Intervista e tij, pas doreheqjes!
Why now?
The Club needed a change, a salutary lesson, and I thought that the
President should be the first person to lead by example.
Is it due to any medical reasons?
That information is mistaken. I feel very healthy.
In what condition do you leave the Club?
There is an institutional continuity which consists in the Board of Directors naming a new President until 2008.
Why does the President need to leave?
The Club needs a wake up call from the sporting point of view. We are not enjoying our best patch, but I still think there is a chance to do something big this season. I think that me leaving was the only possible answer after having tried with different coaches. I think that this wake-up call will act as an incentive to win the Champions League. And to work with renewed excitement for the upcoming season.
Have you communicated your decision to the squad?
I have spoken with Raśl, the captain, and with coach López Caro.
When did you decide?
Yesterday, after the game. I was fully convinced that something needed to be done.
What are the reasons behind this decision?
I want it to be a positive influence; that's the only reason I am doing this. We are not doing things correctly. Me leaving might act as a new incentive to do a good job in the Champions League.
Is the coach's postion jeopardised?
This decision does not affect López Caro's position at all.
Are you focusing so much on the Champions League because you think that the League is lost?
No, but going on to the next stage of the Champions League depends of winning a single game. After the last few games, I sincerely think that we were going down the wrong track. I am doing this to see if this allows the sqaud to win in London.
Are the players you brought responsible for your resignation?
I will never blame the players; I assume full responsibility. Some players are confused and I might have something to do with that. Since that is what I honestly think has happened, I want others to be able to relay the message that I have been unable to communicate. I certainly did not like some of the behaviours of this past week, but that's exactly why I am blaming myself. Oh, and Sergio Ramos was right regarding what he said after the game on Sunday.
What was at the root of all these problems?
Maybe it was the excess of triumphs or an incorrect assimilation of my messages. Some players are confused, and I haven't been able to revert that situation in addition to spoiling them. Maybe we will improve if I accpet my share of responsibility. We have designed a squad which combines the world's best players. Maybe I have spoiled them and that lies at the root of their confusion. I want them to understand that the only thing that is important is Real Madrid.
In what situation is the Club left now?
The bylaws are very clear on this. The Board of Directors will elect a new President among its members. He will not be here today, as a question of courtesy, so I can say goodbye.
Would you change anything about your presidency?
The model is the appropriate one, the right one, both from an economic and a sports standpoint. The last few years have positioned Real Madrid where it really deserved. The idea behind this will continue, but the project needs a change of direction and it will be easier if someone who hasn't been at the epicentre takes charge now.
Will you return?
Life is long, but I don't normally backtrack. I am still a card-carrying member. Of course, I will help any of the members of the Board in anything they need.
Describe your relationship with the squad.
I have a good relationship with the players, but something isn't right and Mallorca is the proof. We all saw it, and Sergio Ramos, said it loud and clear; and it's not quite normal after having brought in three new coaches. I have to assume that I have done things wrong in this area; that's the only coherent assumption and conclusion.
Has the Zidanes & Pavones signing and promotion policy failed?
The two pillars of this club are the great players and the members of the youth team system. It conforms our identity and has brought us this far.
So where have you failed?
I am sure I have committed a lot of mistakes. That's why I think that a change in the Club's presidency will be positive and it will get a few of the players unstuck. I feel responsible and above all, Real Madrid is what is really important in this whole situation. I want this to be clear as daylight.
What do you intend to do by resigning?
We are going through a tough patch, and I want to lighten things up, make them easier. The best way to do that is letting other people take charge. That is why I am doing it. I think this might allow the team to focus on the possibility of still doing something worthwhile this season and to plan something different for the coming one.
Did the Board of Directors asked you to reconsider your decision?
All the members have asked me. But my decision was hard to revoke as I had thought it through considerably. My mistake is similar to a parent who wants to give his kid only the best. You spoil them, so it's not the players' fault but mine. So, I want everyone to take advantage of my decision and achieve the much sought-after communion between players and fans that will allow the Club to reap the successes it deserves.
Is this not a way of blaming the players?
I am not blaming the players, but myself. I wouldn't have resigned if I wasn't the person responsible.
Are there any players you regret having signed?
The sports project that we set up in 2000, when I arrived, already contemplated signing Figo, Zidane, Beckham, etc. I cannot regret having enjoyed the football of the world's best players, but maybe precisely this has not allowed us to transmit to them a different kind of responsibility. They are good people, but if everyone keeps hammering that they are the best, then they we confuse them. They are Real Madrid's best asset in addition to a great coach. I think that it is necessary for me to leave in order to avoid what happened last night. There's no one I have in mind, therefore, not even Ronaldo All I have to say of him is that he's the world's best striker and a great person. We have played spectacular football these past few years and we have been praised everywhere in the world. We have placed Real where it deserves, but some players think that they are fixtures within the team. What I would have liked to achieve is to get them to think that they have to earn their position every day.
How do you feel upon leaving Real Madrid?
I have exceptional memories. They are among the best years of my life. We found a Club that had totally lost its way. Maybe we went a little too far when communicating our new intentions and that has generated confusion in our environment. But we now have a Club that boasts state-of-the-art facilities, it is the highest revenue earner in the world, it has great players and a bright future ahead. All that is missing is redesigning the sports project to bring Real Madrid back to its natural position of leadership and to never lose that ambition.
How did Raśl react when you told him about your decision?
He was saddened because of the great friendship we share.
Do you think that the members of Real Madrid deserve this departure?
I think my departure is honourable. I don't think they will feel upset. They voted for me two times to do my job, of which this is a part... so I think they'll see this as an act of loyalty to them. I would stay if I though it would be beneficial for the Club.
Do you think that it's problematic that some of the players that have been pointed out have long contracts?
No Real Madrid player has found himself without a team to play at. I have been a key player in this project. But now I think it is time for renewal, and while maintaining the model, I think that the first mission can be better accomplished by someone who's new to the job. Maybe I have imposed on myself a sense of obligation to the players. Fernando Martķn is very intelligent and will be able to tackle and solve the problem. It will make me proud, because it will mean that the project that we began in 2000 will follow its course.
Do you think that some players will be happy regarding your decision?
I don't think they'll gather around and celebrate. I only mean to open up their eyes to a reality, and that is solely that the most important thing is the Club, and that the goals should be celebrated with pride. I have a good relationship with the squad, but I am the flagship of this project. I am not going to blame anyone else but me.
Do you fear that this decision might have been taken in the heat of the moment?
I have made a conscious decision which I feel is the best for the Club right now.
Realmadrid.com
Postuar mė parė nga Davius
Krijoni Kontakt