Julen Lopetegui believes ‘it wouldn’t be bad if the transfer window closed sooner’ but assures Mariano Diaz is ‘ready’ for Real Madrid.
Madrid completed a deal to bring back Mariano just two days before the window shut in Spain, and Lopetegui made it clear La Liga could follow in the footsteps of the Premier League and Serie A.
“If Mariano is here, it’s because we believe he’s ready and confident that he’ll help,” said the Coach at a Press conference for Saturday’s mini-derby against Leganes.
“Having four UEFA award winners is a source of pride. It’s a recognition of last year’s work, we’re happy about that, but it was for last season.
“We live in the present and our present is Leganes. The prize this week is to get the three points, which are important. That’s our challenge.
“It wouldn’t be bad if the transfer window closed sooner. That way, each team would focus on the players they have and the games.
“My confidence in each goalkeeper is maximum. Whoever plays will play. We have great solutions in that position. We’ll always make decisions based on what is best for the team.
“Leganes only have one point but could’ve had six. They played better than Real Sociedad and could’ve won in Bilbao.
“They can play with four or five at the back, so we have to be prepared and remember it will be a very difficult game against a complicated team.”
The former Spain boss then wished his successor
“The only thing I can wish Luis Enrique is a lot of luck in his new role,” he added.
“His squad will be open to everyone and I’m sure he’ll pick the right ones.”
Madrid squad for Leganes: Keylor, Casilla, Courtois; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Casemiro, Marcos Llorente, Asensio, Isco, Ceballos; Mariano, Benzema, Bale, Lucas Vazquez
