Real Madrid returns to La Liga in style. Tomorrow at 21:00, the derby against Atletico Madrid will be held at the Santiago Bernabéu. Both teams are in completely different situations in the league, and the Arbelois side’s main goal is to continue competing for the title. In the lead up to the match, the Madrid coach spoke to the media in a press conference.
derby
Kylian Mbapp reacts in the stands after Federico Valverde scores a hat-trick against Manchester City
“We are going into this game with great enthusiasm. We know this is a very important game for us because of what these three points mean, the presence of our fans and the excitement it has generated. It is one of the best games you can experience as a player, manager and a fan. We will be coming into this game with maximum enthusiasm as we will be playing against a great team and we are looking forward to seeing our very own Bernabéu stadium.”
Courtois’ injury
“Every time a player goes on the field, there is a risk. There are very few football players who go on the field without feeling discomfort or pain. When we entered the suspension period, he wanted to continue playing, but I also had great faith in Lunin, so I decided to stop. It’s a great opportunity for him as well. The best goalkeeper of all time was injured, but we have another great goalkeeper who will prove how great he is. We have not set a deadline for his recovery.”
Is Mbappé’s knee okay?
“I said on the day he came back that it was because he was 100%. In Manchester he proved that. I have the utmost confidence, assurance and enthusiasm in bringing back an unbalanced player like him. Tomorrow he will definitely play and I don’t see anything wrong with him going to the national team.”
Thiago, Bellingham and starting lineup
“When you get to that river, you cross that bridge. It’s great news to have Bellingham back, but Thiago’s performance is also great. It’s a blessing to have to choose between great players and they can play together.”
digger’s contract
“I don’t want to get involved in these issues. It’s up to the club and the players. I would make a statue of Digger and put it in the garden. He has been at the mercy of the coaching staff since day one. He told me that in March he will be ready for hard work. The treatment in London has worked and he is a mirror for young people to look at. We are lucky to have Antonio Digger.”
What do you think about Mbappé going to France and Bellingham going to England?
“I think it’s great. Mbappé will definitely play tomorrow. I don’t think there’s any problem with him going to the national team. If they call them up, they’re very good. Same with Bellingham. He’s available and he’ll be there tomorrow. I want to see him play on the field. It’s normal for him to play for the national team. He’s intelligent and knows what he’s doing.”
About Simeone and his motto “The People’s Team”
“I think it’s very good. I care about my team. I’m lucky to play against him because he’s a coach who brings out the best in his players, demands them and makes them think about the game. I’m lucky to play against the best coach in the world.”
National team call-up
“I don’t think too much about things that don’t concern me. I can’t pretend that Bellingham or Mbappe won’t go to the national team. I understand their coaches.”
Carvajal situation
“I have to think about Real Madrid and I do that when I put him on the pitch. His appearance is very important beyond what happens on the pitch. He helps his teammates well. That’s the leader we need, because either you’re a leader everywhere or you’re not a leader.”
academy
“We have the best players in the world playing at this club and it’s not easy to make decisions like this. But if they play, it’s to their own credit, because I believe in the players and I trust them. When Thiago, Palacios, Diego Aguado or the other day Manuel Ángel played, they proved to be very good.”
