Miguel Torres to Realmadrid Radio
Miguel Torres knows its hard to make a starting lineup at Real Madrid. The youth teamer had a chance to play on Saturday and performed brilliantly against Malaga.
You played very well against Malaga.
Thank you, but I can still do much more. It was difficult for me because it had been a long time since I had played 90 minutes and that can lead to a bad performance. You always have to try your best and stay focused.
Malaga were a complicated opponent.
Yes, they were, and many of our players were tired or injured after the league stoppage. People like me, who hadn’t played for a long time, had to step up. I think the team responded well. We can’t afford to stop putting pressure on Barcelona, who haven’t dropped a single point yet.
It must be very important to have a large and solid squad.
I think those of us who play less have united. We train hard the days following a game, during which the starters usually rest. We make it hard for the coach to make up his mind.
Is the youth system important for the first team?
There are several former youth players on the first team that have been at the Club for many years and that are great players at a national level, but it is also important to note that there are also many men from the academy that have become successful on other teams. I met Jurado and Mata –who has already played with the first national team-, when I was called-up by the Under-21 national side. These things motivate us to do even better.
Was the match on Saturday one of the most complicated ones due to everything that surrounded it?
I think people talk too much about the forthcoming Clasico at the Bernabeu. I believe the match in Malaga was even more complicated because only three other teams had managed to win there before us this season and Malaga had more time to prepare for the clash than we did. We did our best despite how tired we felt. This week will be more relaxed to prepare for the match against Valladolid. We hope to win and wish those playing in the Champions League start feeling tired.
Heinze will face Valladolid, but Ramos is suspended for the game. You could be a starter again…
I hope so. I don’t care about the position as long as I play and the coach knows that. He has usually preferred Michel Salgado when he needs a right back. I must continue to work as hard as I’ve been doing so far and do my best whenever I get another chance.
You reached the first team two years ago when the team was in a similar situation as the one it currently lives. Is it really that similar?
It is. Raul has told us that we may win the title in the end if we are smart, stay together and work along the same lines. It was a great moment for me to reach the first team. We were all united and we were excited about our chances to win the title.
You’ve played for every single academy team at the Club.
That doesn’t mean I am the best. I think I’ve always been a good team worker and that I’ve been lucky to get here. I’ve also had many team-mates that could have been successful but weren’t in the end. I was, and one must make good use of these chances.
The team is so focused on catching up with Barcelona that none of you realises the amazing numbers you are getting.
I hardly know about them because we are all focused on the games. They are nice, but we should disregard them because the same figures would have made us leaders in previous years.
Is the squad determined to win the title?
We are, especially because Raul and Iker remind us we may win if we are smart and fight hard. Some of the players don’t really know what Madridismo is because they aren’t from Madrid, so it’s good that Raul and Iker take time to teach all of us what it means.
As a pure Madridista, do you also try to teach newcomers about Madridismo?
I try to when they ask, but those words have more impact coming from someone like Raul or Iker. That’s why I think it’s good that they keep an eye on all of us, newcomers and youth teamers.
Has your life changed much since you got promoted to the first team?
Yes it has, but I take it easy. My family and friends all live in Madrid and I keep the same circle as I did before. I have to limit myself at times because you represent the Club all the time, even after training. Luckily, those I love are near and help me stay focused.
Huntelaar press conference
Huntelaar only thinks about winning. The Dutch striker is having a great run and will be a key figure in Real Madrid’s remaining nine games in La Liga.
You were sitting on the bench when the whole incident with Guti in Malaga happened. What did you see?
I only saw that everyone was warming up. I was getting dressed and watching the game. That’s all.
How do you think Guti is doing?
We are all united and we fight together to win the league title. I think he’s doing as well as the rest of the team.
Is the team especially happy with the victory because it hardly had time to prepare for the game?
It was a very important victory, especially because we sustained many injuries. Barcelona also won and still hold the same lead, but we will continue to fight.
Men that don’t usually get a chance to play did rather well. Does that mean Real Madrid have a squad strong enough for the next nine games?
We want to win more than anything else. We all do our best to catch up with the leaders and win the title.
Barcelona will face Bayern Munich in the Champions League. As a Madridista, what would you prefer happened?
I’m not too worried about it, but it’s important for us that they start giving out signs of exhaustion. We should take advantage of that.
Do you think you can be compatible with Van Nistelrooy in the future?
That’s up to the coach. I just think about this season and our next game. Whatever has to happen will happen.
Do you feel like you are ahead of him thanks to your excellent run and the fact that he’s injured?
I’m only thinking about the current season. Whatever happens will depend on many different things.
Do you still think the team can win all its games?
Of course I do. Our next game will be at the Bernabeu. We will have to take each game at a time and wait for Barcelona to drop points.
The election campaign hasn’t started yet, but there are rumours about future signings. How does that affect the squad?
I personally feel no pressure. I focus on the next game and I think everyone else does too.
Ronaldo always used to make a bet saying how many goals he was going to score during the season. Do you dare say a number?
I would like to score many goals. What’s important is that the team continues to win its games. I can’t really say how many goals I’ll score.
Do you think Juande deserves to stay at Real Madrid?
We’ve been doing a good job since December. I think Juande Ramos is a very good coach that positions each player where he can do his best.
Which do you like most of the things fans have been saying about you?
I still don’t understand it all because they use words you don’t learn in Spanish lessons. What I’ve most enjoyed is the attitude they have with me.
Just another Madridista
Junta speak