Realmadrid News

Capello press conference: "There will be changes in the starting eleven; the Cup is important for me"

The fans want to know what problems the team has.
We have lost our spirit and enthusiasm. This is our main failure. When I arrived in Madrid in July, I spoke of suffering and fighting for these colours and this shirt. All that has gone missing in the last two games. We have adopted a number of key measures that we seek to implement in a timely fashion as, for example, training behind closed doors to recover complete concentration at all times. We analysed many aspects during yesterday's meeting. We have been truly lucky in the table because the top teams have not won, so we are not lagging that far behind.

Does the coaching staff assume any responsibility?
Win or lose, the blame is always everybody's. The will to win has disappeared over the last two games. There's a reason for that and the coaching staff is equally responsible.

Isn't the squad minimally commited from a footballing perspective?
My job requires some time to bear fruit. We have played good football in some away matches, but at home we lose our edge and we are more anxious. It is true that some players are intimidated by the Bernabéu.


Is there any truth to the blacklist?
We spoke of having players who fight, who are committed, who stick their foot in... which is something that has always characterised Real Madrid, in any case. And, we also need quality players.

Do you have a serious problem with Ronaldo?
I don't like to single anybody out. Win or lose, it's a team affair and I head the entire project.

Isn't chopping heads in mid-season somewhat excessive?
Most importantly, players should be motivated and should fight for the badge and the colours and the shirt they defend. That comes before all else.

What other measures will be adopted?
We will see other measures implemented starting tomorrow. There will be changes in the starting eleven.

Are these measures geared at having all player show up clearheaded at training?
That subject is an inside thing and this is not the place to talk about it.


Do you still believe in Diarra?
He will play next to Gago tomorrow. I can assure you of that.

Have you thought about resigning?
That thought has not crossed my mind at all, not for a single split second.

You have yet to speak with the players. The newcomers are waiting for you to talk to them and lead the way.
I speak with all players, but within reason. I spoke with Robinho three times last week. It depends on how I see them, but I do speak with every player, no exceptions. What I do not do is speak to any individual player for 20 minutes at a time. I address the important topics and subjects at hand. I spoke in La Coruña before the game and I will do likewise tomorrow before the Copa del Rey match.

How do you feel the day after the entire press has been speaking of your successor non stop?
I feel like the coach of Real Madrid.

Did you think this team was better?
I always work with the players I have. Then there's better teams, but this is the one I have and I always value highly what I have.

Do you still have Ramón Calderón's and Mijatovic's full trust?
I sense it still.


Will anyone leave in January?
We cannot say.

It seems like those players who are playing the least are to blame.
We win and lose as a team.

Is the squad behind you?
I would say most of them are.

Have you seen any changes in Ronaldo's attitude since he spoke to Mijatovic?
Well, he trains as always... so and so.

What is your mindset right now?
I always think positively. I am not happy with the last results, but I am when I look at the table.

What are your thoughts on the King's Cup?
It's important for me. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

Will tomorrow's team be a definitive one from now on or is this yet another trial?
Some players will be rested, but I will line up a solid team.

Ramón Calderón says that his trust in you is not undying.
He's the President and therefore the last call is always his.

Is Cassano a lost case?
I do not speak of a single player.


Is the squad faction that's against you detrimental to the rest of the players?
We'll have to wait some more for me to answer that question.

Have you asked the Club to suspend any player?
Rules and regulations don't allow for that. It just can't be done. But I have not ruled out any player.

Do you believe in the youth players?
I think De la Red has played a few games this season. So has Torres. De la Red is young and a quality footballer. He will be in Seville.


Isn't the ambition and enthusiasm of those players who are newcomers or underdogs the appropriate medicine for this team at this moment?
Some players feel the pressure of playing at the Bernabéu, that's for sure. So we can't burn out the young players; we have to take it easier with them.
Are you happy?
I'm hungry. Not happy, because in this line of work the only thing that makes you happy is winning. But I do work more fullheartedly now.



Capello's interview Live by : Marca.com
Report by Luis Navarro
Photos by Ángel Martínez
Translation by Luis Orueta

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 2:35 PM