Real coach says he needs more defenders
Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz admitted the club needs new defenders and will sign one when the transfer window re-opens in December.
"The reality is that the squad is a bit short but we have to keep progressing as we are. Our strategy now is to buy in December," Queiroz told Spanish television after seemingly admitting defeat in his attempts to land Valencia stopper Roberto Ayala.
Real Madrid's sporting director Jorge Valdano admitted last Monday Real had to buy and would do so at year's end.
In Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Villarreal, the champions looked uncomfortable at the back having failed to replace either Julio Cesar, sold to Real Zaragoza pre-season, or former skipper Fernando Hierro, who has moved to Qatar.
Spanish international Ivan Helguera and 23-year-old Francisco Pavon are now the only recognised centre backs aside from Ruben Gonzalez Rocha, who has just three top flight matches under his belt.
Raul Bravo played in the centre of defence in Saturday's narrow win over Betis but he is really a left back.
Queiroz, who joined the club after spending last season as assistant coach at Manchester United, said he would treat all his players alike and warned that the club as a whole could expect no favours from rivals.
"Just because we have the best players it doesn't mean we will win. We have to work hard," said the Portuguese coach.
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si vis pacem para bellum
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