Real Madrid

Manuel Pellegrini was happy with the team's victory in San Sebastian against Real Sociedad.

How did you think Guti and Xabi Alonso did together?
I am satisfied with Guti's performance. The game was very tense in the first half and it showed both positive and negative things on our part, like all our other preseason matches.

Why was the first half more intense?
Because we pressurised more in attack. Our markings were shorter and more intense. It wasn't useful to us to play the same way in the second half and an improvement was important. We had to integrate Xabi Alonso, Kaka and Arbeloa, who had just played with their national teams. The same goes for Pepe. All these things were useful.

Are you satisfied with your team's work in defence?
I am happy because Real Sociedad hardly had any chances on our goal. Our defensive line kept structured when we moved back and forth and that's very important.

Have the new players adapted as you expected them to?
Yes, absolutely. The preseason has gone according to plan. This week has been somewhat special due to the arrival of our internationals and it was important for them to integrate quickly in this game.

Do you believe the team liked itself in the second half?
Our plays were maybe flashier and we tried to do more things. But what matters is that every line works well; that's what we are striving for. We want a steady formation in order to polish details of our game and to be in optimum form at the start of the campaign.

Is Drenthe earning your trust?
I think he is doing a good job in that position. He has great prospects in attack and he is also improving in defence. He is an important alternative to have on the team and I think he has improved throughout the preseason.

How was it for you to return to San Sebastian?
I find it hard to believe that this is a Second Division team. It has all it needs to be in the First Division. I think it is a powerful side and I hope it returns to the top category because this is a great club. The fans support the team and it would be nice for them to return to the First Division in their centenary year.

Your team had trouble in aerial plays...
It is impossible to win every single ball in aerial plays, especially against a side with so many tall players. We controlled most of the chances they had.