Ramón Calderón Optimistic

"We've built a team that will bring all the excitement back"

Real Madrid President, Ramón Calderón assessed the Club's current state for Realmadrid.com and Realmadrid TV. He talked about the arrival of José Antonio Reyes and the team's League start, and analysed the new signings and the new Ronaldo, all of which are aimed towards one objetive: winning a title this year.

What can Reyes contribute to Real Madrid?
The coaches have told me that he's quick and can easily get passed the defense, both of which we need right now, especially when the fans are turning up the heat on us for strengthening the defense and midfield, but not the attack. However, Capello has told me this is not the case, because we have players who are capable of beautiful football, like Robinho, Raúl, Cassano, Reyes, Van Nistelrooy, and Ronaldo, who I am sure is going to put a smile on our faces on many occasions this year. Many members were demanding that we sign a quality Spanish player. I am sure that by signing Reyes we have built a team that will bring back all the excitement that we haven't experienced over the last three years.

How do you feel about the team seven days since the draw against Villarreal?

I was more worried about the people's reaction because I saw that they wanted us to win the match, and that's all that matters. The coach assured me that it is absolutely normal to work on strength the first month and then move on to speed. Capello told me the work has just begun, and that he is thrilled that the team has adapted well and come along exactly as he hoped. As I have always said, I will not interfere with a coach who is, without a doubt, the best in the world. If he is happy and unnerved, then we are too.
The team is finally set after bringing in Capello and five signings. Mijatovic did a great job.
Absolutely. He signed some Italians for a lot less than their market price. In Van Nistelrooy's case, Manchester kept on insisting that Bayern Munich had made them an offer. I doubted it, but their directors confirmed it and told me that Pedja did a great job. I don't have to mention the signing of Diarra. Last year, Essien was 12 million euros more expensive. Finally, we were really smart about getting Reyes. Baptista being a great player allowed us to bring in Reyes and give the Brazilian a chance to make a name for himself in the football world. It would have been a real pitty for him if he hadn't played this year. Hats off to Mijatovic.

Are you worried about Ronaldo's physical form?
No, because I was with him after the Villarreal match and he told me that he was really looking forward to playing. He is really pushing himself to strengthen his leg. He is convinced he can score 30 goals this year, and it would be great news for us if he did. I definitely think he's excited to get back on track. He has had the feeling that the public didn't care for him over the last few seasons, but the coaching staff has told me that there is no forward in the world like Ronaldo.

Do you still think Real Madrid can win a title this year?
I am convinced that we'll be in the running for all three titles. But, it also depends on luck. I am positive that we'll surely win at least one title, but I would like to win more than one. I have been lucky throughout my life, and I would like for that luck to shift to Real Madrid this year.


Report by Luis Navarro
Photos by Ángel Martínez
Translation by Matthew Goltz

Great job by the Sporting Directorship with the arrival of Capello and five players

Five new players and a brand new coaching staff led by Fabio Capello. This is the toll of new signings during Ramón Calderón's era, after less than two months as President of Real Madrid. The Sporting Directorship, spear-headed by Pedja Mijatovic, has worked ceaslessly to conform the new and exciting project in the hopes of reviving the glory days.

With the summer transfer window deadline over, the squad of Real Madrid has been completed, featuring five new signings and eleven transferred players, whether sold, swapped or on loan. Since 2 July, when Ramón Calderón won the Presidential elections, the Club, and more specifically, the Sports Directorship led by Pedja Mijatovic and seconded by assistant technical directors Franco Baldini and Carlos Bucero, have outperformed themselves working hand in hand with the coaching staff.

Capello, first off
Fabio Capello was the first arrival to Real Madrid, just four days after the elections. He landed with his trusted coaching staff: assistant coach Italo Galbiati, physical trainer Massimo Neri and goalkeeper trainer Franco Tancredi.

The staff, joined by Toni Grande as second assistant coach, immediately got down to work to plan the pre-season and relay the signing and transfer needs of the team to the Sports Director. And so, just twenty days later, in a frantic week spanning from 24 to 30 July, the Presidential Balcony of the Santiago Bernabéu saw the presentations of Cannavaro, Emerson and Van Nistelrooy, a new player ahead, in the middle and in the back, in line with the new guidelines of Capello's Real Madrid.

One month later, it was the turn of Diarra, a player that had been branded “very important” by the head coach within his team design and which the player from Mali has confirmed in his only two matches so far against Anderlecht in the Santiago Bernabéu Trophy and in the first League meeting against Villarreal. The fifth and last signing was Spanish international player José Antonio Reyes, who will be presented next week as new Real Madrid player after fulfilling his duties with the Spanish national side.

Transfers
Real Madrid has transferred youth player Rubén to Racing Santander, managed by Miguel Ángel Portugal, who was precisely his coach in RM Castilla last season. Danish midfielder Thomas Gravesen will be playing for Celtic Glasgow. Meanwhile, Borja Fernández left Real Madrid to sign for Valladolid, who will be in the fight to promote to the Primera Liga.

Loans
The first player who went on loan was "The Soldier". Roberto Soldado will be playing with Osasuna in the Uefa Cup this year. Next in line was youth system winger Javier Balboa, who will be joining fomer RM Castilla team-mate Rubén and coach Miguel Ángel Portugal, who knows the player well and has great expectations regarding his performance this season.

Both Uruguayan players, Carlos Diogo and Pablo García, were also loaned out. Diogo will be defending the colours of Zaragoza, a team that is bulding a very interesting sporting project. Meanwhile, Pablo García will don the jersey of Celta Vigo, the side managed by Fernando Vázquez.

Also seeking to play on a regular basis this season is Jonathan Woodgate, who has set sail back to his homeland to play for Premier side Boro. The centre back will be facing the likes of former Real Madrid team-mate Julio Baptista, who is on loan to Arsenal until the end of this campaign.

Transfers with buy-back option

Finally, three players have been transferred, but the Whites have insured a buy-back option during the first two years. Javier Portillo, Juanfran and Jurado will be back if Real Madrid deems their progression is optimal.

Portillo will be playing with First Division newcomers Nástic Tarragona, a team in which he should be the offensive reference. Jurado has signed a four-year contract with neighbours Atletico Madrid, as has Juanfran with Osasuna, where he will team up with former Real Madrid Castilla team-mate Soldado.


Report by Luis Navarro & Carlos Cristóbal
Translation by Luis Orueta