Do you think Xabi Alonso is needed here?
Xabi is a teammate and friend. He is a great player and all teams would love to have him. I, however, am not the person responsible for signing him. I am sure many clubs would like to have him, but you must consider that the negotiation process must benefit both clubs and the player.

Do you think all the glitz and glamour that surrounds Cristiano Ronaldo can affect his performance?
He hasn’t been here long, but all the hype is external. He is a very down to earth person and very professional. Just look at his body. The press talks a lot about his nightlife, but I think it is ridiculous. He has worked harder than anyone since arriving and has adapted well.

You said Michel’s departure isn’t definite, but he did not train with the team today.
That may be. He preferred to stay in the gym. Michel doesn’t have to say if he is leaving or not, but he hasn’t confirmed it with the team. The club hasn’t made it official.

Do you think the players who were signed guarantee success next season?
I think so. Florentino Perez has created a competitive team that has gained a lot of respect on the international stage. Many great players were signed including some home-grown footballers to strengthen the squad and to make it more Spanish.

Fernando Torres thinks Spanish players don’t get all the credit they deserve and cost less than others. Do you think Spanish players are still a step below?
I don’t think so. Many of us who won the Euro are playing in La Liga. We broke the barrier that kept us in the backseat. Xavi was the best player of the tournament, Torres was third in the Ballon d’Or… Spanish players are getting more attention now, but in Spain there are clauses that other teams do not accept.

What time frame does this team need to become the Real Madrid that the world wants to see?
We have a month before the season begins. We don’t have another summer competition like the Spanish Super Cup, which allows us to focus on the season and the three titles we have in play. We still have some things to improve such as defending set-pieces. The new players are adjusting well. I think we will see just how good we are by October or November.

Whether he leaves or not, Michel Salgado wrote his own chapter in the history of Real Madrid.
Of course. He must be thanked for everything he did for Real Madrid if he leaves. He has been here for ten years. He has always been a positive player. We have learned a lot from him and he has always put forth his best effort.

Does Ibrahimovic worry you more than Eto’o?
Honestly, I am glad that Eto’o left because he was a nightmare. I wish him all the best because he is a true professional. Ibrahimovic is also a great player and he will help Barcelona try to maintain their dominance.

What is it like having to work alongside so many players that must look for new teams to play for?
It is hard. It is one of the most challenging preseasons I have had because I have seen many teammates leave. Seeing players leave is sad, but you must consider that it is in the players’ best interest. We all want to participate in the World Cup and we know we won’t get a chance to if we do not play. Many must look for a way out to show that they have what it takes. Everyone wants to succeed at Real Madrid and we are a lot of players, but sometimes it just isn’t meant to be.

Do you think all the glitz and glamour that surrounds Cristiano Ronaldo can affect his performance?
He hasn’t been here long, but all the hype is external. He is a very down to earth person and very professional. Just look at his body. The press talks a lot about his nightlife, but I think it is ridiculous. He has worked harder than anyone since arriving and has adapted well.

You said Michel’s departure isn’t definite, but he did not train with the team today.
That may be. He preferred to stay in the gym. Michel doesn’t have to say if he is leaving or not, but he hasn’t confirmed it with the team. The club hasn’t made it official.

Do you think the players who were signed guarantee success next season?
I think so. Florentino Perez has created a competitive team that has gained a lot of respect on the international stage. Many great players were signed including some home-grown footballers to strengthen the squad and to make it more Spanish.

Fernando Torres thinks Spanish players don’t get all the credit they deserve and cost less than others. Do you think Spanish players are still a step below?
I don’t think so. Many of us who won the Euro are playing in La Liga. We broke the barrier that kept us in the backseat. Xavi was the best player of the tournament, Torres was third in the Ballon d’Or… Spanish players are getting more attention now, but in Spain there are clauses that other teams do not accept.

What time frame does this team need to become the Real Madrid that the world wants to see?
We have a month before the season begins. We don’t have another summer competition like the Spanish Super Cup, which allows us to focus on the season and the three titles we have in play. We still have some things to improve such as defending set-pieces. The new players are adjusting well. I think we will see just how good we are by October or November.

Whether he leaves or not, Michel Salgado wrote his own chapter in the history of Real Madrid.
Of course. He must be thanked for everything he did for Real Madrid if he leaves. He has been here for ten years. He has always been a positive player. We have learned a lot from him and he has always put forth his best effort.

Does Ibrahimovic worry you more than Eto’o?
Honestly, I am glad that Eto’o left because he was a nightmare. I wish him all the best because he is a true professional. Ibrahimovic is also a great player and he will help Barcelona try to maintain their dominance.

What is it like having to work alongside so many players that must look for new teams to play for?
It is hard. It is one of the most challenging preseasons I have had because I have seen many teammates leave. Seeing players leave is sad, but you must consider that it is in the players’ best interest. We all want to participate in the World Cup and we know we won’t get a chance to if we do not play. Many must look for a way out to show that they have what it takes. Everyone wants to succeed at Real Madrid and we are a lot of players, but sometimes it just isn’t meant to be.