NEWS | 11/01/2020 | Alberto Navarro (Jeddah) | PHOTOGRAPHER: Víctor Carretero/Antonio Villalba
"We've got a really strong squad and, once again, want to put smiles on our fans' faces", he added."It's a cup final, but that doesn't change anything for us. We're happy to have reached yet another final and that's what we work for. It's in the club's DNA. We're a big club and the players live for these kinds of games. There isn't any greater pressure involved. It's just another game, but it's an important one because there's a trophy up for grabs. Every game is completely different and we've won and lost games against Atlético. Tomorrow's is a cup final and it won't be the same, it's not the same players involved".
Second spell at madridista helm
"I consider myself to be better than I was in my first stint and I'm progressing. In life, and not just as a coach, we learn from situations and the people around us. I really like to listen to those who work with me because they're very good at what they do. That allows me to develop as a coach and person. That's my target. The question of being a lucky coach won't change and that depends on how everyone sees things. I'm here to work and I enjoy what I do. I can't influence anything else. I remain strong and convinced about what I do out on the training pitch".
"During a player's career, there are special moments and others when you face more criticism, after having won a lot. That's a footballer's lot and to get that back you need to put in the work and be patient. We've got a really good squad and, once again, want to put smiles on our fans' faces and that's what we work for".
Formula behind team's improvement
"There's no formula. The only thing we can do is to work hard. I have great belief in this squad because I've got the best players, but we have to go and prove that. That's the secret: delivering when you get the chance and you're given game time. We prepare for games on the basis of the opposition's defensive and attacking game. It's important to know what you're going to come up against and that's all there is to it. I don't believe that they have as many tactical options as you suggest".
I consider myself to be better than I was in my first stint and I'm progressing.
"I'm not going to tell you how we're going to set up. We know that the important thing is how we perform in attack, not the tactical set-up, which everyone can interpret. We know that we produce some good stuff in the attacking third and the most important thing is the team".
New Spanish Super Cup format
"I haven't got much to say about that. That's the decision the RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) made and we accept it. We're lucky enough to be involved in the competition and have taken the opportunity to compete in it. We want to win all of the competitions we're involved in. I've been in Spain for many years and it's a joy to be in this country, where people enjoy football and life. I'm fortunate enough to live in Spain and have Spanish relatives. I'm talking about things that are removed from football but that doesn't matter".
João Félix
"I'm in no doubt that he's a player for the present and the future. He's a very good footballer and Atlético have signed him because he's the future. There's no question about that".
Barcelona v Atlético semi-final
"I looked like Barcelona were going to win but that's not how it turned out. Atlético kept going until the end and they turned things around. That's how things go in football. Anything can happen right up until the last. They're a very strong side and we know what kind of game to expect tomorrow. We may think that playing against Atlético is different to facing Barcelona, but they're a very strong side".