Pellegrini press conference

Manuel Pellegrini offered today’s press conference on the eve of his first derby as Real Madrid head coach.

Will Raul start?
We will decide on the starting eleven tomorrow. Raul has played a lot and his performance speaks for itself. The team has played well without him at times. He is always a starter in my book. He is very important to this team.

In what kind of shape is the team with respect to what you are looking for?
We’re on the right track. We’ve figured out in what direction we want to head towards and the team has adjusted well. There are still some adjustments to make, but everyone is okay with that and I hope we continue improving.

Is it just a coincidence that the team got off balance after the penalty in Milan?
It was tough because the team found itself with a score that wasn’t in its favor even though it was the superior side. But we reacted and I think we played a good match.

What are your thoughts on the Cristiano Ronaldo situation?
The player is concerned as to be expected. The doctors are the ones who have to examine his progres. He is an important player to the team and to his national team. He knows he isn’t fit to play. Otherwise we would have used him.

Saturday may result in your 100th victory in what will be your 200th match in Primera.
I don’t tend to count. I am only concerned with the football aspect.

Is the rhythm displayed against Getafe and Milan that what you want to see from your team?
Playing with ten men implies more wear and tear. The team looked more like what we want from it against Milan. We pressured well and were very mobile. We are using the wings well.

Is Guti fit to make the squad list?
No, and I would like to repeat that he is not punished. I try to call up the 18 men who are in best shape.

Will Garay start?
The four center-backs are on the squad list. We will see what happens with Albiol before we determine who plays.

What did you think when you saw Cristiano’s name on Portugal squad list?
I don’t think he will be ready. We are talking about a player who has done no work at all in 35 days.

Which match is more difficult, the derby in the Calderon or the Cup match against Alcorcón?
The next match is always the toughest. Atletico are a great rival and we hope to beat them despite seeing how much they have improved.

It’s hard to undertand why Guti has been left off every squad list since Alcorcon…
The news was about an incident that never took place. I would say if he was punished. I hope he returns to the level he was playing at before he was injured. He is an important player. There is no conflict between us. You still think the same thing no matter what I say.