Article
18 November 2008
Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell
Ramón Calderón was a guest on radio program 'El Larguero' and commented on Pedja Mijatovic's press conference.
"Mijatovic gave his press conference because we read articles that said Schuster was finished. Tha fans needed to know if that was true."
"I've never acted in a cowardly manner. People will be dismissed whenever they have to be dismissed, but that's not the case right now. The fans knew back when I became President that I would never interfere with the Sporting Director's decisions. Mijatovic is the one who would have to decide to dismiss someone, just like he did with Capello. I trust him. Naturally, the Board has to approve his decision."
"There's two things I must point out. The first is the relationship Schuster has with the press. I would prefer him to have a different image, but we can't change that because he was like that before joined Real Madrid. The second is that I just wished to learn about the team's situation. I had a meeting with some players and with the coach to find out what's happening."
"The King's Cup elimination shouldn't have happened, but it is no reason for alarm. Chelsea recently conceded four goals against a Fourth Division team and no one's said anything about it. Chelsea and Villarreal fans would have liked their teams to win. Real Madrid hasn't won the King's Cup in 16 years, so I don't think this is a current problem; it has nothing to do with this team, with Schuster or with this Board."
"This team established a new record of points in the league last year, and it was also the top-scoring and least scored upon side in the championship. This is still the same team, just like Barcelona are the same side they were three months ago."
"I'm not saying our work is perfect, but I believe people should give us the benefit of the doubt. I'm also disappointed, but this is't to say we are in a desperate situation. We must remain calm."
"We'll now see if Schuster is capable of changing this situation. I hope he can. Anyway, whatever happens will be Mijatovic's decision. He is experienced enough to know what he must do. I'm just a fan, so I will support whatever he decides."
"The Sporting Directorship of the Club wishes to sign two strikers during the winter transfer window."
"Mijatovic is the Sporting Director and Miguel Ángel Portugal is the Assistant Director. Portugal works as a scout both in and outside Spain and writes reports about the teams we play against, about young players that may be of interest to the Club, etc. Their relationship is very good and they continuously work together for the benefit of the Club."
"Due to the things that were being said in the media, it was necessary for someone from the Club, in this case its Sporting Director, to put everybody's minds at ease. We are currently in November and this has just begun. I don't know what will happen this year. We may have lost some games, but I don't think the situation is as drastic as people have said it is. We don't act frivolously and hastily at this Club."