Juande Ramos press conference
Juande Ramos believes his team can perform well in La Liga and said his men are going to do their best to win every game left in the competition.
How is the team feeling on a physical and emotional level?
On a physical level, the team has been recovering. We’ve played several games spaced out just three or four days and they have had some strain on the squad. The players have recovered very well from the match in Liverpool and we will be able to perform at a very high level in Bilbao. It’s not the same on an emotional level, but we now play in a different competition and I’m sure my men will perform as they used to. We are doing a good job in La Liga. It’s been a long time since we lost a game. We must stay focused and fight to the end.
Are the positive results of late in the league enough to change the team’s mentality?
We have to look for what’s positive. The chance of making a comeback in the league gives us hope. We shouldn’t waste the excellent work we’ve done in the past few months. We must take points in Bilbao, but we must also realise it will be diffucult to do so. We’ve played well away from home and we will be able to give a good performance at San Mames.
Is the atmosphere in Bilbao similar to that at Anfield?
I think there’s always an excellent atmosphere when Real Madrid is the visiting side. Every team is able to create such an environment. Nevertheless, San Mames is full of people who have a great understanding of football and I believe we may witness a thrilling game.
How do you feel?
I’ve been doing this for 20 years and I know about these situations. You sometimes lose and you sometimes win. Sometimes you are happier and sometimes you are disappointed. One should be natural about it. We have to return to normal in the league.
Has the team realized that it isn’t great enough to compete at a high level?
The Liverpool game is over and we are just thinking about our next match. We have to win them all; that’s the only solution.
How do you expect Athletic to play?
The pressure they inflict has good results when they play as locals. Their style relies on their crowd. We have to prove we have enough personality to overcome everything.
Some people say half the squad should leave. Do you think they are being disrespectful to you and your men?
I always say every opinion should be respected. These are the same players that won ten straight games with excellent results. They are professionals, meaning we will continue to woirk as well as we did back then. We have to accept all opinions.
Do you think a 4-0 elimination is as bad as a 1-0 defeat for such a great team?
We always want to win and do the best we can. We should congratulate them for their victory against us. That’s football.
What do you think of Robben?
I find it curious that Robben is now considered to be one of the worst players on the squad when he was looked on as the best a few weeks ago. He is a powerful player that helps a lot when he plays well. He can’t perform as well when he is fiercely marked. He’s done so much foor the team that everyone expects him to play his best all the time, but people should understand that he may also have weaker days. He is ready to help the team as much as he can.
Do you think pressure can affect him?
He is a magnificent and experienced player that is accustomed to playing in important games. He played like the rest. None of us did well, so he shouldn’t be blamed for the defeat. The team didn’t perform and was punished with a defeat. Robben can still do his best in other fixtures.
What will you do if Cannavaro can’t play tomorrow?
I will have to build the defensive line around him or someone else. Every game is different. It’s not the same to face Forlan and Aguero than to play against someone like Llorente, who is taller. You make a decision only after determining that it is the best option you have.
Barcelona seem to be in better shape than you now…
Everyone always says we are in great form when we play brilliantly, or that we aren’t fit if we play badly. We pulled off ten straight victories, after which we drew with Atletico and lost in Liverpool. The ten victories no longer seem to count. I’m sure you’ll all say we are great if we win our next two games. It shouldn’t be this way. You can either win or lose in football.
Do you think Casillas did well against Liverpool?
We are a team through thick and thin. No one is more to blame than the rest. We all share the same amount of blame in what’s good and bad.
Are you worried about him?
I’m not worried because his performance was magnificent. I would worry if he doesn’t play that well tomorrow.
Real Madrid have won in Bilbao three consecutive times. Do you expect this to continue?
Real Madrid normally do well at San Mames, which makes it rather exciting for my men. We will have to do our best to take all the points.
There are rumours of Benitez signing for the team in the press. Does that bother you?
I like positive things. I try to disregard negativity and I am not worried about that.
Lass to Marca
Lassana Diarra told Marca that the team was hurt by losing in Liverpool, but that the league is far from over and that it will do its best to win the title.
How does the squad feel?
Morale is slightly low after the defeat. That’s normal because we wanted to stay in the championship. We have to accept things as they are.
Can the defeat have an effect on your comeback in La Liga?
An important defeat always leaves its mark, but we still have two days to recover from it. This isn’t over yet; it isn’t the end. The game in Bilbao will be complicated, but we are capable of proving we are a good team.
Did you know that San Mames is the stadium most similar to Anfield in Spain?
Yes, I’ve been told it’s a special place, like a smaller Anfield. I think we will be able to get over our defeat. We have to do our best in the league.
You seem to be optimistic and it looks like you’ve learned quickly about Real Madrid’s demands.
Everyone helped me adapt quickly. I adore this club and I want to stay here for many years and win many titles. I am currently disappointed, but I know you learn most from pain and mistakes and I’m sure I’m going to win many titles here. We are going to prove we are Real Madrid.
How did the most veteran players on the squad feel after the defeat?
Raul, Iker and the rest tried to cheer us up. It isn’t easy for great players like them to lose 4-0, but a great player should also know how to get over a big defeat. Liverpool won and we wished them all the best.
What’s the secret to your quick adaptation?
I was lucky to sign for Chelsea when I was 18 years old and moved to Arsenal when I was 21. That may have helped, but my team-mates are really responsible. I wish to thank them again. I also wish to thank the coach and Pedja Mijatovic.
Just another Madridista
Junta speak