Nacho: “We're very confident because of the form the team has been in”

Nacho spoke in the press conference ahead of the final of the Spanish Super Cup (8pm CET). The Real Madrid captain addressed the press at the Al-Nassr facilities: " I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to lift my first trophy as captain, but I have the same responsibility as the first one. The demands are high.”

“Tomorrow we have another chance to win a trophy. We know about the opposition we have in front of us and what happened last year, but we're very confident because of the form the team has been in. The rest is football business. We want to win and, if it's against Barcelona, even more so.”

Injuries
“We have a united and strong dressing room. We've had a lot of injuries and even so the team is top of the league, finished top of the Champions League group and faces an important cup game on Thursday. This club is what sets it apart, it always competes in the face of all the problems and always does well. We have a very good and competitive squad. Tomorrow is a special and beautiful day to continue in this good momentum.”

Signings
“That's not my role. As it is January and seeing that there are only two fit centre-backs, it feels a bit short, but the team has shown that it can make up for those absentees. It's a matter for the club and the coach. We have a very strong squad that's proving that in the face of injuries it always comes through.”

His future
"I'm in a very happy moment in my life. Last year I said I was a bit more overwhelmed by what was going to happen. This year is different. It's been a good year and I'm playing a lot and I'm feeling great. I don't have any worries about my future.”

His current situation
“Last year, I felt very important in the squad, which is the goal I want to attain every year. I'm enjoying a career that's getting better every year and now I'm in a place where I'm trying to enjoy the present as much as possible. That's what keeps me calm. I have the support of the club and the faith of the coach. When the renewal process comes, things are easy for me.”
 
A special game
“All the players in this team know that we don't have to win out of obligation, but we do have to give our best. We have a very strong side up against us, but tell me what game at this club that we don't have to win. In the upcoming league games I'd tell you the same thing. Tomorrow's game is a nice match, different, special and it's a final, we have to go out with everything we have.”
 
On Barcelona’s quality
“Of course Barça are strong. That's their history. They're the defending league champions and they won the Super Cup here last year. They have fantastic players in their squad. We have to be at our best, focus on ourselves and try to win the game.”
 
Motivation to win the trophy
“It's a big statement. You start by winning the first trophy of the season, which is always very important at this club. It's a small step to keep our confidence up and to continue to gain confidence for everything to come.”
 
Publication of VAR conversations
“I think it's a good thing. As we're modernising everything, it's good to see this communication between referees. Anything that's good for the spectators and the players is positive.”

Negreira Case
“It's a complicated issue because it's in court and we still don't know what's really happening. I'd like to believe that the referees who officiate for us are referees and that's what they're there for. They're not there to go one way or the other. They know what they've done personally. I trust them, but I can't talk about what happened in the past.”
 
On Güler
“He's a player of great quality. He's still very young, but in the few minutes he's played he's shown that he has personality. If he can gain confidence by the end of the season, he could be very important for us now and in the future for the club.”
 
Rüdiger
“He's a special player. A bit crazy, as we all say. But it's great to have a pairing player who, as well as defending, is always engaged in the game. He has fitted in at Real Madrid perfectly and he's had some very good years. He's essential. Every time we score a goal he gives his teammates a slap on the back, but he's a pleasure to watch. He's a teammate and a top player.”
 
Experience in big games
“As players, we're ready for the big games. What motivates us Real Madrid players is to play games like the one tomorrow. We have players with a lot of experience in this type of game and that reassures us and gives us confidence. We're mentally prepared and looking forward to tomorrow.”
 
Football in Saudi Arabia
“Cristiano Ronaldo, in my opinion, as a player is the best and as a teammate he's also incredible. I spent a lot of years with him and he was great with me. The impact he's had in Saudi Arabia has been tremendous. He's attracted a whole host of players to come here. This is a country that is investing a lot in football. It's growing in football and it's going to improve a lot in the next few years. If the players are deciding to come here, it's for a reason. I wish this country all the best.”