First of all, thanks a million for joining us here on Vavel in our preview for the new season
What have you made of the situation at Real Madrid? Some interesting signings in Isco and Illarramendi, how do you see them fitting in?
Each of them, to some extent, is depending on what happens in the Bale move. If Bale comes and plays on the left then Isco is prejudiced. If Bale comes and plays as a box to box central midfielder then, with Khedira, Alonso and Modric to accommodate Illarra is prejudiced. Each of the two is talented. I think Isco is uttery exceptional, will be world class. Illarramendi, I think, may find his true value to the team increasing as the seasons go by. Right now however much he plays Spain are the beneficiaries. Ancelotti played in the same position and will be a first rate teacher for the youngster. Overall these are precisely the kind of signings Madrid needed and I'm excited that they remain in la Liga.
Can you give us your opinion on Bale. Is he likely to move to Madrid? Where do you see him fitting in? What's your thoughts on the possible fee for the Welshman?
I think that his agents have played a large part in turning his head, I think that it may now be detrimental if he stays because his objective is to move to Madrid. Personally I thought another year at Spurs as team leader and under a good coach would have been a good thing for him. In football terms he's light years short of Messi, Ronaldo, Iniesta, Xavi - the world's great footballers- but he's going to get close. I like him, I like the way he plays, he's a good pro. I see no reason why working at Madrid, especially for a coach who speaks English, won't be a good idea for him. But, for all parties, it's best that this isn't done in a flurry of angry finger jabbing and recriminations on the last day of the market. The fee? I wouldn't pay that much but if Madrid want to then that's one of the things I think we must leave them to do of their own volition and run their business as they see fit.
Obviously Mourinho has left the Bernabeu. Are the Spanish media glad he's left?
Yes.
Does Carlo Ancelotti fit the role of Madrid manager a lot better, how do you see him doing at Madrid?
Like a cold beer in the middle of the Sahara he's what Madrid as a club has been crying out for. Classy, talented, experienced, articulate, calm, a team maker and an builder of squad-feeling I think he's ideal. Sadly for him he doesn't have control of the buying at Madrid nor does he have the ideal President. But I'm excited that he's here and it's a patent improvement.
Obviously Tito Villanova had to step down as manager of Barcelona. Can you fill us in on why the Catalan side hired a virtual unknown in Tata Martino?
They patently believe that some of his coaching manual relates to what Pep Guardiola established here. He's a guy who came on the radar a few months ago, who they kept in mind even when Tito reported back fully fit for work and when the worst case happened and Tito needed more treatment my feeling is that Tata had been told to 'hold on' for the start of the European season to see whether he was needed or not. I've not experienced dealing with him at first hand so I'll reserve some judgement until that happens but his philosophy, his manner and his ideas about attacking football and pressing seem a good fit. Whether the squad is currently physically able to implement them all season may be a different story.
Can you see Neymar and Messi doing well together? Will one hinder the other?
Firstly, Neymar wasn't a priority signing. Barcelona don't have sufficient resources at centre back and that's a major error. That said Neymar has impressed everyone with his manner, how he acts around Messi and how he plays. Whether he is ready to relegate himself to a team role, not a star role, will help determine most things. IS he mature enough to become just another soldier in the army, albeit a particularly talented one? How does Messi react if a pass doesn't come his way quickly enough, or if Neymar is suddenly the darling of the media. I think there is both the potential for greatness and the potential for disaster. Such are the risks of visionary club management. My lurking suspicion is that the current President can see a situtation where he sells Messi to a petrodollar club in a couple of seasons and makes Neymar 'his' Messi. which would be criminal.
What surprise La Liga players can you see forcing themselves into the Spanish World Cup squad for 2014?
Real Madrid right back Carvajal or Barcelona right back Montoya. By which I mean that I hope Isco is a certainty.
How do you see the title race and the relegation battle going this year?
Not sure until the market finishes. Barcelona keenly need a high class, aerially able centre half while Madrid need a high quality striker to add to Benzema and Morata. Relegation - so long as Villarreal stay up, let the wheat sort itself from the chaff as far as I'm concerned.
How will the Spanish sides shape up in the Champions League and who are you predicting to win the cup?
Barcelona retain the ability and the goals and the hunger to win it but I'm not certain that their transfer market work or their pre season tour helped them in terms of being in top shape come April/May. I think Madrid, with the addition of a third striker, of quality, might be slightly better equipped ... and significantly better coached than they were last season. Both teams last four again?