Capello aims to rediscover Real's lost spirit

New coach Fabio Capello (picture) said he wanted to restore a lost spirit to Real Madrid after signing a three-year contract yesterday.

"I'm really looking forward to working with this club," the 60-year-old Italian told reporters. "I'm convinced this is the most important club in the world.

"We have to win trophies and to do that we have to work hard, be humble and rediscover the spirit of Real Madrid. I think we have lost that spirit in recent years."

Club president Ramon Calderon said the nine-times European champions had signed the former Juventus coach because of the way he revived Real during his first spell a decade ago.

"Contracting Fabio Capello was an obsession of mine because he is a born winner," said Calderon.

"The 1996-97 season when he took over a team in crisis is fixed in my memory. He took over a team that came sixth in the league and led it to the championship."

Calderon said he would not involve himself in Capello's work with the players. "Capello and (sporting director Predrag) Mijatovic will work together without any interference from me or the rest of the board," he said.

Capello said one of his first tasks would be to demand more commitment from a squad of players that includes high-profile figures such as Ronaldo, David Beckham, Robinho and Raul.

"We in football are extremely lucky to work just two hours a day and my view is that you have to give 100 per cent," he said.

Calderon became Real's president this week following a controversial victory in an election marred by bitter personal disputes and confusion over the validity of the postal vote.

He has said he will try to sign several players to strengthen the squad and has targeted Milan midfielder Kaka, Chelsea winger Arjen Robben and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas.

Yesterday, Calderon said he will negotiate directly with other clubs over player transfers in line with FIFA's rules.

Calderon has been accused by Chelsea of making an illegal approach for their Dutch international winger Robben.

"Before I was made president he (Robben) was a dream just like the others and the chance of talking to him wasn't prohibited to anyone," Calderon said.

"After becoming president I will not stray from the legal path."

Cristiano Ronaldo link

Man. United's Cristiano Ronaldo has also been linked with Real. Asked about the likelihood of Ronaldo joining Real, Capello replied: "Ronaldo is a great player, but he belongs to Manchester.

"It appears that he wants to come here and that is lucky for me."