To start at home against Real Madrid - you cannot pick a better script, says Alcaraz

Alcaraz delighted at facing Real Madrid on Granada debut

02-Feb-2013 1:50:00 AM

The new El Grana boss is eagerly anticipating his first match in charge which sees his struggling side entertain the Spanish champions

New Granada head coach Lucas Alcaraz is looking forward to making his debut against Real Madrid.

The much-travelled tactician took over from Juan Antonio Anquela this week as the club attempt to rectify their season and stave off the threat of relegation.

Alcaraz, who arrives after a stint with Aris in Greece, returns to the club he left 15 years ago and is excited to be facing Real Madrid on his debut match.

“To start at home, against Madrid in the Primera Division - you cannot pick a better script. What we face is well known,” the 46-year-old told reporters today.

“I have lacked the time to do what I intended so far. Madrid will be a tough opponent, player for player. But I prefer to think of our chances.

“We have to have the motivation of the players to address the lack of time we have had to prepare a new playing model.

“When there is a change on the bench there is always a reaction. Everyone tries to show more intensity and interest. We lack the hours to work with what we have in mind, but I see the determination.

“It is one thing to want to convey this and another to translate it. Within this framework is also the experience and motivation of the players.

“We have to defend as a team. We cannot think of a specific player [in reference to Cristiano Ronaldo]. Broadly speaking, we want a team that does not give up on any facet of the game.

“We intend to take the initiative in games and be an organised team. We need to improve our concentration, attention and individual responsibility.”

Granada will host Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday night and will have to greatly improve on their home form which has seen them pick up just two wins from 10 outings if they are to come away with anything against Jose Mourinho's men.