NEWS | 19/03/2021 | PHOTOGRAPHER: Helios de la Rubia
"We have a demanding game in Vigo against a team that plays very good football", explained the coach."It's the same every year. In the final stretch, March and April, everything is at stake. I don't pay attention to those things. I just focus on day to day life, which is what drives us. The rest is philosophy. We want to keep working hard and to give everything because we're still alive in two competitions. We’re only focussed on what is now and we have to be well prepared for what lies in store for us.”
Liverpool
"We know it's going to be a difficult and demanding game. At this level every team is very tough. It's going to be a demanding game. We know about Liverpool and they're going to demand more from us physically. That will be after the internationals and we're focused on the game tomorrow”.
“We can’t say that it’s a good or a bad draw. Liverpool know what it takes to win a tie and we know that. It’ll be a tie between two sides who have won the Champions League many times and it’ll be tough. It’s always tough to win at this level”.
The first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals
"After 30 March we don't know what’ll happen and we’ll play the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals wherever they tell us. We’d prefer to play at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium, but we'll see what they say".
I see the passion that the senior members of this team have and their desire to prove that they are the best and to achieve more.
"I don't talk too much about what the senior members of this team do in the games, but every day I enjoy what I see and there’s a very good working atmosphere among them. I see the passion they always have to prove that they are the best and their desire to achieve more”.
On his work as a manager
"The world of football is what it is. I've always loved football. I've been able to play for this great club and coach this great club. I’ve enjoyed every moment and all I can do is enjoy it because one day it will come to an end. I don’t plan too far ahead of the next game. You could sign a ten-year contract and lose your job the next day. Or the other way round. I’m motivated by the daily thrill of it and I can’t comment on what else is said".
Praise for Mendy
"He can do a lot out on the pitch, like many others. No player should only have one single role. They're very good players. He has to contribute defensively and in attack too. Mendy is one of those who can also contribute in attack".
Hazard’s recovery
“We want him to properly recover. That’s what’s most important right now. He’s not going to undergo surgery, we have a different plan. Everyone here is doing their best to ensure that he recovers properly and returns in the best shape”.
The level of Spanish football in the Champions League
“Spanish teams are good and that’s not going to change. It’s just been a coincidence this year and next year I’m sure they’ll be there or thereabouts as they always are”.