Capello aiming to rediscover Real's lost spirit

MADRID, July 6 (Reuters) New coach Fabio Capello said he wanted to restore a lost spirit to Real Madrid after signing a three-year contract today.

''I'm really looking forward to working with this club,'' the 60-year-old Italian told reporters. ''I'm convinced this is the most important club in the world.

''We have to win trophies and to do that we have to work hard, be humble and rediscover the spirit of Real Madrid. I think we have lost that spirit in recent years.'' Club president Ramon Calderon said one of the reasons why the nine-times European champions had signed the former Juventus coach was because of the way he revived the side during his first spell at Real a decade ago.

''Contracting Fabio Capello was an obsession of mine because he is a born winner,'' said Calderon.

''The 1996-97 season when he took over a team in crisis is fixed in my memory. He took over a team that came sixth in the league and led it to the championship.

''He also laid the foundations for the team that won the European Cup in 1998.'' Calderon said he would not infringe on Capello's work with the players.

''Capello and (sporting director Predrag) Mijatovic will work together without any interference from me or the rest of the board,'' he said.

''He is here to restore the self-esteem of the players, to instil order and discipline and give them necessary affection too. It is a difficult task but he is a master of this art.'' REUTERS PM KN1657