Lopetegui: "I like everything about Real Madrid, even the hymn"

Julen Lopetegui, Real Madrid's new coach, told the club's fans they will see "a competitive team with clear ideas" this season.

In an online interview on the club's website, as well as Real Madrid TV, Lopetegui declared: "I like everything about Real Madrid, even the hymn. I have a really good squad which is prepared to face all the challenges ahead of us to the best of our abilities."

"It's always special to return to Real Madrid because I've always considered it as my 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 as well as 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 Madrid."

the task at hand

"There are a lot of similarities when it comes to coaching, in terms of the work you do out on the pitch, 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 represent this club and combine the work that's got to be done out on the training pitch with the duty of representing a club that places demands on its coach and players,," Lopetegui said.

For Lopetegui "every Real Madrid coach has to have a certain class about him". He continued: "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"

"I've been at Valdebebas and it's beyond words. I'm also at a loss to describe the affection I received at my unveiling. I've loved everything about it so far. 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 need to be resolved in the upcoming weeks. We'll have an extremely strong squad that'll be capable of facing up to all of the challenges that lie ahead with a real sense of confidence."

memories

When Lopetegui spoke about his previous stints at Real Madrid, his memories came flooding back to him. "I have great memories. When I think back to my first spell, as a Castilla player, it brings a smile to my face because I arrived in Madrid at 18 for military service with many friends. Real Madrid offered the values that everyone talks of and we witnessed them at every single club event. That builds your character and helps shape your future. That's how I remember it and I made a lot of friends amongst those of us who weren't from the local area, that I lived with in the digs. I was then fortunate enough to have some good coaches. First of all Santisteban, then García Remón and Del Bosque….".

"Later on, and after a spell out on loan, I was lucky enough to return as a member of the first-team squad and make my debut. I wasn't the number 1 but I was a part of the league title success under Toshack. I think it was back in the 1989/90 season. After that, and on the back of many experiences, I returned to Castilla as their coach. It was a brilliant opportunity and a great experience. I got to know a lot of the lads from the academy and we did well. After having been around the block a few times, I'm now here as first-team coach. In short, I've represented the club in many roles and this current one closes the circle," concluded Lopetegui.