Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was the man put forward to face the media ahead of the Champions League game against Benfica in Lisbon on Tuesday, where he reflected on his performances and said, “I think I have to do much more. I’m aware of that and I’m capable. Madrid fans haven’t seen the full Camavinga yet. Because I can give much more.”
Camavinga on what’s important when facing matches like this
“First, to perform well as a team. To treat it like any other match, without changing routines. But to be united; to attack and defend together. And
everything will turn out well.”
Camavinga on whether an organiser is needed
“What do you think? First, I want to know what you think, and then I’ll answer you for sure. You think we do? Well, I don’t think so! We have players with these characteristics. There are many good players on the pitch and we’re not in that situation right now. But if you think we need one, I’ll talk to the president… and we’ll see…”
Camavinga on what needs to change from the last match
“The mentality. We’re better at that now. We must attack and defend together. We want to play a great match because that was tough on our fans. We want to win with a spirit of revenge.”
Camavinga on Arbeloa’s ‘‘grey sofa’
“Oh, yes, yes! I’ve been there many times! With Xabi and with Arbeloa. It’s… like when you go to your boss’s office. He’s a manager who likes to talk to the players, while Xabi wanted to talk more on the pitch… although now… it’s the same with Arbeloa.”
Camavinga on whether he can be the team’s ‘organiser’
“I’m capable of doing that, I can do it. I’m aware of what I can do and that now, I can do it much better. Yes, I can be that ‘organiser’.”
Camavinga on playing on the left wing
“I have a good relationship with Carreras, so it’s easy on the pitch. And I like playing there. Although right now the important thing is to play. I’m not usually on the wing, but as with the full-back, if I have to do it for the team, I’ll do it. I’m not used to it, but it’s going well.”
Camavinga on how he feels when he looks back on his career
“I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved, although I want more. When I look back… my family is very proud, very happy. I come from a place without many things and now I can give a lot to my people. On the pitch, I pray that my parents are happy when they see me play. I think I’m achieving that. And I want to continue like this.”
Camavinga on his best position
“As I’ve always said, I like playing as a six. I may lack consistency and need to be more focused on the pitch, because I sometimes make mistakes, I’m aware of that. That’s what I’m missing.”
Camavinga on Vinícius
“I have a wonderful relationship with him, a very special one. But sometimes, as friends, we have to tell each other the truth, even if it’s unpleasant. That’s what friends do. That’s why I like talking to him and he likes talking to me. I think he’s doing well. I’m very pleased and happy about that.”
Camavinga on criticism
“Criticism is part of a footballer’s job. Even when you do good things, you will be criticised. So just focus on your work and that’s it. I don’t look at social media and the like very much… but I consider it a normal part of the job. Criticism. And it gives me more strength to work and improve.”
