Julen Lopetegui had the following to say when he sat down with Realmadrid.com and Realmadrid TV in what was his first interview as coach of the European champions: “I like everything about Real Madrid, even the club anthem. I’ve got a very strong squad that’s capable of facing up to the challenges that lie ahead with real confidence. I’m certain that you’ll see a competitive side with very clear ideas about what we’re doing”.
“It’s always special to return to Real Madrid because I’ve always considered it as being home. It’s where I grew up, learned my trade and the club has played a big part in who I am today. To return as first -team coach is extremely special and it’s a source of responsibility and excitement. I’m joining the best and most demanding club in the world. I’m certain that I’ll be able to meet those demands and we’ve got to start working towards our first chance to win some silverware, which will come on 15 August in the UEFA Super Cup against Atlético”.
Coaching Real Madrid
“There are a lot of similarities when it comes to coaching, in terms of the work you do out on the grass, at every club. There are different contexts and small details and Real Madrid have a squad that features several of the best players in the world. There’s a marvellous squad here. A coach has to understand that, be aware of what it means to represents this club and combine the work that’s got to be done out on the grass with the duty of representing a club that places demands on its coach and players”.
“A Real Madrid coach simply has to have that class. At the end of the day, the aim is to make us a great team, train hard and have a clear understanding of how we’re going to go about things. That’s where we’ll go into real depth because we believe that’s how we’ll get the most out of the individual quality within this squad”.
Current Real Madrid squad
“It’s hard not to like Real Madrid. You’ve simply have to love the anthem and everything about the club. There’s an excellent squad here. I’ve been in at Valdebebas and it’s beyond words. I’m also at a loss to describe the affection I received at my unveiling. I’m liking everything about it. To focus on my job as head coach, I’ve got a really strong squad, regardless of what happens and there will be some tweaks and situations that will be resolved in the coming weeks. We’ll have an extremely strong squad that’ll be capable of facing up to all of the challenges that lie ahead with real confidence”.
