We're not girls says plain-talking Real coach

Real Madrid coach Vicente Del Bosque angrily denied suggestions that his star-studded side could be roughed up by Manchester United in their Champions League quarter-final here at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

"My team is not made up of girls," Del Bosque told reporters at the ground on Tuesday.

His comments followed remarks from Barcelona's Marc Overmars that the best way for United to overturn a 3-1 first leg deficit was to adopt a physical approach.

"If we have to play it hard, we can do that," Del Bosque insisted. "Football is a tough game."

England captain David Beckham has been linked persistently with a post-season move from United to Champions League holders Real, much to the annoyance of the English team's manager Alex Ferguson.

The Scot has accused the Spanish giants of initiating the rumours but Del Bosque, who denied Real had anything to do with starting the transfer talk, said that if Ferguson had been upset by the speculation he was guilty of a "novice error".

The Real boss was also unhappy with United's Gary Neville, who along with team-mate Paul Scholes is suspended for Wednesday's match, after the England defender accused Real of showboating in the first leg, saying they acted like basketball exhibition side the Harlem Globetrotters.

"We are a proper team. We like to fight for the result. If we can entertain at the same time great but the result is the most important thing," maintained Del Bosque.

And Real midfielder Luis Figo, who scored in the first leg, said he was unworried by the prospect of facing Beckham again after overshadowing him in the April 8 tie at the Bernabeu.

"I had nothing to do with the Beckham speculation," said Figo. "I've nothing to prove to anyone," the Portugal midfielder added.

"I'm concentrating on my own game. I just want to play well. There are always going to be rumours and speculation."

Real will be without star striker Raul, who scored twice in the first leg, after the Spain international had an emergency appendicitis operation on Monday.

"It was a surprise to us but we continue with the same desire to win the tie with or without Raul," Del Bosque said.

Neither Del Bosque or Figo would speculate on who would replace Raul, although Spain forward Guti remains one of the leading contenders to step up from the substitutes bench.

"I have confidence that whoever comes in will do his best," said Figo.

United have been in fine form since losing to Real, beating Newcastle 6-2, drawing with title rivals Arsenal 2-2 and beating Blackburn 3-1 last weekend.
By contrast, Real have lost 4-2 in La Liga to Real Sociedad and could only manage a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Barcelona.

But Del Bosque said the special atmosphere of a winner-take-all match would see Real lift their game.

"Because it's a knockout, and the necessity to produce on the night, that will bring the best out of us," Del Bosque explained.

Figo meanwhile paid tribute to United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch international's away goal gave Ferguson's men a glimmer of hope.

"He's one of the best players in his position," Figo said. "He's doing well and scoring a lot in the Champions League. We have to watch him tomorrow."