Realmadrid News

Fabio Capello press conference:"We are extremely focused and we'll play a great game"

How's Beckham?
He only jogged and didn't do any technical exercises. He says the sprain hurts a bit but that he will be fine to play tomorrow because he nevertheless feels OK.

How do you feel about having been able to work with all your players only for an hour this week?
This game is another 'final' for us, like all the rest. It's obviously been hard to prepare for such an important match in only one day, but I am confident of playing well tomorrow.

How do you feel? What do you say to a player at a time like this?
It's hard to find a right balance. It sometimes doesn't work to talk to them about what's at stake because it puts pressure on them. I try to keep them calm and let them prepare for the game their own way. They all know tomorrow's fixture is terribly important. I'm as excited as they are.

Are any other internationals on the squad tired?
They are all very excited about playing. I've liked their attitude and work very much today.

A decision will be made this evening regarding Ronaldinho's booking. How would you feel if his red card is rescinded?
You know I don't like talking about those things.

How important will tomorrow's game be psychologically speaking?
I'm happy with the fact that Zaragoza need to win to play in the UEFA Cup next year. They won't be relaxed and the game will be hard for both teams. Psychologically, the game will be equally important for us both.

Did you watch Beckham's England games this week?
I think he played as well as he is currently playing here. He was very important in those fixtures; his cross for the second goal was extraordinary.

Do you fear your players may be too euphoric?
We are not euphoric because we still haven't won anything. We know we can do well and we are focused on working hard.
Do you like your benched players to be aware of what's happening in games that take place at the same time?
No. I've never allowed it. We should only think of ourselves. We won't do well if we think about other teams' games.

Twenty years ago, both sides faced each other under the same circumstances; Real Madrid had to win to take the title and Zaragoza needed a victory to play in the UEFA Cup. Do you like to dwell in the history of past games?
I don't generally look back. We will all live happy and difficult times in life, but I am always optimistic.

Is the squad especially motivated?
They know they can win and they talk with each other. I liked their attitude today because they really looked like a united team. They were more motivated this morning than ever before in days prior to a game.


Many players have said you should still be the coach next season. What do you think of that?
I thank them for their kind words, but it's up to me to decide what to do.

The President recently said Robben may join the team.
He knows what he has to say. I like to talk about players when they're part of the team.

Is Diarra one of the players to have inflicted a stronger character on the team?
I think we have all inflicted a stronger character on the team. He came from a winning side and really wanted to be successful here, but every player has tried to give the team a strong character.

Report by Arancha Díaz
Photography by Daniel Sastre
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 2:05 AM