Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao and Aurelian Tchouameni were interviewed on Realmadrid TV ahead of Sunday’s Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu (4:15 pm CET). They spoke to assess El Clásico, the team’s form and how they have been preparing for this big game. They expressed their great desire to come out from this game as victorious and explained how a victory in this game would have such an important impact in the upcoming performances.
Mendy, who is one of the Madridistas who has never lost an El Clasico, expressed himself as follows: “We’re doing well. We want to win this Clásico and we have to give it our all to do so. It’s a special game because there’s a lot of rivalry between both sides and we’re going to give it everything to get the three points. I’ve never lost a Clásico, but I don’t know if that’s an advantage. All I can say is that in those that I’ve played, we’re performed really well and things have gone well for us”.
Defense: “I’m more of a defensive player and I know what I have to do to perform at my best to help the team meet its objectives. The most important thing is to be solid, play together in defence and play as a team. I think the reason we haven’t lost yet is because we’re very united, we work as a team, we understand each other and we’re a team”.
Militao, who has seen himself become one of the most important players in the defensive line of Los Blancos, said: “We have to be prepared and fully focused at all times because it's a very special match and anything can happen in the Clásico. The team is ready. We've started the season really well and we're all focused and committed to this game".
His contributions from set-pieces: “Ancelotti has encouraged me to score goals when I get the chance. I kept trying until it came off in the Getafe game”.
He continued: “From a defensive perspective you have to make sure you don't come under too much pressure, and that way you're a step closer to victory. We always play with commitment and respect for our teammates in defence. It doesn't matter who plays, whether it's Nacho, Militão, Rüdiger or Alaba, we're well covered. We're going to give it all we've got to win games”.
Message for the fans: “The fans give us real energy. They get behind us and that helps a lot, I'd tell them that we're counting on their presence and their support on Sunday”.
Tchouameni, who is playing his first official El Clasico, had the following to say: “I'm thrilled to be playing in my first Clásico at the Bernabéu in front of our fans. It's a special game, the biggest in the world. Both teams will go out to win it, we're going to give it our best and do everything we can to come out on top".
He added: "It's going to be a real battle against a good team. We have to be strong in all areas and show our quality if we're going to get the win. We're Real Madrid and we don't want to lose a single game. We're in good shape and we want to keep it up".
Training sessions in the build-up: "The gaffer is focused on our team. We trained today like we do every other day. Like the coach said, we have to train just the same as we did last week, or we will next".
His first Clásico memory: "My first memory of the Clásico was Cristiano Ronaldo's celebration calling for calm after he scored at the Camp Nou".
Message to the fans: "I thank the fans for all their support since the start of the season and we're going to give it everything to win this match. Hala Madrid".
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