Arbeloa: "Varane is very mature and skilful"

Albiol: "Our victory against LA Galaxy allowed us to arrive at positive conclusions; the match we played against them last year was much more difficult for us"

Alberto Navarro (Los Angeles) / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Alvaro Arbeloa and Raul Albiol gave the first press conference following Real Madrid's impressive victory over LA Galaxy.

Albiol
"The victory against LA Galaxy allowed us to arrive at positive conclusions. The match we played against them last year was much more difficult for us. We've proved to have considerably improved one year later. Another test waits for us on Wednesday. We have to be in optimum form to face our first official games."

"Varane has much potential. He will improve as he adapts to being at Real Madrid. It's important to have defenders with a bright future."

"The most important thing for us to do in the preseason is work as a team and get into shape."

"We hardly have any injured players. Kaka had a good start, which is very positive. We have two players to cover each popsition. We must all be ready because the season will be very long."

"I feel much better than I did last season, which I started injured. I'm trying to reach optimum form as soon as possible. There is much competiiton because we're at Real Madrid, but we must all be ready. I have to show the coach he can count on me."

Arbeloa
"This is one of the best squads Real Madrid have had in their entire history. The reason for it is that we have to play one game every four days during the campaign. We like what people demand from us and we're getting ready to give our all."

"Varane is doing very well for a newcomer. He is very mature. I know how difficult it is to adapt to a team when you don't speak the language. He is a solid centre back."

"We will not think about our match against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup until one week before it takes place. It's still a long way away and we must think exclusively about preparing ourselves."

"It is always good for a coach to have a versatile squad, especially when you suffer from injuries."

Source: www.realmadrid.com