Realmadrid News

Coach Fabio Capello: "We always try to win"

Coach Fabio Capello has not placed a lot of emphasis on taking over the top spot in Group E of the Champions League and he doesn't see Tuesday's clash as a chance to avenge the Madridista's 2-0 loss at Lyon. Rather, it's just another match on the schedule for the Italian manager, who wants to prove that this Real Madrid team is far superior than the one that traveled to France on 13 September.

Diarra has talked about revenge and that you can't lose two straight matches against the same opponent.
I don't think we had a good first half in the first leg, but we did much better in the second half and had some chances to score. It's obvious that this is a different Real Madrid. We know one another better and we've got that extra something. We're definitely going out there to win.

It's a very important test...
The most important thing is that we have qualified for the next round. It's important that we win tomorrow, but not crucial. Most tend to think that you're better off finishing first in the group in order to play the first game away and the second at home. You can't let that affect your mindset. A team has to take the pitch every day and play like they know how to.

Guti and Cannavaro are both niggled. Are you going to scratch any players from the squad list?
Guti participated in everything today and had a totally normal workout. We'll see how Cannavaro is tomorrow. He won't play if he's not 100% better.


What are your thoughts on the so-called problems with Guti's renewal?
I read a little about it today in the newspaper. I know how things are. They are so close to signing that nothing can stop it now. There are no problems. The three players I knew when I arrived were Guti, Raúl and Roberto Carlos. I asked that Guti be resigned because I knew there was a lot of talk about his leaving over the summer. I have always thought of him as an important player. I knew, and still know what he is capable of. His career hasn't been as great as it could have been, but he has the talent that very few players in Spain have. I don't understand why he has played so few matches with the national team. I'm speaking about his whole football career, not just right now.

Do you think his sending off on Saturday was because the contract issue is causing him to lose focus?
He committed a foul with only two minutes left just like everyone else has. The referee had every reason to send him off, but I don't think he did it because of contract problems. I am sure of it.

Are Olympique a stronger team now?
They always bring their 'A' game in Champions League matches. I am sure they will be very motivated. Every team that plays in the Bernabéu wants to have a good match.

There has been some controversy over your statements about Casillas' saves or lack there of against Racing.
If you want to keep talking about controversy, go ahead. He had to amazing saves, and the rest were great. Even he has said so. The first could have meant the 1-1 equaliser and the second could have brought them within one with six minutes to play. They were two incredible saves.


Of the new players, has Sergio Ramos surprised you the most?
Sergio is a player that can have an extraordinary career. He is talented, the right age, has the heart, and likes to work hard. He can achieve great things. He is able to play as a flanker or a centre back. Sergio is passionate, always the last to leave training, and always wants to improve.

How do you think Diarra has adapted to Spain?
He's had to adapt to a new country, a new team, and everything that goes along with that. Adapting can be difficult. It was for Platini and Zidane in their day. We have to wait and see. If a player is good, you'll notice it.

So it's not important that you finish tops in the group?
We always try to win when we take the pitch. That's what we always strive for. But iit's ok if we don't finish first. We'll be second. We're not going to play a Champions League match to waste time.

Is there a revenge-like feeling in the air?
This isn't about revenge. It's just a match we want to win because we are better now than we were when we first played them.


Report by Laura Navas
Photos by David R. Anchuelo
Translation by Matthew Goltz

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 7:30 PM