Real Madrid

How do you prepare a goalkeeper during the pre-season?

It’s very similar to preparing the other players. The goalkeepers gradually prepared for the work we are doing now while we stayed at the Algarve. This is where the serious work begins. They do specific exercises to get into shape as soon as possible.

How do you begin to work with them?

Goalkeepers have to go tackle different exercises, although some are the same as the ones devised for the other players. They do some with the squad and then do a specific workout.

How’s the work coming along?

They are very fit. The goalkeeping position is rather a thankless one; it isn’t valued properly. I think the work we did in Portugal helped the keepers on a physical and psychological level, helping them tackle what we’re doing now in Irdning. I am very happy with the work they’re doing and with the excitement they have.

Do you work with them on a psychological level too?

They know what they face. Both Jerzey and Codina know what their chances are. One of the great virtues of Real Madrid goalkeepers is that they are always aware of who they play for and of the role they play. They are good enough to take Casillas’ spot and they have to fight hard every day to earn our confidence and that of the entire Madridista ‘parish’.

It seems the team has started practising shots on goal very early this year...

The coach has deemed it necessary to start soon with this and goalkeepers naturally play an important part in the exercise. It is quite intense for them.

Casillas has been absent so far this pre-season. Does that change work slightly?

He is absent for a good reason. I don’t think the performance of our keepers will be affected in the long run due to this absence at this stage, although it does change things slightly. I don’t think we’ll experience any problems while adapting him to the team again.