“We had a very good record [at the start of the season] as long as we didn’t travel. We always won our first games. Since we travelled we struggled a bit more. We are in the same line as every other team. Everybody travels. Look at the international games in Asia or in the States, it’s the big teams that play against each other.
“Only the smaller clubs have the luxury to prepare at home. That’s part of the modern game and we adapt physically to it. I have to say we travel in good conditions … I’m sensible. I respect we sign big contracts with our sponsors and we adapt. They shouldn’t be used as an excuse for any bad result.
“We travel like everyone and we have no disadvantage because Liverpool, Chelsea, Man United – everyone does it. We are on even ground with everybody.”