Juande Ramos press conference
Shortly after the last workout of the week, Juande Ramos analyzed the condition of the team heading into its match against Valladolid.
How are the recoveries of those injured coming along?
Marcelo will not play and everyone else is fit. Codina, Parejo and Marcelo are off the squad list for medical reasons.
Guti ought to be thanked for clarifying all the recent speculation.
I don’t have a problem with Guti. There has been a lot of spin on recent news, but as he said, we have a cordial relationship.
May Lass play as a right-back with Sergio Ramos out this weekend?
I still haven’t decided. I remember the job he did against Simao when we played against Atletico. I’ll have to take a look at the situation because each opponent is different.
There had been good vibes all week in relation to Barcelona until Pique came along and said what he said.
It has happened before but I pay no attention. I am responsible only for what I say, not the opinions of others. Freedom of expression is allowed.
Are you worried by the fact the Raul hasn’t scored in recent matches?
I look at the team as a whole and am very pleased with what I see. We have been playing well. I want the team to work just as it has been.
Is it frustrating to see your streak marred by the fact that Barcelona play so well?
No. Real Madrid’s streak has taken a back seat because Barcelona are doing so well. We must force Bacelona to win all their matches. We are two different teams with very different characteristics.
Do Barcelona have any defects or are they a perfect team?
There is no perfect team and Barcelona certainly isn’t one. They are very good in many areas, but they have defects like every team does. They are on the right track to win titles.
Your contract stipulates that you will continue as head coach if you win La Liga, but this week your name came up regardless of whether you win or not. How does that make you feel?
There will be elections soon and rumors will be constant, so we must get used to them. We must continue working hard to be able to make a proper assessment at season’s end and when there is a new president.
The players must also be restless…
They are professionals and are used to rumors. I don’t think it will affect their work.
Metzelder to Grada Blanca
Now in his second season with Real Madrid, Christoph Metzelder has fully adapted to the team and the league. The defender has proven to be in fine form in recent matches and only one thing crosses his mind, “winning La Liga.”
Quite a streak the team has put together…
It is pretty impressive. We are the only team who hasn’t lost in 2009. We’ll try to maintain it until the end because we know that victories are all that count to win La Liga.
It is believed that leagues are won and lost in the final ten matches. As of now, the first battle was won in Malaga.
I completely agree. Teams have a lot on the line at this point, such as spots in European competitions and the chance to avoid relegation. They will be difficult matches, but we are well-prepared. We are completely focused on the league and have nothing to distract us. We are training well for the final push and want to be well-prepared for the matches we have left.
The team hasn’t lost since December. What has been the key to the streak?
We all knew from day one that this was a talented team. We didn’t show it much in the first half of the season. The tactical aspect of our game has improved since Juande Ramos got here, and it has shown on the pitch and in away matches. We were able to win in Malaga and Bilbao for example. I think the team is doing well and that we can win the remaining matches.
The team was able to react and get back into the thick of things after trailing Barcelona by twelve points.
True. La Liga is very much alive. We wanted to show that this team has talent and a good attitude. We were able to claw back after falling behind by twelve points, and now we want to prove that we have the spirit that has always defined Real Madrid when it comes to winning.
With nine matches to play and a six-point deficit, does the team really believe it can win its third straight league title?
The majority of the players here are internationals. We know how the world of football works and understand how complicated it can be. Six points against a team like Barcelona can be difficult to turn around, especially when we have tough road matches ahead. But with this run we have put together, we feel we can catch Barcelona.
Which means there can be no setbacks whatsoever…
We must keep up the pressure and continue to push. They should feel the heat because they still have the Champions League to play and may slip up. We hope they do one day, at which point we will be right there to capitalize.
The next final is at the Bernabeu against Valladolid, a team who made it quite hard on you in the first leg of the tie.
Valladolid are an uncomfortable team to play, especially on their turf. Opponents have a hard time at the Bernabeu, which is why we must be strong from the star. Scoring quickly will make it much easier for us. We must take advantage of the first few minutes when there is a lot more pressure.
Does the team want Barcelona to continue having success in the Champions League so that they play more matches or would you prefer that they be eliminated and suffer emotionally?
I think we will benefit if Barcelona maintain such a high rhythm. There is more physical and emotional demand that way. It would be better for us if they continue in the Champions League.
Do you prefer taking the pitch for matches knowing already knowing what Barcelona have done?
Our situation is relatively easy. We know that to win this league, which won’t be easy, we must win ever match. There are no tactics involved and we cannot let our guard down. We must win. We do not need to know what Barcelona do.
Personally speaking, how do you feel?
As a center-back, it is very important to play on a regular basis in order to be better prepared in aspects such as anticipation. I have been improving in recent matches and I hope to continue playing in upcoming weeks.
It must be hard to find such a rhythm when a player must deal with so many injuries.
I was unlucky with last year’s injury and operation. I have had some small problems this season, but I think I am in good form. I feel it in matches when I play, which is why I hope I am given an opportunity to play in the matches we have left.
What is your goal heading down the home stretch of the season?
I want to show fans exactly what I have to offer, which is why Real Madrid signed me in the first place. I want to prove that I have what it takes to play for Real Madrid, which is why I want to play as much as possible.
Just another Madridista
Junta speak