Iker Casillas admits Real Madrid’s main priority this season is retaining the Champions League title.
Gaining their 10th European crown had become an obsession for Los Blancos ever since they won their ninth trophy in 2002, and Casillas confirmed that nothing has changed now that the club has finally moved into double figures.
“We’ve got even more desire and enthusiasm than last year,” said the veteran goalkeeper. “It’s very difficult to regain the Champions League – no team has ever done it – but we have a very good squad and with the new players who have arrived, we have a spectacular team. I hope we can win the ‘eleventh’.”
The views of Casillas were echoed by Gareth Bale, who scored the crucial extra-time goal against Atletico in Lisbon in May to give his team a lead they would never relinquish.
“Winning the Champions League after such a long gap was fantastic for all of us,” Bale said. “Now we have to look to the future and try to make more history by winning it again. There is always pressure, but we enjoy the pressure.”
The duo were speaking at the launch of their new black third kit, a day after Madrid began their La Liga campaign with an unconvincing 2-0 home victory over top flight newcomers Cordoba.
One of the many Real players who struggled to make an impression was new signing James Rodriguez, and the Colombian admits there is plenty of room for improvement on his early appearances for the club.
“I’m playing alongside great stars and with their help hopefully I will gradually get better,” said the playmaker, who claims he is still in awe of his new surroundings.
“Playing for a club like Real Madrid is unique, it’s a whole new world. It’s great to be at a club which always wants to win titles.”
Rather than focusing on claiming more silverware, manager Carlo Ancelotti has more short-term concerns in the wake of the disappointing display against Cordoba.
Los Blancos are next in action with a testing trip to Real Sociedad on Sunday, and Ancelotti knows his team must quickly improve.
“We struggled with tiredness,” he said. “We’ve played every three days and it is a point of the season that is not easy. We need to play quicker.”
