Abalde: “The Clásico always gives us extra motivation and we will try to win it”
“It's a special match, there will be a great atmosphere for the spectators,” he told Realmadrid TV.
Alberto Abalde spoke to Realmadrid TV the day before the Clásico against Barcelona: “It's always a good time for the Clásico. It's a special match and it comes at different times of the season for each team. We're both at a very demanding moment in the calendar. This type of match against our biggest rivals always gives us extra motivation and we're looking forward to it. We will try to win it.”
“It's always a special match and, on top of that, it comes at a special time for everyone. The timetable will allow the younger players to enjoy the game as well. It will be a very nice atmosphere for the spectators, but we have to concentrate on the game. Let's hope we can give the fans a victory.”
On his fine current form
“I'm happy to help the team. Defence is important and I try to meet the demands of the team. Then, I adapt in attack because we are a team with many weapons and there are games where you have to go one step further in one aspect or another. I'm focused on giving the team what it needs in each game.”
What needs to be improved in defence?
“We have to improve our consistency. We have some very good moments and some not so good moments, like the second quarter against Dubai. We have to be able to give that level of concentration for the whole 40 minutes. We have to try to make every basket cost our opponents."
Barcelona
“They have changed. They've adjusted things and they're in a good momentum. They are going to demand the maximum from us and we are still recovering from the effort of the match against Dubai. The most important thing is to do things well, regardless of Barcelona's many weapons. We will try to make sure they get the least out of them.”
Punter
“He is a tremendous scorer and the main focus of danger. There are no secrets. You have to try to make him less comfortable, but even if you defend him well, he can still score. Try to make sure he doesn't get easy shots and that what he does get he has to work for. He's a great player and it's an important challenge to defend him.”