Real Madrid

Juande Ramos gave his last pre-match press conference of the season. The coach said the team's run in the second leg has been successful.

Has it been hard to come up with the squad list given the many injuries the team sustains?
We've come up with an 18-man squad list, which proves we have enough players to have a solid line-up in order to try to play a good game and earn a good result in Pamplona.

Isn't it too much of a coincidence to sustain so many injuries in the last game?
I believe in my men's professional attitude. I have a positive way of thinking and I believe those who can't play really can't.

What does Guti have? Have you spoken to him?
Guti has a niggle on one of his ankles. Every player is the same and I make all of my decisions in the interest of Real Madrid. I only worry about the team as a whole.

Do you have a feeling this might be your last press conference as Real Madrid's coach?
I don't. This is just the last game of the season. I still have one month left on my contract and I don't know what will happen when it's over. My duty is to be at the helm of the team until 30 June.

What would you think if the Club signs Pellegrini?
He is a magnificent coach who's done a great job at Villarreal, but the decision has nothing to do with me.

How would you describe your stint at Real Madrid?
I think it has been successful. We were fifth on the table, nine points behind Barcelona when we arrived. We played at a very high level for five months and we've taken more points than in the previous two seasons. Our numbers are very positive. When the Club signed us people doubted the team could react the way it did. That's why we were offered a bonus if we managed to qualify for next season's Champions League. If we don't count the games that followed our Bernabeu clash against Barcelona, which I call the 'trash minutes' because nothing was at stake for us, I would say the team has done an exceptional job.

Would you have liked to coach the team from the start of the campaign?
Every coach would like to start his own project. I didn't take part in the building of this squad and I would have liked to. Nevertheless, these players have managed to play at a very high level.

Do you feel you've missed the chance to make history at Real Madrid?
I knew I was going to be here six months when I signed; many things have happened to the institution since. The Madridistas I have spoken to all say I am ready to coach Real Madrid. I don't feel I've missed anything. I may get another chance or at a different club of equal prestige.

If you leave now, would you return if the Club called you again in the future?
I'm a professional, and as such I'm always ready to hear any offers. I can only say now that I am delighted with my stint at Real Madrid.

Barcelona have played at a different level this season...
I have already congratulated them for their football; they've won every title and I'm happy for Pep and some of the players I know there. Unfortunately for us, we had to fight against a superb Barcelona, one of the best there's ever been. Our excellent numbers have been tarnished by Barcelona.