Real boss rules out winter recruitment drive

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon, seen here earlier in his career, has ruled out a recruitment drive over the winter break despite the team's shock 3-2 loss to Werder Bremen in Champions League action.

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon on Thursday ruled out a recruitment drive over the winter break despite their shock 3-2 loss to Werder Bremen in Champions League action.

Primera Liga leaders Real are still favourites to go through to the knockout round as they still lead the standings despite this loss, level on eight points with Olympiakos, who beat Lazio in Rome. But the nine-time titleholders need at least a draw on December 11 at home against Lazio.

"We're sad and disgusted because it seemed logicial that we would get a point. But we have to look ahead, I have blind confidence in this team," Calderon told Cadena SER radio.

"There will no recruitment during the winter break," he added.

There had been speculation that the club could part company with Malian midfielder Mahamadou Diarra and Brazilian striker Julio Batista.

Real sporting director Pedja Mijatovic had said last month that "if nothing strange happens we don't need to recruit in January".