Real boss lays it on line to Owen and co

Real Madrid boss Wanderley Luxemburgo has warned his players to expect time on the substitutes' bench next season.

Michael Owen and Luis Figo have been linked with moves away from the Bernabeu as their first-team opportunities have been limited, but Luxemburgo does not want his squad to expect being in the side all the time.

Luxemburgo, quoted in The Sun, said: “We are always talking about Michael Owen leaving. Michael has a contract here – like Luis Figo.

“Whether they play or not is a different story. But they are Real Madrid players. You can’t have the attitude that you will only stay if you are playing.

“Those who want to be here just to play are better off going. If you are here then you have to put yourself at the disposal of the squad. If you don’t want that it is better you tell the club and they decide.

“I’m the one who picks the team and if I think someone should not play, they won’t play.”