Real Madrid

In two short years, the Emirates Cup has quickly become a preseason classic, and Real Madrid’s presence in the second edition of the tournament has caused quite a stir in London.

Raúl:
What do you remember about your last visit to London?
Bad memories since we were eliminated from the Champions League. But we’re excited to play in this tournament because it is very important in terms of preparation and the upcoming season. Arsenal will be a strong foe.

How would you feel playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo?
He’s not a part of this team, and I do play for Real Madrid.

As captain, what are your thoughts on the team without any new signings?
The team looks good. This is a squad of champions. It’s a great group both on and off the pitch and it can aspire to accomplish great things, including the Champions League.

Will we see a different Bernd Schuster than last year?
Every coach is different. Last year we all enjoyed good football and we believe it can continue, and even improve this season.

Why is the Champions League harder to win?
Winning the Champions League is always more difficult because the best clubs in Europe compete. You have to play well in every match and one bad night can send you packing. Hopefully we can do well this year. We must finish among the best.

Does the team feel more pressure in the Champions League than La Liga?
The pressure and responsibility are there on a daily basis. Playing well and winning each match are what matter most. Real Madrid must always make a good impression.

Thuram is hanging up his boots. Is there anything you would like to say to him?
He has been a great professional and he played his heart out for all his teams and the national team. I wish him all the best.

Schuster:
How important is this tournament for Real Madrid?
It is one of the most important and prestigious tournaments of the summer. We’ve been training for 15 days and have played only one match. This tournament will tell us where we are. The teams we will play have been training longer, but our goal is still to win and please our fans. We want to continue our preparations heading into the Super Cup, which is the first title we will play for.

Have you already spoken to the president?
Yes I have.

How do you feel about seeing Mijatovic?
I already saw him in the hotel, but you shouldn’t make a big deal out of it. There is nothing wrong. Everything is just as it has been and we want to move forward. I have spoken to the president about the situation and that was all I needed. There is nothing strange going on.

Does it make sense for Van der Vaart to play if he will be leaving?
That’s not my problem, but something for Hamburg to decide. I have nothing to do with it. We’re going to see good teams in this tournament. Teams like Hamburg, Arsenal, and Juventus. That’s all that matters.

What is the current Ronaldo situation?
Ask the club. That’s not my job. I will only comment on the match.

Will your internationals see much action?
I don’t think so. It’s still too early. They have only been training for a week and we don’t want to risk anything. They still need another week of training.

And Robinho?
Maybe. He’s pretty fit. He has almost recovered and it’s quite possible that he’ll see some playing time.

Is winning the Super Cup one of your objectives?
Yes, which is why having such prestigious teams in this tournament will work wonders for us. It’s very important in Europe and we know where we are. We have another week to prepare for the Super Cup, and we realize the first title passes through Valencia. We are training hard and we hope to play some great matches.

How do you feel about the transfer of such young players?
It’s become popular in recent years. Contracts are looked at closely, but everything is permitted.