Camacho in Vieira admission

Jose Antonio Camacho admits missing out on Patrick Vieira was a big blow.

Camacho admits his squad is still short of defensive quality and believes Vieira would have been an ideal acquisition.

Real have struggled to fill the void left by Claude Makelele's departure to Chelsea last summer, and Camacho is adamant the club must recruit if they are not to suffer similar problems this term as they did last time around.

"Vieira would have given us different power in the middle of the park. He is a sensational winner of the ball, especially in the air from goal kicks and he also has great strength," he told AS.

"Maybe Madrid will not now be as good as our opponents in that aspect and that is where we will have to improve."

However, contrary to some reports, the former Spain coach insists he was not annoyed by the signing of Michael Owen despite his pleas for defensive reinforcements.

"Nobody should make mistakes about my wishes: Owen will make Madrid more complete and any players of that quality are welcome here," he continued.

"Owen will mean there is more competition to win a place and keep the other strikers on their toes.

"Maybe some days they will not be called into the squad. For example Ronaldo travels so much we don't know how he is always going to be playing and we need players to be in top shape."

Camacho also feels Real fans will see the best of Owen's England team-mate David Beckham this season after his form tailed off towards the end of last year.

"I am certain he will be better: he has gone through adapting to the country, the customs and a new dressing room," he added.

"He is integrated now and it is normal for him to do so bit by bit, but now he understands me when I say something to him in Spanish and the only thing that can annoy him are the paparazzi."