Miguel Torres, who cut his holiday short to return to training, offered today’s press conference at the Carton House Hotel.

With so much training under your belts, are you beginning to get tired?
We are anxious to play matches. We train with the ball in the afternoon, but we are going through match withdrawal. We know how important it is to work on fitness and I think the way sessions have been split up will help us.

Do you think the coach will take into account the fact that you cut your holiday short?
Everyone does what he thinks is best. I played in the European Championship and things didn’t turn out the way I had hoped, so I made the decision to come back and now I feel much better. The fact that the club told me that it is counting on me is important. I can play in several positions and will do whatever it takes to convince the coach to count on me.

What are your goals with this team?
I think the moment everyone had waited for is here… an exciting team with lofty goals for the season. We must continue working hard and try to win every title possible.

There’s been a lot of talk about possible signings, but possible transfers as well.
Each player finds himself in a particular situation, and this can affect spirits, but we all know we must work 100% because there is a World Cup next summer and many players are interested in participating in it.

Will you see playing time this season?
I hope to play a lot more than in past seasons. I will do whatever it takes because you don’t get many chances on this team and you have to take advantage of the ones you do get.

Is there a different vibe or special atmosphere on this team?
We are always excited during the preseason because we start off with a clean slate. Everyone wants to earn the coach’s trust, but if you add in the new players and the enthusiasm shown by fans, there is a lot more. Hopefully we will win many titles.

Do you think it is necessary to have more Spanish players on the squad?
I think it is important to have a group that exudes and teaches the club’s values, especially on a team like Real Madrid that has unique values. There are players here who have a lot of experience at this level, so it is important that they ooze this spirit in an attempt to win many titles.

It must be hard to focus with so many rumors and speculation.
It happens during every preseason. I am a versatile player and know that as of today I can only compete against those who are here. I have to use my options wisely and prove to the coach that I am capable. Any new player who arrives is going to have a tough time because everyone here is going to put forth his best effort to earn a spot.

How do the transferable players look to you?
They are focused on beginning the season well. Others are in different situations, but we hope they are resolved in the best manner possible.

What is Pellegrini like?
He is one of the most talkative coaches I have had since I joined the first team, which is a very good sign. He always has an eye on us, especially those who play for Castilla.

Is Pellegrini a difference-maker?
It’s too early to make that call, but he has been a pleasure to work for over the last few days. Although he is serious, he does have a sense of humor and a close relationship with the players. He proves during each session that he knows what he is doing. He’s got a great personality.

Did seeing seven youth teamers play in the Champions League final with Barcelona make you envious?
We do great work here at Real Madrid, especially in the youth system. They could play for the first team but it is very difficult. There are great players on every youth team this year and hopefully they will one day play for a European Cup.

Will you be better than Barcelona this season?
We haven’t thought about it. We are trying to get back into shape and to get to know one another. Hopefully we can achieve what the coaches expect of us and make fans proud. We must be in top form for the beginning of the season. If we do what we are supposed to, Barcelona will have an eye on us.

What surprises you most about Cristiano?
Everything. He is a normal guy who works hard. He is the complete package. I haven’t seen power like his since Roberto Carlos. He is great with both feet and has spectacular ball control.

Does so much attention on Cristiano benefit the team?
So much attention from the press and fans is expected when players like Cristiano are around. I am anxious for matches to begin. Once they do, people will start talking about how good he is and now about how much he cost.

Any words of advice for the new players who haven’t played in Spain?
Football is a universal language. There is a lot of competitiveness here, but I don’t think they need any advice. We will help them adapt and hopefully they will help us win many titles.