Rafa Benítez faced the media and looked ahead to Real Madrid's La Liga opener against Sporting at 'El Molinón': "To challenge for the title, we have to get off to a good start against Sporting. We approach the match with the firm belief that we can win, with a sense of great respect and affection for Sporting. Their return to Primera División is good news for everyone. It's great for the fans, members and supporters' club members in Asturias that Real Madrid can go there".

"We have to try to win, get the three points and if possible play well. I don't tend to say my starting line-up. We work with the players in a way that means they all feel that they can be starters and maintain that competitive level. The line-up still hasn't been decided".

Personal feelings

"I've experienced a lot of emotions right from the start: returning home, the first match at the Bernabéu and now the first match in La Liga. You feel excitement, pride, satisfaction, and after the match hopefully happiness".

"It's a huge challenge being at the biggest club in the world and trying to win everything that I can. We have to try to win by basing our approach on hard work, dedication, good football and on making the most of the squad's talent and quality. There isn't added pressure. I know that I have the tools at my disposal to compete and look to win".

Squad

"I have a fantastic squad and a fantastic team, as Real Madrid coach I'm completely satisfied. Where possible, I have to work to improve the players that little bit more. Real Madrid are a huge club and I'm happy with what I have. I'd like people to talk about a Madrid that wins, entertains and has that element of balance: scoring goals and giving the other team fewer chances in front of goal, which translates into fewer goals conceded, enabling you to win points, games and trophies".

Luis Enrique's comments

"Luis Enrique is the Barcelona coach and he has to think that. I think that Real Madrid are a fantastic team and are going to challenge for the title".

Centre-forward

"I believe that Karim Benzema is a fantastic striker; I've set him a target of 25 goals to motivate him and so that he can show that. Then there's Cristiano Ronaldo, Jesé, Borja Mayoral... At this moment in time we're not looking for a centre-forward".

Cristiano

"Players' positions depend to a large extent on how the game unfolds. Cristiano is a player who tends to cut inside. They have the freedom to move around, to express their footballing ability and to look for what's best for the team. He can play as a centre-forward if needed and, if not, drift inside from the wing".

"I'm from Madrid, I'm a Madridista and a Madrileño. I know how the people feel and what the thinking of the fans and members is. What they want is to win La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. To do so, we have to begin by beating Sporting, which is our first game. But when the Champions League and the Copa come around, we have to win them too. Here we have to look to win every game and the first one comes in La Liga".

Gareth Bale

"They have freedom within an ordered structure, so that it's positive for the team. Players like him, Isco, James... They're players who are attack-minded and have talent, with the freedom to move around the pitch to where they believe they're going to be most dangerous. Bale is quick, throws defences off balance and has other characteristics that the others don't have. The others are more about skill and control on the ball and passing. That mutual understanding between them enables us to be less predictable. Each player has to apply their own characteristics for the team".

Points to win La Liga

"You only have to look at the figures. Previously it was won with fewer points than it is now. I think that La Liga is going to have very strong teams like Villarreal, Valencia, Atlético, Sevilla and Athletic, who know Madrid and Barcelona well. More points are going to be dropped. We'll approach each and every match intent on winning it, but I think that Madrid and Barcelona are going to drop more points".

Casemiro

"I spoke to the squad at the beginning about the case of Vladimir Smicer and his contribution for Liverpool in the Champions League final, when he scored a crucial goal. He was a player who trained really well, but didn't play a lot. All the players need to be ready and work hard and give their all when the team needs them. Those who aren't playing need to train even more than those who are, Casemiro has recently returned and he has to show his quality and aggression and hard work, to be able to give us what we need in any given match".

Are you being straight with Keylor Navas?

"Of couse, when I talk to Keylor and I train with him, we're talking about an intelligent professional who I'm delighted with. I've said that I'm delighted with the goalkeepers and that I don't talk about those who don't belong to our team. Keylor is working really well and has played very well".

Physical condition

"The team are improving day by day, week by week. Being away travelling is not the same as working at Valdebebas. They're in good shape and they're going to improve. The plan is to maintain a high level".

Diego Simeone's comments

"I've said before that I was associated with Real Madrid from the age of 13, and then continued to follow them. I'm not surprised that winning the title, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey is a must at Real Madrid. I approach every game aiming to win. This is the most decorated club in the world and it has to stay that way. I don't see anything unusual in it".

Dani Carvajal and Danilo

"I don't like talking too much about a particular player, as there are so many others who you're in danger of being unfair on. Both are excellent full-backs. Carvajal offers us intensity, energy and everything that he brings on the right flank. Danilo has pace, gets into good attacking positions, is a good crosser, has a good shot and has a great physique. I really like the characteristics that both players bring. They're good professionals, they listen and learn well. We're very well covered, and can alternate depending on the game".