Real Madrid News
Espanyol manager motivates his team ahead of Real Madrid clash: ‘Give it our all’
Real Madrid’s matchday 34 game in La Liga sees Los Blancos lock horns against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium – a venue where they have lost three of their last six games.
The men in white have been in poor form in La Liga in recent weeks and even drew against Real Betis last weekend after conceding a last-minute equaliser.
With the title on the line and even a draw possibly handing Barcelona the trophy, however, Real Madrid do not have much room for error tomorrow night and will look to get back to winning ways.
Manolo Gonzalez talks
Speaking to the media ahead of his team’s clash against Real Madrid, Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez had some powerful words for his team and respect for the opposition.
He began by explaining the dressing room and his personal desire to get some points off Real Madrid on the night and how feasible he thought it was.
“The locker room is strong, eager to win and compete tomorrow. We know it will be a long and demanding game, but maybe it’s the best day for them to come. I think it’s the ideal day.”
Speaking on how it is important to stay in the present and not delve too deep into the past or previous results, the manager said,
“We have to look ahead, not back. Tomorrow we have to go out there and give it our all and play a very smart game. We have to stay disciplined and not let them run wild.”
Finally, he was asked if it mattered to him that Real Madrid does not have much at stake for the game tomorrow and whether that would impact the result on the night.
“I’ve played in games that didn’t matter, but everyone always wants to win. It’s sure to be a tough game. Last year, we managed to beat them when they were on a roll.”
Source: MARCA
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
