Schuster Says He Is Ready To Coach Real Madrid

Getafe coach Bernd Schuster said on Monday he would be available to take over from Fabio Capello at Real Madrid next season if called upon.

Capello's future remains in doubt even after he steered his side to a thrilling league title victory on Sunday and Schuster has been linked to the job in the Spanish media.

"I'm not making myself crazy over it but am just saying that I am ready to coach Real Madrid next season," Schuster said in an interview on the German soccer federation's Web site.

"I have been preparing myself for it for a long time and Real is definitely part of my planning," he said. "I am curious to find out what will happen in the next few days."

After Sunday's 3-1 victory over Real Mallorca, Capello reiterated his desire to remain at the Bernabeu but said it was up to club president Ramon Calderon to decide.

Calderon remained tight-lipped when asked about Capello's future, saying no decision had been taken and talks would take place within the week.

Capello has two years left on his contract, while Schuster's with Getafe runs for another year.

Asked whether he would be ready to coach Madrid's closest rivals Barcelona, Schuster, who played for both teams in the 1980s, said there were some clubs you could never turn down.

"When certain clubs approach you, you have to be ready for action," he told the DFB site.

"Barcelona of course belongs to that group," he added. "In my case, you wouldn't think it over for too long."