Real Madrid

Aitor Karanka appeared in the press room after Real Madrid’s victory against Getafe. The Whites’ assistant coach provided his assessment of the match and the team’s condition: "I think we can see the team’s improvement. In the first half we had chances that least year went in but this year it’s been a bit more difficult, but when we score the first goal we have the defensive solidity from last year and in attack we are regaining the confidence that allows you to win games as we have just done”. Furthermore, he praised the contribution of the clash’s great star: “When a player like Cristiano is in the kind of form that he’s in, he lets his goals do the talking”.

A hat-trick by Cristiano Ronaldo and another goal by Sergio Ramos handed the Whites their fourth consecutive victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. Karanka listed some of the players in the press room, among which featured Cristiano Ronaldo: “We took him off as a precaution. He didn’t ask to be taken off or anything like that. We thought it was best to take him off and his goals and performance are there for all to see. We are all here to play for the team and when a player like Cristiano is in the kind of form that he’s in, he lets his goals do the talking”.

The recently signed Diego López warmed up before the match. “Various situations have come together. He knows the stadium, he’s been here before, and we know him personally and as a goalkeeper. He can play in all competitions. Like all players he’s here to contribute, to play at decisive points in the season”, stated the coach about his signing. When asked if he would feature in the starting XI against Barcelona, he said: “We’ve only thought about the match against Getafe and from tomorrow we will think about and work towards Wednesday”.

When asked about Arbeloa’s absence, he explained: “Álvaro is fine, but he has played lots of matches. He has a lot of experience. We decided to rest him for this match, but he has no physical injury”. He also explained the Kaká’s situation: “It’s the same as it was a while ago, the transfer window is open. There are people in negotiations with him and we’ll see what he does by 31 January and what the best solution for all concerned is. If he doesn’t move he’ll be considered another squad player”.

Finally, Karanka made reference to José Mourinho and answered the question regarding whether the Portuguese would appear in the press room again: “I don’t know, we’ll see. A few months ago players didn’t come out to the press conferences and now they do. It’s important that everyone talks, which is what everyone wants and what people asked for. The day the manager deems it appropriate he’ll come to a press conference and if not we’ll continue as we are doing at the moment”.