It has been a summer of intense transfer activity at the Vicente Calderon, with star striker Fernando Torres leaving for Liverpool and Jose Antonio Reyes, Simao Sabrosa, Diego Forlan and Luis Garcia all joining the capital club.

Excitement is building among supporters ahead of the season-opener against city rivals Real Madrid on August 26, but Seitaridis is urging caution ahead of the new campaign.

"Last year there were good players on the team, just as there are this year as well," the Greece international told club website www.clubatleticodemadrid.com.

"There are new players and all of us need time to adapt to one another; there's a good foundation.

"We have to show that we can be amongst the best teams of the Spanish League.

"It's true that with the team, we have to aspire to everything, but we must take it step by step, game by game.

"There's still lots of time left. We're not setting any goals."