this season’

'Real Madrid are stronger and more mature than last season', says German playmaker Mesut Ozil.

MADRID: Real Madrid are stronger and more mature than last season, when they failed for a third year to win the league title, said German playmaker Mesut Ozil. After a US tour in which they went undefeated against Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas and Philadelphia Union, the squad resumed training in Madrid before they face Hertha Berlin in a friendly in the German capital. “Real Madrid are stronger and more mature than last year,” said Ozil at a news conference. “We have the potential to beat any rival and our aim this season is to win many titles.” Real Madrid finished last season second behind league winners and arch-rivals Barcelona for the third successive year, star coach Jose Mourinho’s first season in charge. The club’s only silverware was a first King’s Cup triumph in 18 years.



Published in The Express Tribune, July 27^th, 2011.