Real Madrid

Is winning the Champions League the team’s main goal this season?

I actually think the league is more important, but I understand this club has more European Cups than any other and that it would be important to win the tenth. But our daily bread is the league. We had a rough patch last year in Europe and we will need to be fitter this time around. Winning the league gives you strength to try to win the Champions League again. That’s why I say the league is more important. We naturally want to win the Champions League more than anything else.

Some people think Ronaldo’s arrival could be detrimental to a very united squad. What do you think?

The signing of such a player will naturally be notorious, just like mine was last year (laughs). But the squad is in no danger because Ronaldo isn’t a vain player that wants to be the star all the time. He has proven to be a team worker at Manchester. We have great stars on this team already and he would simply be one more. His adaptation to the team will not be a problem.

You signed many little known players last year. Do you think the signing of Ronaldo is necessary to boost the team’s quality?

I talked about two possibilities with the Club. One was to sign Ronaldo to boost the team’s quality. The other was to sign some players to achieve the same thing. Last year we signed hungry players who want to become big at Real Madrid and they are succeeding at that. They have become essential players for us and for their national teams.

How much longer will the Ronaldo issue go on?

We used to say we had to had it all done by the time the Euro started in order to give the player some peace of mind, but that didn’t happen. Anything can happen until the very last day and we must be ready for whatever the outcome may be.

What kind of players does Plan B look at?

I can only say that we are looking at players for positions in midfield and attack.

How do you read Ferguson’s statement that Ronaldo will stay at Manchester?

I know I would do the same if I were in his position. I wouldn’t like anyone to take such a player away from me. They are defending the situation very well. I would do the same.

What do you expect to happen in tomorrow’s match?

It will be our first pre-season clash against a team that has already started to play the league this year. It won’t be a walk in the park, I can tell you that. We’ll see what we can do. We will play approximately 60 minutes and we will make seven substitutions. The atmosphere here is lovely. Our opponent is fitter than us right now and will make us suffer.

How did you feel after the Euro final was over?

I think it was fair for Spain to win because they were the best team in the championship. I liked how they won. I like to win games while also being superior to my opponent. It is very rare for so many to agree in thinking that the champion truly deserved the victory.