Roberto Carlos wants Real title party postponed

Roberto Carlos has declared he would rather win the Spanish title in the Bernabeu next week instead of at the diminutive Vallecas stadium against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. "I would prefer to win it in front of 70,000 or 80,000 people than 10,000," he said.

Real Madrid could clinch their first title in four years against Vallecano this weekend, but the Brazilian star hopes that second-place Deportivo make them wait one more week for the celebrations to begin.

"In every ground we play in there are a lot of Madrid fans," said Carlos. "But I would prefer to win the league on our own ground. Although I'm sure that if you asked anyone at Rayo they would tell you that we are not going to win anyway."

The champions-elect will travel to Rayo attempting to end a run of five games without a victory, but Roberto Carlos is philosophical about his side's form.

"Over the last week there has been a bit of anxiety in the squad," he said. "That has harmed us, but it is only to be expected after going out of Europe and a small run without a Liga win."

"Now we must calm down. It is necessary for us to win this weekend without hurrying and by playing at the level we know we are capable of."

"This week the team is fresher and can now concentrate on our football without the pressure."

Roberto Carlos was concerned with the continuous list of players linked with a move to the Bernabeu and the reports of those who will make way. "It is not that these stories create a bad atmosphere, but I read things that bother me," he added.

"Zinedine Zidane and Juan Veron are excellent players, but we already have a squad of great players."