Real have the talent

Mijatovic unconcerned by criticism Spanish champions missed out on their main transfer targets but still possess quality.

Real Madrid's Ruud van Nistelrooy celebrates after his side's win against Atletico Madrid.

The Real Madrid sports director Predrag Mijatovic believes his team are equipped to defend their Primera Liga crown despite a dirth of activity in the summer transfer window. The Spanish giants were unsuccessful in their attempts to lure the Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, the Valencia striker David Villa and the Villarreal winger Santi Cazorla to the Bernabeu.

On the final day of the transfer window, they reluctantly sold the Brazil forward Robinho to Manchester City, prompting criticism from local media that the squad were short on quality for the new campaign. "We can function very well without Cristiano Ronaldo or David Villa. The first year I was here we did well without Kaka [a player president Ramon Calderon had promised to buy] and we won two leagues without him," Mijatovic said.

"Real Madrid are above individual players even if they are the best in the world." Real host newly promoted Numancia today, conquerers of Barcelona on the opening day of the season. The champions have strengthened their squad with the signing of Holland midfielder Rafael van der Vaart and Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay while recalling Javi Garcia and Ruben de la Red from loan spells. "Although it may seem like we have not signed anyone we have landed four players you can rely on," added Mijatovic.

"We have a competitive team, capable of competing at a national level and in the Champions League, and we should not be worried." In Italy, the Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri has warned his players to treat Udinese with respect today or face a repeat of last year's home defeat. The Bianconeri will be wary of their guests after the Friulian side snatched a shock 1-0 victory in the same fixture last season thanks to Antonio Di Natale's goal.

"We are facing a team that beat us last year so we must confront them with maximum concentration," Ranieri said. "Udinese are enjoying great seasons as they manage to remain in the top few clubs. Di Natale is enjoying a magical period and everything he touches turns to gold. It is pleasing to confront champions such as him. "In football much depends on concentration and humility when preparing for games. The key to success is this."

AC Milan, who lost their first game at home to Bologna, could have the Brazil playmaker Kaka back for today's trip to Genoa. One big name who is certain to return is the Fiorentina forward Adrian Mutu. His side visit Napoli today and the Romania striker, who missed the Tuscan's opening day 1-1 draw with Juventus due to an elbow injury, said: "I hope to be at 100%. I feel good and am available. I have profited from the break to relax both physically and mentally and it has done me no end of good."

* With agencies