LOS ANGELES: David Beckham has had the opportunity to play for some of the most respected managers in soccer.
But the chance to be coached by Real Madrid’s Jose Mourinho would be a “dream.”
Mourinho was honored as FIFA coach of the year in January, then guided Madrid to a runner-up finish in the Spanish league and a Copa del Rey title over Barcelona.
“To have had the chance to be coached by him, would have been any player’s dream,” Beckham said Tuesday. “And of course my dream, as well.”
Beckham, who spent four years with Madrid, will take the field opposite Mourinho to play his former team for the first time since leaving. He will guide the Los Angeles Galaxy against the Spanish heavyweights in an exhibition on Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Beckham was with Madrid from 2003-07, helping the club win its last La Liga title in his final season before joining the Galaxy.
“I spent four amazing years at Real Madrid. To go from a club like Manchester United to Real Madrid, it doesn’t really get much better than that in football,” said Beckham, who welcomed a baby girl, Harper Seven Beckham, with wife Victoria on Sunday.
“To be facing Real Madrid for the first time since I left, it’s emotional. Because you get attached to the club, you get attached to the people at the club.”
Madrid arrived in Los Angeles late Monday to begin its preseason camp in advance of a three-game U.S. tour. The club will spend the week training on the campus of UCLA, taking the field for its first session on Tuesday morning.
While Madrid will be easing its way back into form, it will be matched up against a squad that is already in midseason shape. The Galaxy currently lead Major League Soccer in points and are unbeaten in 12 straight league games.
Galaxy captain Landon Donovan said his squad is more focused on winning league games than friendlies, but added that the chance to play one of the world’s best teams is exciting.
“We’re no Real Madrid, we don’t play games like this every week,” Donovan said. “A lot of our guys will have an incredible experience. And we want to make the most of it. “
The showdown will be a rematch from last August when Madrid beat the Galaxy 3-2 behind three second-half goals at the Rose Bowl. Beckham was unable to play in the match due to an Achilles injury.
The nine-time European champions announced their 25-man U.S. travel roster, and it includes much of their first team. Along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Raul Albiol and Alvaro Arbeloa—all members of Spain’s winning squad at the 2010 World Cup—will be on the field against the Galaxy. (Agencies)