Guti talks about new season,Schuster and Capello

[Elano]

"This project is very promising; Schuster has made me feel important"

Along with his teammates, Real Madrid vice-captain José María Gutiérrez ‘Guti’ is head over heals with the new philosophy Bernd Schuster has been implementing. The midfielder feels comfortable with the new system and with new teammate Wesley Sneijder. In an interview published by sports daily AS, Guti analysed the the Club's decision-making on who to sign, praised Raúl's sacrifice and pride, and foretold of good times ahead for the Club.

You always defended Capello's work. What did you think of the decicion to sack him at the end of the season?

Fabio spearheaded an important turnaround for Madrid after three very difficult years. There was a serious title drought and he won the League with a short-handed squad. We should be grateful to him. He did all that he could, but the Club decided to change philosophies. I'd give him a ten out of ten.

Was sacking him a risky move by Calderón?

It's always a risk when you win a title and make a change like that, but the new project is very promising.

What did you learn from Capello?

To appreciate the shirt I have worn for 12 years now and to fight and believe in myself.

But Schuster's style is even more beneficial to you.

It was a radical change, but because Bernd coaches the same way he played, I feel more free and more confident. We're all on his side. He's granted more freedom on offense. We were very conservative last year. The defence is working well under Schuster, who stresses holding onto the ball. People are going crazy over Sneijder because of what he does with the ball, but the work he does to steal it is astounding.

And now that you have more competition, it doesn't seem like you're in danger of losing your role as a starter

I don't think I'm a hands-down starter, but Schuster has made me feel important on Madrid.

Robben has his debut in sight, which might end the Sneijder-Guti partnership. Someone will have to sit.

It isn't a problem. We're all going to get to play. We used to talk about winning all three competitions, but we were never too convinced because their wasn't a squad capable of doing so, but now it's possible.

What is it that Schuster asks of you?

That I play a more defensive role. He says that Diarra can't handle it all by himself.

Were more players than names finally signed?

My theory is that names are made based on merit and what is brought to the pitch, but there are also men who aren't so well known, yet crucial pieces to their teams. This time Madrid signed exactly what each position needed.

Sneijder is one of them. Is he as good as the Galacticos of yesteryear?

Yes. He's great at passing and shooting and he has a great vision for the game. I wasn't very familiar with him. We have to take it easy with him, but so far so good.

Sneijder's natural ability to shoot on goal is what your father demands of you after each match.

My dad doesn't just tell me to shoot, but to do so like Sneijder. It's so easy for him! I prefer giving the last pass, but I wouldn't mind taking the final shot more often. It's hard for me. With Beckham and Roberto Carlos gone, I have more chances to take free kicks. I've been working overtime to improve my kick.

Raúl won't be benched no matter who signs on. What's the captain's secret?

His work day in and day out. He's a very important player for this team. He's the insignia and soul of Madrid. He'll have to sit at some points of the season, but it will benefit everyone.

Is it still an embarrassment that Raúl isn't on the national team?

Yes, especially with the way he's playing now. It's a mistake. All he can do is wait.

And yourself?

My situation is a bit more complicated. I'm playing well, but there are other great players for my position like Iniesta, Xavi, and Cesc.

Madrid has a lot of foreigners now, but there's a nucleus of Spaniards that makes the engine go.

And that's important so that the fans feel represented. We have to direct the rest of the group, and that balance is crucial.

Proof lies in the failure of several youth teamers to convince Schuster. What were they missing?

That extra push. I think it's good that they play elsewhere and do what it takes to return. Players arriving from the youth system now have agents, sponsorship deals, and an entire entourage, none of which used to exist. It only hurts them. I didn't have a representative until I joined the First Team.

And here there is no Bojan or Giovani.

Yes there are, but they are in a rush to make it to the First Division and they leave before they should. What's worse is that I don't even think it's them who are making the decisions.

Do you think Barça will have problems with the 'Fantastic Four'?

We already saw it here. Having great players is fantastic, but it can come back to haunt you. We should take advantage while we can. It's a mirror image of Madrid's Galactic era. Barça will have issues if there's no discipline. It's all up to Rijkaard.

And Madrid is the one laughing now. The fans are very excited after the 0-5 victory against Villarreal.

You got a good look at our new style. We can't always play well and score lots of goals, but we have to try, at least. I am having a lot more fun playing now and am more excited than ever. Everything just feels good. I am very eager to play out the season because I sense something special. Age also has something to do with it. Now some of us feel important both on and off the pitch.

Does it have something to do with the fact that the average age of the squad has gone down by three years since Queiroz was here?

That's very important. A veteran is more alert so that he doesn't lose his spot and the younger players are more ambitious because of it.

Would you be bothered if Ballack was to join in December?

It's always good for the team if talented players are brought in, but this squad is good enough to not have to make any more signings.

Have you thought about what age you might play until?

It's a short but exciting time frame. I have three years left on my contract and plenty of wind in me for more. I haven't thought about anything beyond. I would like to continue here if I'm fit, but I'll look for other avenues if not.

You have yet to be in the starting eleven of a Champions League final.

True. There are two things I don't know if I'll accomplish, but I'll do my best. The first is to play in a Champions League final, the second to return to the Spanish national team. The whole Spain situation is a real thorn in my side. I still can't believe I haven't played a single minute in a Euro or World Cup.

How have you dealt with the decision of not having pre-match preparations?

Great. Boy, the way things change! Back in the day, it was one of the reasons Del Bosque was let go. It's normal that they get rid of it because we're always in hotels with matches every three days. It's better when we're at home because it gives us ease of mind. We're adults and we know full well that we have to take care of ourselves before a match.

Your thoughts on Almería.

They are a well-coordinated team, and fortunately for us Negredo cannot play. But they do have Corona, who is very talented and also came from here. They won't make it easy.

Do you like the fact that the Club wants to add the Spanish flag to the shirt?

Yes. This isn't just Real Madrid. We represent Spain when abroad. I think it's a good idea.

Have you noticed much change during trips?

Yes, they're a lot more normal now. We're all a lot more calm now that Beckham isn't here. He alone was a press magnate.

Is the fresh air in the dressing room also a result of the departure of other well-known players?

Perhaps. You pick up bad habits when you spend a lot of time with a team. Some great players who did a lot for this team have left, but others who are very eager to succeed have come.

How does a footballer move on after what happened to Puerta?

The first few days you are a bit nervous about something happening. It could have happened to any of us. I still can't believe it. It's difficult to accept.

Finally, how much does signing you cost?

Nothing. I'm not for sale.

[Antonio_]

Capello is God.