Raúl spoke to the club's media representatives to assess Real Madrid Castilla's pre-season ahead of matchday one of the Primera Federación, which sees the academy side take on Marbella away from home (Saturday, 6.30 pm CEST). The coach, who is heading into his sixth season in charge of the madridista team, had this to say: “As with every pre-season, it has been very positive in many ways and negative in others, such as injuries.”

“We've had a positive feeling during the pre-season, but this weekend is the moment of truth. We're ready, but as we're a new team, as the weeks go by we will get better and better.”

A young squad
“We're going to be up against clubs with a long history and great fans, and there will also be more reserve teams. It's going to be a tough group. We have our own way of approaching this competition and of forming the squad, bearing in mind that they are developing players and that the demands of this competition will make them improve. Our way of playing is Real Madrid's way, it's the DNA of trying to compete, playing well and giving our best in every game.”

Primera RFEF 
“It's a competition that's becoming increasingly demanding and harder, with well-prepared teams that have players who have been in professional football. This difficulty motivates us. We approach every game with the fullest tension and the desire to do well. There won't be any easy opposition and we're going to have to fight for everything. The first thing is to serve the first team and help them.”

First matchday against a newly promoted team
“We have information about Marbella. They went up last year and they'll be motivated. It's going to be a very difficult game, especially playing away from home, but we're ready to compete and try to do well.”

Game plan
“We have a squad with players with different characteristics and we'll have to adapt depending on the situation. The team will try to be enterprising and daring. We'll try to play in the opposition's half, hurt them and defend well.”

His sixth season as coach
“I'm looking forward to it. Every season is a new challenge, with the turnover of players and the circumstances that occur. On a personal level, I'm delighted to be here. In recent years we've helped many players who have passed through here to make it to professional football. We try to encourage them to be better footballers and good people, that's a requirement of being at this club and that's what this crest stands for.”

What is he hoping for this season?
“We can aspire to anything, but time will tell. We intend to be at the top of the table.”