Chus Mateo: “We're champions because of our perseverance and our desire to fight”
“I'm really proud to be the coach of Real Madrid, of a team that has this character and ambition,” said the coach.
Chus Mateo spoke in the press room of the Martín Carpena stadium and analysed the Copa del Rey final, which saw the Whites clinch the trophy for the 29th time. The Madrid coach praised his players: “The dressing room is a very happy place, winning a trophy is very difficult. People tipped us as favourites but everyone knows that whoever wins the cup is the best over the three days.”
“We're fortunate to belong to a club that always aspires to win. We're not always able to meet expectations, we had a nagging feeling from last year. This year, thanks to the tenacity, perseverance and hunger of the team, to Real Madrid's DNA, we've managed to fight to the full.”
Keys points of the game
“It was a game that Barcelona could've won, but we found the moment at the end to pull away because of our determination and desire to fight. We fought and we were fortunate enough to win. There's a fine line between winning and losing. The important thing is to fight for the trophies and today we managed to win, but Barcelona played brilliantly and fought for the title.”
Ambition
“We had a bit more desire and ambition. I'm really proud to be the coach of Real Madrid, of a team that has this character and ambition. I'm a lucky coach because I have some extraordinary players.”
Pressure
“We put the pressure on ourselves because we like to perform well. We work hard to get everything right and we also do it for the people behind us. There are many who are delighted when we win and who throw tantrums when we lose. We thought a lot about the people who were cheering for us. I'm delighted that they took that joy away with them.”
Poirier
“He's been working for many years behind a giant like Tavares, who is a differential factor. They love each other so much. He's worked a lot in the shadows patiently, knowing that he can provide a great rotation. He's waited for his moment and that was today. This group works as a team and I'm proud that they're always together, that's what makes us great.”
Grimau's comments on refereeing
“I have the utmost respect for the opposing coaches and I think they prepare the same way I do. I can't say I don't respect any comments they might make, it's not a question for me.”