Sports News – General Sport & Sport Extra

Real Madrid Sporting Director, Pedja Mijatovic responded to the media after announcing the dismissal of Bernd Schuster as coach of Real Madrid C.F and Juande Ramos as his replacement as the new coach with immediate effect.

[Q] How much influence did the statements made by Schuster last Sunday have on his dismissal?
[A] After we met and discussed all that happened, we realized there wasn’t one isolated event. I wasn’t looking for just one reason. We did an in-depth analysis and the decision was made after evaluating it all. His statements didn’t play a big role. It was a series of things that led us to this point. A few weeks ago I stated that we didn’t want to have any doubts. Here is the new coach and he is excited. On top of bringing his right hand man with him, I have to say that he has the liberty to do as he pleases.

[Q] When did the negotiations begin?
[A] After I met with Bernd, he met with the President. Schuster was never upset. It was very easy-going exchange. The President never wanted to have a say in the sporting decisions. We evaluated [Juande Ramos], analyzed and proposed him to the Board. Ramón Calderón has always allowed us to work freely and to make decisions. He has never intervened or told us what we should do. We have total liberty and, therefore, the responsibility is ours.

[Q] What did Schuster do poorly over the last three months?
[A] I am not going to discuss the meetings we had over the last few weeks. There were things he did very well, but there were also situations that we had sit down with the coach to discuss afterward. We split ways professionally and amicably. That which was said stays between us.

[Q] A coach was sacked, the director of the academy resigned and Huntelaar was signed, all within the last five days. What else is there to do?
[A] Anything can happen in a big club and decisions need to be made. It’s important not to make any mistakes. Things happened and we needed to react. No decision was made for personal reasons, but rather strictly professional ones. That’s how it has been since we arrived. Regarding the way people reacted after the last match, I don’t think the President is to blame for the team’s situation. Besides having the fortune to work for the best club in the world, I am also lucky to have a President who has given me absolute liberty. Every decision that has been made is the responsibility of the Sporting Director. We make decisions that we think are appropriate, and though it is difficult to always make the right call, I think we can be pleased with what has transpired until now. I am sure more decisions will be made between now and the end of the season, but it is our obligation to defend the club.

[Q] Are you convinced Juande is the right man for the job?
[A] I am more than convinced that we made a good decision. Right when I saw him I realized how excited and eager to work he is. The season is still long and there are many matches to be played. Perhaps the current situation makes it appear that all has been settled, but that’s not the way we think. La Liga is the most competitive league and anything can happen. We operate in much the same way. We know what our goals are, and Juande is very excited to be here.

[Q] Who will take charge of the academy?
[A] We do not want to rush and make a hasty decision. I can assure you that the acacemy can function properly until a decision is made. We are looking for a qualified person for the job, but we will only make a decision when we are completely sure.