Statements from Pellegrini
Line up of 20 players
“The line-up of 20 has been decided, it’s important that the team is united for this game. Playing against Madrid in the Bernabéu is always special, it’s wonderful that I had the chance to work with such a great team, I’m very proud of my time in Madrid. I couldn’t stay there, but I always keep in touch with people there, and have no problems at all with anyone”.
Great rival
“As coach, the most important thing is that we do what we try to do every week. We’re playing a team with fantastic attacking skills, who are playing amazing football at the moment. We need to maintain our concentration, try to avoid making mistakes and focus on our attack to try and cause them some problems”.
3-2 in the Cup match at the Bernabéu
“We played a good game, but we made mistakes which Madrid took advantage of. Our attitude will be the same, we’re focusing on winning, and making our defence and attack as even as possible. I don’t think any match should be thought of as won, until it’s been played. Every game is different, and we’re going to do our best”.
Toulalan not in the line-up
“The fact that Toulalan isn’t playing is hugely important for us, much like Julio Baptista this year, or Joaquín for some time, but there are teams that can overcome the fact major players are, or have been injured, and our team is an example of this. Jeremy is a very important member of the team, I hope he recovers quickly”.
Real Madrid
“Madrid’s statistics are significant with regards to points and the number of goals scored, they’re the two main factors that characterise a team. We’re travelling to the Bernabéu in good spirits, as the more victories we’ve had, the more our confidence has grown. We need to show we’re capable of playing great football in every match, and I’ve got every confidence that we can do it. I was working with Madrid for a year, they’re a great team with a stadium where it takes a lot for rivals to defeat them. We need to win through our ability to play brilliant football, for the entire 90 minutes”.
Spanish football
“Spanish football is a major step ahead of the rest of the Leagues. Real Madrid and Barcelona should get to the Champion’s League final. In the Europa League, there’s also a strong possibility that the teams reach a final, which will reflect the high standard of the League. I hope Madrid and Barcelona make the final in Munich, and two Spanish teams are in the Europa League final”.