Raúl on El Larguero "We have the privilege of depending on ourselves to win the title" Raúl was a guest on radio programme El Larguero. The captain said he is going through a great moment and that he believes Real Madrid can win their first League in four years this season. The end of the League "There hasn't been such a tight final stretch of the season, with four teams being capable of winning the League at this stage, in a very long time. Antyhing can happen, but we have the privilege of depending on ourselves to win the title. I think the other teams at the top of the table will drop points. Ten weeks ago, I said we could still win the League and we have only lost to Racing since then, and we had that game under control. We realised we could win after the game against Barcelona at Camp Nou. We grew confident and now we lead the table." Incentives to win "I'm not worried about other teams giving our forthcoming rivals an incentive to defeat us. They are all going to fight to win against us and we are more motivated than any other team. I've never liked incentives to win. I like real football." Barcelona's 6-0 victory over Atletico at the Calderón "Atletico Madrid have professional players who took the pitch doing their best to win, but they failed to react to Barcelona's first goal. I'm convinced they wanted to win the game." Barcelona "Every team experiences a low patch after winning so many titles. You start losing games and the atmosphere on the team becomes somewhat strange. This happened to us for four seasons, but we've come out of it now. Victories make a team more confident and the atmosphere better. I nevertheless think Barcelona are going to win the next three games and we will have to do the same." His situation on the team "I've never felt the coach has had any doubts about me. I've played well and felt comfortable on the pitch, but the start of the season was difficult for all of us. There were many new players on the team and we didn't play too well together, but we are now more confident. We are having a great end to the season. Many teams would like to be doing as well as we are right now." "I've never had any problems with the President or the coach. The first time I ever mentioned the possibility of leaving the team was two and a half years ago. The President made a gesture to boost my confidence. I have three more years on my contract and I intend to see them through and help the team. We all want to play, but it's up to the coach to decide who does, not to the media. If I end up being benched I will try to get out of that situation. If you look at these year's figures, you'll see I've been a starter in most games. Next season "I don't believe a team should be completely renewed. Other teams have tried it and failed. We have young quality players on this squad and we must only bring people who can truly enrich the team as a whole." Spanish national team "I respect the coach's decision. The important thing is for Spain to qualify for Euro 2008. I have no problem with the coach. I love playing for Spain; I have donned the red shirt 102 times. I would have liked him to call me up, but he didn't deem it necessary. We should all support Spain, that's what's really important. I want to return, but I won't really mind not being called up for the next game. I'm calm because my team is doing well in the League and I would be delighted to be able to help Spain any way I can." The future "My future will be determined by the coach, the situation at the Club and straightforwardness between all of us. If they tell me they won't count on me too much if I stay I may consider leaving. But I still have a contract and my family is here with me. I just want to play. Who knows, I may be happy playing only 30 games as opposed to 60. I have always proved to be a professional player. I'm devoted to this Club." The meeting with the President "It was very positive because everyone gave their own opinion. We now communicate with each other. Being leaders helps." Nail-bitting endings to games "We suffer as much as the fans. The game against Huelva got complicated when it should have been much easier. Nevertheless, I wouldn't mind winning the next three games like that. There's a lot at stake. I jumped with joy against Espanyol because we had earned a very important victory; the following day we were leaders. I always try to give my all and to bring joy to the fans. I feel well and confident of winning the title. Our fans deserve it." Fabio Capello "Capello has three years on his contract. It's important to have stability in some positions at this Club, but it's up to the sporting directors to decide what to do. Schuster is having a great season and is a great coach, but so is Capello. No one at the Club has told or asked me anything concerning this matter."
