NEWS | 01/10/2017 | Borja Miranda
“Isco knows how important he is to Real Madrid, he plays like it's a kick-about and I love that”, said the coach.“We were a bit tired in the second half. That's to be expected after the seven games we've played recently. We dropped off physically. The bad thing is that not many of my players will get a rest, they're not going to have any days off. They've got an important week with World Cup qualifiers and the most important thing is for them not to pick up any injuries”.
Isco
“He's looking very confident. He knows how important he is to Real Madrid. He plays as if it's a kick-about and I like that. He keeps going and if things don't come off for him, he's patient and he doesn't panic. He's comfortable out on the pitch, with his teammates, and I'm thrilled that we're seeing the best of Isco more and more”.
Opposition
“We enjoy playing against open teams. When we're away from home, like in San Sebastián or Dortmund, with teams that take risks, it's better for us. At home we've come up against more solid opposition. What we want, though, is to win games, it doesn't matter how the other team plays”.
We were a bit tired in the second half, but that's to be expected with the 7 games we've played recently.
"Carvajal will not join up with the Spanish team, at least this week. We will see how he gets on, although it’s not serious. And Bale will go away with Wales. As he had some discomfort, I preferred to leave him out of the squad for this match. After so many games since the start of the season, and with the four-month injury as well as the intense match against Dortmund, he was a bit tight. It's not an injury but a precaution".
Nacho
"Nacho is more confident. He can play as a centre back or full back and always does well. We prepared for this match with Nacho and Achraf at full back, playing higher than usual and they both did very well. I'm happy with their performances, they deserve it".
Young talents
"It's not a responsibility, it's an opportunity for them. They’re part of the squad and want to prove they can play. Achraf played very well and it didn’t look like it was his first game at the Bernabéu. He was very much involved in the match and I can count on him and the others. I will not be afraid to play them".
Competitors for the title
"It’s true that this league campaign is going to be very difficult. I don’t think it’s going to be a fight between two or three teams. It’s good for the competition because we realise that it is the most difficult in the world and there will be more competition this year. The teams have strengthened well and play very well, the games are going to be more complicated and more entertaining".