Schuster takes over as Madrid boss

Bernd Schuster claims he "knows what he needs to do" after being unveiled as the new Real Madrid coach on Monday.

Schuster succeeds Fabio Capello after the Italian was sacked despite leading the club to its first Primera Liga title in four years.

Madrid's ruthless treatment of Capello has not put off Schuster though.

The 47-year-old, a former Madrid and West Germany midfielder, said: "This is a very happy day for me. I want to thank the president of Real Madrid for giving me this great opportunity."

"This is not a new place for me. I was lucky to play here for two seasons. I know where I am and what I need to do. From the first day I became a coach, I wanted to one day triumph in a big club. Real Madrid is a big club."

Madrid's arch rivals Barcelona has already strengthened this summer with the capture of France striker Thierry Henry from English Premier League powerhouse Arsenal.

But Schuster claims he is not concerned by events at the Nou Camp.

"I am not worried by the fact Barcelona have reinforced their team," Schuster said. "My only focus is on Real Madrid. We have to be confident with what we have right now. "This is a big step for me but I feel comfortable with it."

One player Schuster is keen to take to Madrid is Arsenal and Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal.

"I like Cesc Fabregas, he plays in the same position as I did in my playing days," said Schuster. "He has improved a lot in England, and learnt a lot from Arsene Wenger, a coach I admire and who has done over the years a very good job with young players."

"I believe he is one of the few players in his position who can carry a team on his back, and when I say teams, I mean quality teams."

One man who won't be leaving Madrid, however, is captain Raul.

"We know Raul is a symbol at Real Madrid and will continue to be. I will need his help and I believe he will be a crucial player in my tactics," Schuster added.

Madrid president Ramon Calderon was delighted to have got his man after Schuster signed a three-year deal.

He said: "What we want is to have a group of people who follow the values of this club and create a team. In order for that to take place, we have been very lucky to have signed a person with all the values this club demands."

"Schuster was a great player, a great coach and a wonderful person. Schuster was one of the greatest players we ever had. Our aim is not just to win titles, but to have a team we are all proud of."

Schuster was a huge success at Getafe, guiding the club to two ninth-place finishes and a run to the final of the Copa del Rey, in which they lost to Sevilla. He has also had managerial spells at Fortuna Cologne, FC Cologne, Xerez, Shakhtar Donetsk and Levante.

His departure from Getafe has prompted the club from the south of Madrid to appoint former Denmark star Michael Laudrup as coach.