Real Madrid

Bernd Schuster offered his pre-match press conference 24 hours before the Clasico kicks off in against Barcelona.

What do you expect from the match against Barcelona?
After this season, I think all that's left to do is win on Wednesday. It's all we have left; to win at home for our fans. We know it's always a special match even when we've already taken care of business. It won't be easy, but it's important to round out the season with this victory.

This was your first league title as a coach. How does it feel compared to winning it as a player?
Very different. The work is a lot more intense as a coach. You worry less as a player. A coach has to make a lot more decisions and you feel a lot happier because you know you made the right calls. It's different, but both are very special.

Did you ever think you would leave Real Madrid?
No. Never. I have always been scared that I wouldn't do things well as a coach, but I never even thought about it. The fact that I always take something positive from my experiences with a club like Real Madrid works to my advantage. It's easy to say now, but that's how it is. I never second guessed that things would turn out any differently.

What do you think about neither Eto’o nor Deco being in the Bernabéu?
I don't think it has anything to do with having to salute us as we walk onto the pitch. I can't imagine a player not wanting to play because of that.. It's an important match for them because they have second place to play for and they could give their fans something to cheer about.

You're the first coach since Vicente Del Bosque that will be here for a second season.
I was surprised to hear that. I didn't know. I am happy that I'll have a higher mountain to climb next year and hopefully we can take this team to new heights in Europe as well as Spain.

Heinze can play after all.
That was good news. Not losing two centre-backs was important. Fortunately we can count on him and I am sure he will help a lot.

What did they say to you in the Reyno de Navarra to make you gesture in that manner after Higuaín scored?
It was only in celebration. I spun 360 degrees. I was never insulted by the fans and meant no ill will. I haven't seen the replay, but I raised my fist to celebrate the goal. I really like that atmosphere for a match of that nature. The crowd has every right in the world to support its team.