Juande Ramos offered his first press conference shortly after being introduced as the new coach of Real Madrid.

"I would first like to thank the Board of Directors for the faith they have in me. I am very excited. Coaching Real Madrid is every coach's dream.I hope I don't let anyone down by winning the titles Real Madrid deserves. Thank you and I am at your disposal for whatever you need."

Can the team win on Saturday in the Camp Nou?
I think Real Madrid is a team that must play every match with the intention of winning. That is why this is such a great team in global terms. Barcelona are playing excellent football, but Real Madrid have the prestige, grandeur and class not to give up in any stadium in the world.

Do you really believe that?
I'd like all our energy to be focused on tomorrow's match against Zenit. We have a Champions League match even though it's not of critical importance. Real Madrid must only think about winning the next match. Only after will we think about the Camp Nou. That's how it should be no matter who the opponent. Real Madrid can only prepare by thinking about winning. I don't care if it's Barcelona. In football you either win, lose or draw, and no one can criticize you if you do everything you can to win.

Your contract is for six months and an option for another season.
I have had short contracts of a year with most of the clubs I have worked for. I like for those who I work with to be pleased with we and vice versa. I don't understand why it should be a long-term deal with some parties not pleased with others. It's six months long because we are half-way through the season. It would have been a year had it been the beginning. If we earn the extension and we are happy, we will continue next season. If not, the two parties are free ti split ways. I am coming in with Marcos Álvarez, who has been with me at every club I have coach for. He is my right hand man.

Mijatovic has made every department available to you. Are you going to intervene in Valter de Salvo's due to the injuries that have taken place?
I am now responsible for every department. Everything is on my shoulders and I will bring in the people who I feel are most appropriate.For a  team like Real Madrid, who competes every three days under such high demand, it's only normal to find injured players. In some cases such as that of Diarra or Van Nistelrooy it's been a matter of tissue damage and not muscle injuries. The team has had some bad luck in that respect. Such frequent competition provokes such injuries.

When did the negotiation process begin?
I was surprised how fast everything happened, and everything that has taken place since I was invited to breakfast this morning has been so fast paced. Here we are and the negotiation process was short, intense and easy because both parties wanted to reach a deal.

What will you do to remedy the situation and recover the spirit of the team?
Most importantly we need to improve the team's state of mind. Unfortunately we don't have much time to work with. We have a Champions League match in less than 24 hours and three days later an important league match. We have to regulate the work and take advantage of the little time we have to improve the mechanisms we want to improve. It won't be easy, but improving the team's state of mind is a step in the right direction.

Have you already spoken about signings?
Pedja and I spoke about a lot over the four or five hours we were together, but it was all about the short term. We did not speak about players, but we will discuss the matter in due course. We have to see where the team's deficiencies lie if there are any and set some goals. I would hope that no names are mentioned so that the negotiation process is not slowed down and the market doesn't get more expensive.

Was coaching a giant like Real Madrid a dream of yours?
Real Madrid is a team that all professionals dream of working for. It's virtually impossible to say no. That's what happened. I have been coaching for 20 years and thank God things have gone pretty well for me. I am happy with the way my career has unfolded, and there is nothing that beats reaching Real Madrid. 

What are your thoughts on Arshavin?
Tomorrow he will be our opponent. I know him very well and think he is a magnificent player.

How many Real Madrid matches have you seen this season? How will you avoid the bloodbath of goals the team has allowed?
I was in England until three or four days ago. La Liga matches are broadcast regularly, and normally Real Madrid games are among those being shown. I have seen at least six or seven this season. Regarding defense, forget about the beginning of the season. You're talking about Ramos, Pepe, Cannavaro, Heinze, Casillas... It's the best defense in Europe. Then add Marcelo, Metzelder... There's enough human material to work. It's not a problem to do with the goalkeeper or the defense. When not attacking there are eleven players that must defend. It's not a matter of lines, but of how they are working.