16.1.2004 Raul justifies Real's latest blunders
Raul, except for the loss at San Sebastian, Real Madrid kicked off the season relatively well in both La Liga and Champions League...
When it comes to teams of our calibre, such as Deportivo for example, we are used to play important matches every four days or so. It is not like that for Real Sociedad. We need to regroup as quick as possible and get motivated again.
Are you concerned by Real's latest drop in performance?
We cannot maintain one single level of play during the entire season. In the match against Murcia, we experienced big difficulties, considering that we were playing at our own Santiago Bernabeu. We encounter problems when we play against teams whose goal is to disturb the opposition's game.
Ronaldo was penalized by Real Madrid because he left to London without permission and then came back late...
I have no comment. This issue is between Ronaldo and the club. He was late, so Real Madrid decided to enforce the internal club regulations. If he gets penalized, there is nothing we can do about it. For us, he is an important player. But the rules are rules. If he had a good reason to be late then it's fine, but if not, he should be penalized.
Real Madrid depends on its youth programme for new midfielders, but lately there has been little talent...
All youngsters who have trained with us have developed for the better. In the future, some of them may even turn into important players like Pavon or Raul Bravo. Both of them played for Real in the Spanish Royal Cup.
Speaking of Pavon and Raul Bravo, defense is Real Madrid's weak spot. Do you agree with Guti that the club needs to purchase a reliable center defender?
I think, that the selection was made last July. We have a big squad. Whoever plays defense from our squad, does it at a very high level. We must preserve that for the next 5-6 months so that we can win a treble. Currently, everything is on track. If it wasn't, only then would we look for a solution. We must be optimistic for now and realize that we have no major problems.