Post-match comments

Jorge Valdano was pleased with how Real Madrid did everything in their will power in search of the victory against Sporting Gijon. Manuel Pellegrini was satisfied with his team’s performance and ability to circulate the ball in the second half. Esteban Granero and Guti were upset Real Madrid weren’t able to capitalize on their chances against Sporting but the midfielders are already looking towards the future. Pepe and Marcelo pointed out that the lack of precision on goal cost Real Madrid the victory against Sporting.

Jorge Valdano:

We aren’t satisfied with the end result, but most definitely with the players’ attitudes. I will not accept people saying that this team has no spirit. The season just began and I am sure we will come out ahead. I congratulate all those who played because they did everything they could against an opponent who never caved in, especially in the last half hour.

We don’t have to confirm absolutely anything. The coach is doing a good job and the team is improving. The team did feel the absence of the injured forwards, but they still did well and we have to accept the score.

Manuel Pellegrini:

The first half was quite even, but Real Madrid owned the second. We circulated the ball well and our defense was unflappable, but we weren’t able to score. We opted for Drenthe in order to use the wing. Once he wore out, Guti came in with fresh legs for the team.

I will not stop being respectful to referees. The play that Raul had a goal called back ended when the referee blew his whistle. We have a lot of injured players. Garay suffered a strain and Xabi decided he couldn’t continue. I don’t think they are very severe injuries, though.

Granero:

We had a great second half. They practically didn’t reach our box and we didn’t take advantage of our chances. That was the key to the final score. I think I can play in several positions. The coach knows me and knows where I can help the most.

We didn’t give the match away. We were up against a great opponent with lots of heart. This is a hard place to control the ball in because it’s a fast pitch. The first half was pretty even. We had a chance or two, but I think we were far superior in the second. We just lacked the final touch.

We did what we had to to earn the three points, but we couldn’t finish. Sporting were also very driven and they pressured a lot. We are improving and learning. They lowered their pace in the second half, we made the proper adjustments and we saw that we had a chance to score.

Today we lacked what we had too much of in previous matches: the final shot. We play against other strong teams who are very driven. It isn’t always easy. We understand our fans and we want them to be happy.

I just try to work hard for my team. I feel fortunate to be here and I want to take advantage of this opportunity.

Guti:

It is clear we are lacking in certain areas, but I am convinced that we will gel even more and that things will get better. We are missing important players, but we cannot think about that. We must continue working hard.

Pepe:

Our goal was to win and take the three points, but we earned one on a difficult pitch. We aren’t happy, but we notched a point. We weren’t able to score. We worked and fought hard, but we lacked precision on goal. The league is very long and we can be top.

Every player on this squad is capable of playing for Real Madrid. We cannot talk about those not here. We need to talk about those of us who are and who have the desire to be here and help. They pressured a lot. It is a tough place to play in and Sporting is a very well-organized team.

We have played eight games in a month, not including international committments. Xabi Alonso has a lot of games under his belt and Garay felt fatigued because it was a tough pitch.

Marcelo:

We had fewer chances in the first half and I think we were at our best in the second. It’s unfortunate that we could not win. We played well because we had great intentions and a lot of heart, but we just couldn’t score.