Real Madrid's Saviola: Laporta attacked me for no reason

Javier Saviola is delighted with the way he has started the season with Real Madrid.

The former Barcelona striker has struck twice, including the equaliser at Real Valladolid on Sunday, and told AS: "As much my as the team's beginning has been very good."

"Everyone talks about Madrid not playing as a team, but we have had to in the last two games against Valladolid and Almeria, both which made it very difficult for us."

"I know I cannot demand a start in this team. Nobody has a guaranteed position. (Coach Bernd) Schuster has already told us we all will play many games this season, not because it's his policy, but because we have a very heavy programme."

Asked about criticism from Barca president Joan Laporta, Saviola added: "Laporta's comments surprised me a lot because I thought I had a warm relationship with him and the directors. I had hoped he wouldn't have said such things."

"Laporta attacked me without any reason."