The Italian discussed Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension and his possible involvement this weekend, as well as looking ahead to Los Blancos’ upcoming encounters against Schalke and Atlético Madrid.
Team to face Elche: “I’m not sure about my starting eleven, because we have to wait for the decision of the [Spanish Disciplinary] Committee [for Sport, replaced by a new Administrative Tribunal] on Cristiano. Asier Illarramendi will play in Luka Modric’s position, and we’ll rotate the central defenders. [Raphael] Varane will play in Sergio Ramos’ place.”
Is Thibaut Courtois going to Real Madrid? “No, no. I think that we have two very good goalkeepers, so we don’t need another. Of course he’s a very good goalkeeper, but in this position we’re well covered.”
Cristiano appeal: “I don’t think it’s logical that we have to wait so long, because we appealed in good time. But that’s the time bureaucracy takes and we can’t do anything else but wait. My team talk is at two tomorrow and I hope I have the decision before then. I’m convinced Cristiano will play, because I think it’s unbelievable that he can be suspended for three matches for what he did in the game against Bilbao.”
Chance to end weekend top of La Liga: “I don’t know what will happen. We’re focused on our goal, which is winning and getting the three points. Elche are a team that can cause us problems, so we need to be focused as ever and do everything we can to win.”
Team’s physical level: “I don’t think the players’ physical condition is a problem in the last third of the league season. But we have to be careful, because we have a lot of games and they’re important. I’m not worried about the future from the point of view of our physical condition. We’re in good shape, and we can rotate so that the players are fresh.”
Champions League tie against Schalke: “Playing today or tomorrow doesn’t change anything. We have enough time to prepare for the match.”
Illarramendi: “He has improved a lot since the start of the season. He has more confidence now and the support he’s getting from Xabi Alonso is crucial. At the beginning of the season, we thought that he had to play in Alonso’s position, but he’s showing that he can play alongside him.”
Copa del Rey final on Wednesday 16 April: “I think it’s a good day to play a final.”
Atlético up next in La Liga after Elche: “I think they’ve recovered well. They played a good game in La Liga against Valladolid and also at the San Siro, where it was very difficult. They showed a good attitude, concentration, organisation and played well.”
0 comments:
Post a Comment