Real Madrid arrived in Liverpool on Monday morning, in order to prepare for the contest of the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 (Tuesday, 9pm CET). The Madrid travelling party, with the players called up, departed from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport towards the English city. The team then travel to the Innside Liverpool hotel, where they will be based for the match that will take place at Anfield.
The collective of the called up players consisting of Goalkeepers Courtois, Lunin and Luis López; Defenders Carvajal, E. Militão, Alaba, Vallejo, Nacho, Odriozola, Lucas V. and Rüdiger; Midfielders Modrić, Camavinga, Valverde, D. Ceballos, Mario Martín and Arribas; and Forwards Hazard, Benzema, Asensio, Vini Jr., Rodrygo and Álvaro, then trained in a full session at Anfield and got underway split into two rondos to work on possession exercises. They then moved on to passing and shooting drills and played a game on a reduced-size pitch. The session concluded with shots on goal.
Right before the training session, Ancelotti and his Magician spoke to the press in the conference room at Anfield and expressed their thoughts on the game that awaits them on Tuesday night. They admitted the great importance of this match and acknowledged the great atmosphere that characterizes the historical stadium of Anfield. They also stated that Real Madrid not only has to do very good but is also eager to do good in both games in order to book the participation in the next round.
The coach had the following to say: “We're back in Champions League action and we're eager to do a good job. It's a tough tie and it's not just this game. We have to play well here and in the return leg. Benzema looks good and he'll start tomorrow's match”.
He continued: “The Champions League final is a beautiful memory. It was an evenly-matched game, they may have had more of the ball but we were good at the back and if that's the case you always have the chance of picking up a result. We're focused on tomorrow's game and we know it's a two-legged tie and we'll have to play very well for the full 180 minutes”.
On Vini Jr.: “He loves playing football wherever he is, even more so in big games like the one tomorrow. It's a pleasure to watch Vinicius play, for the game of football and for the fans”.
Centre of the park: “We've looked good despite not having Tchouameni or Kroos available. We have great faith in the squad and the guys who come in to replace them".
Modric assessed the meeting in the following terms: "We're gearing up for a very important, difficult match against top opposition. We're playing at a historic ground with incredible fans who really put the pressure on. We'll have to deliver a good display to get the win, or take a good result back home for the second leg. We have to be at our best, do the right things and run for each other. We've played here already, we did well and we're hoping for a repeat performance".
His form: "I'm getting better. I made a mistake following the World Cup because I just went back to playing right away, rather than following a specific training program. When the coach asks you if you want to play, you feel like you can do it, but now I'm getting back to my best levels and I feel really good".
Contract renewal: "I can't say anything because I still haven't spoken to the club, just like last year at the same time. I'm really relaxed about it. I always say the same thing, I want to carry on here. I feel great and I want to stay at Real Madrid. I have to see what the club's thoughts are and that's all there is to it. I want to keep going but I want to deserve it. I don't want anyone to give me anything, nobody has ever gifted me anything in my life".
"I want to continue because I'm good enough to do so, not because of my history here. Whatever happens, nothing will change my relationship with Real Madrid. It will be my most beloved club whatever the future holds. There are lots of challenges ahead and I'm focused on the season, performing well and getting back to my best", he added.
Playing alongside Kroos: "I've been here for almost 11 years now and I know the expectation levels are high. There is always a lot of talk outside and that's normal because it's the best club in the world. Kroos and I were playing before the World Cup and we were doing well. Since the World Cup, just a month later, it's as if we weren't able to do it. We have won an awful lot playing together”.
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