"Xabi leaving was a surprise"

Cristiano: “He’s generally well. We’ve decided to use this period so he can fully recover and is in peak condition ahead of the Atlético game and the start of the Champions League. He won’t play tomorrow and has not been included in the squad”.

Mercado: “I can’t confirm anything. The transfer window closes on Monday. Something may happen and at the same time it may not. We don’t have a lot of players but we do have a versatile squad. Until the market is closed we can’t confirm anything regarding potential signings”.

Xabi Alonso: “Everyone has spoken with him. He has explained the situation eloquently. He needs a new challenge. He’s very well respected by the club and supporters. It was difficult for him to change his mind. With all Xabi has achieved it’s difficult to say: `you can’t leave’. I wish him well and feel that Alonso was instrumental as a player last year in winning trophies. We have a strong midfield with Kroos and Illarramendi who will be a valuable player this season”.

Anoeta: “We’re motivated and looking forward to the challenge. We need to keep winning away from home. Anoeta is not an easy place to visit. We’re keen to improve our performances”.

How do you explain that key players want to leave the club?: “I don’t know. I feel that each situation is different. One player may not like competing for his place on the team others may want more money… When a player wants to leave I prefer to let him go, if a player hasn’t got the motivation to play for the best club in the world there are no issues in letting them go”.

Will Isco replace Cristiano?: “It’s possible that Isco will replace Cristiano. It also may be Khedira...”

Two key players have left, are you worried about the balance in the squad?: “No, I’m not worried. We need time to adapt just like last year and the players need to get used to certain positions. I’m confident this balance will come. I understand the criticism aimed at me, but I wasn’t sure that this team won the Champions League so I went home, put on the video and we won. This team deserves a vote of confidence and I haven’t seen that this week. I know these players and occasionally these criticisms have a motivational value but these players at least deserve a vote of confidence”.

Improved squad: “I have a very competitive squad and we’ve signed three excellent players. The squad has improved and we can build on last year’s accomplishments.”.

The rumours surrounding Falcao and Negredo: Is this a position you’d like to reinforce?: I have no urgency, it’s another topic. The market closes on the 1st of September and we have time to react. If we do sign someone it would improve the squad which is already competitive”.

Signings: “We make decisions together as a collective. This is the way I’m used to working and Madrid talk to their manager. Ultimately we all work together so Madrid can win titles.”

from Últimas noticias | Diario AS http://ift.tt/1n9295L

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