Pau Quesada: “We are focused on playing a perfect 90 minutes”
“These are special matches, and it will be tough in their stadium, but we’ve prepared well and are giving it everything,” said Toletti.
Pau Quesada and Sandie Toletti appeared before the media the day prior to the first-leg match of the playoff for access to the quarterfinals of the Women’s Champions League, which Real Madrid will play against Paris FC at Stade Charléty (Wednesday, 9:00 pm CEST; Disney+). Our coach analyzed the match: “We know it will be a tough game. At Paris FC’s home ground, many opponents have struggled because they match up well inside and look for the space behind the defense. We already faced them in the group stage, and a great game wasn't enough for us to win.”
“It's 180 demanding minutes, and if we have 10 or 15 bad minutes, they can hurt us, so we are focused on playing a perfect 90 minutes. We still have Keukelaar out, and we also need to consider Bruun's situation, as she has had a relapse with her headache issues. The rest includes Merle, Antonia, and Teresa, who will be out for the long term. We are monitoring Keukelaar's progress closely.”
Consistency
“The message has been clear since August. Our goal is to be able to be very consistent for the full 90 minutes. Ultimately, our challenge is to withstand the best opponents for 90 minutes. That’s our target and where we are channeling all our energy. We are aware that we need to be more consistent for the full 90 minutes if we want to take that definitive step forward. There’s no better setting to motivate us and seek our best version than Paris FC’s stadium and the Champions League’s round of 16. Tactically, they approach things differently against Lyon or PSG. We have two or three situations where we believe we can hurt them, and we’re going for it.”
Angeldahl’s versatility
“Her position has evolved. When we planned the squad, she was a number 8, accustomed to playing ahead of players like Toletti or Irune. It’s true that with Teresa’s long-term absence and not having Toletti, she had to play as a 6 in many games. She had never played there before, but she has shown consistency and solidity. It’s true that perhaps her best version is in a 4-3-3 playing as a 8, like last week with Däbritz. It was evident in the Frankfurt match. She faces different demands than she’s used to, but she brings dynamism and a lot of aggression. Obviously, she prefers playing closer to the area, but she has given us a lot in important matches as a 6, like against Arsenal. We are happy to have a player of her caliber and with such versatility.”
Misa
“Misa’s situation is clear: we are very happy with her. She has been performing exceptionally well, and we’re delighted to have her. Surely, she is focused on the Champions match and not on her contract renewal.”
Toletti: “We are really looking forward to playing in the Champions League”
“We are really looking forward to playing in the Champions League. These are special matches, and it will be tough against Paris FC in their stadium and in front of their fans. But we’ve prepared well, we need to control the game, and we’re giving it everything. We know we need to be decisive in both areas, we know what we have to do, and we’re going to give it our all.”
Her return
“With the injury, I had a few tough months, but little by little, I’m feeling better. We’ve been talking with the medical team and the coach to gradually get minutes in recent matches. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help the team and give my 100%. In midfield, we have great players, and he makes the selections. We’re here to help.”
The Clásicos played
“It’s tough. When you lose like that, it’s hard because we are demanding of ourselves, but the good thing about football is that we get another chance every few days. Against Espanyol, we played very well, and now we have another opportunity to do better.”
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.