Real Madrid vs Sporting de Gijon preview - Adebayor sets double target
Posted Saturday, April 02, 2011 by PA
Emmanuel Adebayor is hoping to fire Real Madrid to the Primera Division title and then secure a permanent move to the Bernabeu.
Former Togo striker Adebayor is currently on loan at Madrid from Manchester City but is dreaming of remaining in the Spanish capital when his current deal expires at the end of the season.
He said: "This club is fantastic, the environment, the way you work, the atmosphere is excellent.
"I want to succeed here and if I did not think that was possible it would be very difficult to go out and play.
"I have to keep on playing as I have done and taking the opportunities to score because that's what makes me happiest."
Adebayor has scored twice in nine appearances for Jose Mourinho's men but will get the chance to improve that record against Sporting Gijon with the home side without leading scorers Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Ronaldo has a hamstring problem while France international Benzema injured a thigh during Les Bleus' clash with Croatia in midweek.
Mourinho claims both men, as well as Brazil full-back Marcelo, are also out of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Tottenham.
Madrid, who have Argentina international Gonzalo Higuain back for the Sporting game after four months out, have an unblemished record at the Bernabeu this season with 14 wins from 14 games.
And Adebayor is hoping that kind of form will see them overturn the five-point deficit to Barcelona and reclaim the title.
He added: "We must win our nine remaining games to have any chance.
"It will not be easy but if we win them all we will see what happens."
Former Arsenal striker Adebayor is not expecting an easy ride against a Sporting side scrapping to avoid the drop, however.
"It will be a very difficult game, but we have to win," he said.
"And so we must stay as focused as possible and get the three points."
Sporting boss Manuel Preciado has attempted to diffuse tensions between himself and Mourinho ahead of the game.
Mourinho accused Sporting of gifting Barcelona three points earlier in the season after fielding a weakened team.
Preciado responded by accusing the Portuguese of a "serious lack of respect".
On Friday, Preciado appeared to have changed his tune when he said: "I think he (Mourinho) is a great coach and I'm sure he is a good guy.
"I have no problem with anyone. It is just a football game."
Sporting, in 15th place, are three points above the relegation zone and Preciado admits there is still all to play for.
"There are up to 10 teams who will fight to stay up," he said. "I think we will need between 40 and 42 points."
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