Pochettino: “We're expecting Madrid to play with intensity right from the off'
'The Bernabéu has an incredible history and it's a pleasure to play here,' declared Neymar.
Mauricio Pochettino and Neymar spoke to the press gathered in the media room at the Santiago Bernabeu in the build-up to the meeting with our team in the second leg of the sides’ Champions League round- of-16 tie. The PSG coach had the following to say: “Real Madrid are a great team with some very good players and their philosophy won't change despite the absences of Casemiro and Mendy. Their playing philosophy will remain the same. We've played Real Madrid in the past and are fully aware of what they can do. We expect Madrid to play with real intensity in front of their fans right from the off and we want to counter that dominance”.
“The best way to approach the game is to play and attack in the opposition's half. We know it's going to be a difficult game and that we’ll see a different side to Madrid to the one we saw in the first leg. Our job is to retain our lead”.
Thirteen European Cups
“We respect Real Madrid and their players. It's no coincidence that the club has won the Champions League 13 times, but we're not fearful. We know that we'll have to put in a disciplined performance. This is a competition that any player, squad or club would want to win. We’ll be aiming to progress into the quarter-finals.”
Neymar: “We're up against a very good side”
“We know that we face a very good side that has players of real quality. But we too have players of great quality and won't be standing off and will do all we can to win the game”.
Casemiro
“It won't be easy because Madrid have players with real quality, but for me Casemiro is the best player in the world in his position and Madrid will miss him. We don't care about that, we've got to go out there and win the game. It’ll be more difficult for them because they’re used to playing with Casemiro and it's better for me that he won't play”.
Playing at the Bernabéu
“I've got a lot of good memories. I've scored goals, provided assists and put in some excellent performances. It's a stadium with an incredible history and to play here is a pleasure, not only for me, but for everyone who comes and plays here. Tomorrow night will be special.”
“The best way to approach the game is to play and attack in the opposition's half. We know it's going to be a difficult game and that we’ll see a different side to Madrid to the one we saw in the first leg. Our job is to retain our lead”.
Thirteen European Cups
“We respect Real Madrid and their players. It's no coincidence that the club has won the Champions League 13 times, but we're not fearful. We know that we'll have to put in a disciplined performance. This is a competition that any player, squad or club would want to win. We’ll be aiming to progress into the quarter-finals.”
Neymar: “We're up against a very good side”
“We know that we face a very good side that has players of real quality. But we too have players of great quality and won't be standing off and will do all we can to win the game”.
Casemiro
“It won't be easy because Madrid have players with real quality, but for me Casemiro is the best player in the world in his position and Madrid will miss him. We don't care about that, we've got to go out there and win the game. It’ll be more difficult for them because they’re used to playing with Casemiro and it's better for me that he won't play”.
Playing at the Bernabéu
“I've got a lot of good memories. I've scored goals, provided assists and put in some excellent performances. It's a stadium with an incredible history and to play here is a pleasure, not only for me, but for everyone who comes and plays here. Tomorrow night will be special.”