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