Statements from Jesús Gámez
Fitness level / yesterday’s friendly
“I’m much better, I did a lot of work last week to be able to get to the game, and things are going pretty well. I needed a match like this – Levante – to gain more confidence, and I now feel more comfortable on the pitch, which is a positive step for me. These games – like yesterday’s friendly – all help us to prepare for other matches, no matter how long you’re on the pitch. We played well, and must see it as an advantage”.
Confidence
“We’re in fourth place and our mission is to defend it to the end. We’ve had three consecutive wins, and the team is very motivated and wants to gain the three points. We’ve got a lot of possibilities, the team is capable of playing great football there, and we hope to do it again. However we’re conscious of the fact we’re playing at the Bernabéu, and you can’t lose the respect of such a great team, but they’re also aware of how well we played last time, and our recent victories. We can’t lose concentration during any part of the match, or give them an advantage over us due to a mistake we’ve made”.
Competition
“In football, the competition is to increase the skill level of each player. I’ve got confidence in the coach and how he wants me to play, which is what I do every week”.
Real Madrid
“Madrid has got a great squad, though hopefully those that play today could be in the line up again, which could be an advantage for us. The coach’s structure of game play works well; the victory in Getafe was a great achievement for us, as well as the three wins on the run, they all help to motivate us to work harder and have less pressure on the pitch. Madrid have players who can maintain possession, and play very quick football. We’ll play our game which is working well for us, and try to keep possession”.
Making history
“We know where we are and want we want. Our mission is to be in Europe next year, and we’ll keep fighting until the end of the League. We made history when we won the Intertoto, but it’s a wonderful moment for us to be remembered in the future for doing something great for Málaga”.
Changes
“There’ve been lots of changes, and different steps that have been overcome. I’m now in the best part of the season and enjoying playing football. The last match was very important, it was a tough challenge for me as a player in La Rosaleda, and a step forward in the remainder of the League. Self-critical? Of course I am. The only way to improve is to be aware of your mistakes on the pitch, and find solutions. To be around your family and those who love you the most, not just in football, but in life in general. This is the path I’ve always taken, how I’ve always been, and it’s worked for me so far”.